Understanding Payos and Shabbos

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 17 views

Curling Payos on Shabbos: A Delicate Balance of Halacha and Aesthetics

As a member of the Orthodox Jewish community, maintaining a strong connection to traditional practices and customs is essential. One such custom is the observance of Shabbos, a day of rest and rejuvenation that is deeply ingrained in Jewish tradition. However, with the increasing importance of personal grooming and self-expression, questions often arise about the intersection of Shabbos observance and everyday activities, including hair care. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of curling payos on Shabbos, exploring the halachic nuances and practical considerations that come into play.

Understanding Payos and Shabbos

For those unfamiliar with the term, payos refer to the sideburns or sidelocks that are a distinctive feature of many Orthodox Jewish men. These locks are often long and curly, and are a symbol of piety and devotion to tradition. Shabbos, on the other hand, is a day of rest that begins on Friday evening and ends on Saturday evening. During this time, observant Jews refrain from engaging in any work or creative activities, including those related to personal grooming.

The Halachic Background

The question of curling payos on Shabbos is rooted in the concept of "boneh soter," or building, which is one of the 39 melachot (creative activities) that are prohibited on Shabbos. According to halacha, any activity that involves shaping or molding an object is considered building, and is therefore forbidden on Shabbos. However, there are certain exceptions and nuances that come into play when it comes to hair care.

Existing Payos: A Different Story

One key distinction is made between payos that are already in existence and those that are being created. If payos already exist, it is generally permissible to style or arrange them on Shabbos, as long as no new hair is being cut or shaped. This is because the existing payos are not being "built" or created anew, but rather are being rearranged or styled.

New Payos: A Different Story

However, if payos are being created for the first time on Shabbos, the situation is more complex. In this case, the act of curling or shaping the hair is considered building, and is therefore prohibited. This is because the creation of new payos involves shaping and molding the hair, which is a creative activity that is not permitted on Shabbos.

The Inch or Two Dilemma

This brings us to the question posed in the original query: what about payos that are only an inch or two long? In this case, curling the payos around a finger may not be sufficient to create a noticeable curl, and may not be considered building. However, this is not a clear-cut issue, and different poskim (halachic authorities) may have different opinions on the matter.

Practical Considerations

In practice, many Orthodox Jewish men who observe Shabbos will choose to style their payos on Friday evening, before the onset of Shabbos, in order to avoid any potential issues. This way, the payos are already styled and arranged, and no new hair is being cut or shaped on Shabbos.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of curling payos on Shabbos is a complex one that involves a delicate balance of halacha and aesthetics. While there are certain exceptions and nuances that come into play, the general rule is that existing payos can be styled or arranged on Shabbos, but new payos cannot be created. By understanding the halachic background and practical considerations, Orthodox Jewish men can navigate this issue with confidence and maintain their commitment to traditional practices.

Additional Considerations

Mishum Boine: Some poskim argue that if the payos are being curled or styled for the sake of appearance (mishum boine), it is permissible on Shabbos. However, this is a matter of debate among halachic authorities.
Shaping vs. Styling: Some argue that shaping the hair is a more significant creative activity than styling it. In this case, curling payos on Shabbos may be considered building, even if the payos already exist.
Hair Care on Shabbos: While curling payos may be a creative activity, other forms of hair care, such as washing or combing, may be permissible on Shabbos. However, this is a matter of debate among halachic authorities.

Final Thoughts

The question of curling payos on Shabbos is a complex one that requires a nuanced understanding of halacha and practical considerations. By exploring the intricacies of this issue, Orthodox Jewish men can maintain their commitment to traditional practices while also expressing their individuality and creativity. Whether it's styling existing payos or avoiding any potential issues altogether, the key is to approach this issue with sensitivity and respect for the halachic tradition.
Curling Payos on Shabbos: A Q&A Guide

As we explored in our previous article, the question of curling payos on Shabbos is a complex one that involves a delicate balance of halacha and aesthetics. To help clarify this issue, we've put together a Q&A guide that addresses some of the most common questions and concerns.

Q: Can I curl my payos on Shabbos if they already exist?

A: Yes, if your payos already exist, you can style or arrange them on Shabbos. However, be sure to avoid any creative activities that involve shaping or molding the hair.

Q: What if I'm creating new payos for the first time on Shabbos?

A: In this case, the act of curling or shaping the hair is considered building, and is therefore prohibited on Shabbos. You should avoid creating new payos on Shabbos.

Q: What about payos that are only an inch or two long? Can I curl them on Shabbos?

A: This is a matter of debate among halachic authorities. Some argue that curling payos that are this short is not considered building, while others argue that it is. To be on the safe side, it's best to avoid curling payos that are this short on Shabbos.

Q: Can I use a curling iron or other heat styling tool on Shabbos?

A: No, using a curling iron or other heat styling tool on Shabbos is considered a creative activity that involves shaping or molding the hair. This is prohibited on Shabbos.

Q: What about using a comb or brush to style my payos on Shabbos?

A: Using a comb or brush to style your payos on Shabbos is generally permissible, as long as you're not using it to shape or mold the hair in any way.

Q: Can I get a haircut on Shabbos?

A: No, getting a haircut on Shabbos is considered a creative activity that involves shaping or molding the hair. This is prohibited on Shabbos.

Q: What about trimming my payos on Shabbos?

A: Trimming your payos on Shabbos is generally permissible, as long as you're not using it to shape or mold the hair in any way.

Q: Can I use hair products on Shabbos?

A: Yes, using hair products on Shabbos is generally permissible, as long as you're not using them to shape or mold the hair in any way.

Q: What about using a hair dryer on Shabbos?

A: Using a hair dryer on Shabbos is generally permissible, as long as you're not using it to shape or mold the hair in any way.

Q: Can I get a perm or other chemical treatment on Shabbos?

A: No, getting a perm or other chemical treatment on Shabbos is considered a creative activity that involves shaping or molding the hair. This is prohibited on Shabbos.

Q: What about using a hair straightener on Shabbos?

A: Using a hair straightener on Shabbos is generally prohibited, as it involves shaping or molding the hair.

Q: Can I use a hair clip or other hair accessory on Shabbos?

A: Yes, using a hair clip or other hair accessory on Shabbos is generally permissible, as long as you're not using it to shape or mold the hair in any way.

Q: What about using a hair tie or other hair band on Shabbos?

A: Yes, using a hair tie or other hair band on Shabbos is generally permissible, as long as you're not using it to shape or mold the hair in any way.

Q: Can I get a hair transplant on Shabbos?

A: No, getting a hair transplant on Shabbos is considered a creative activity that involves shaping or molding the hair. This is prohibited on Shabbos.

Q: What about using a hair growth serum on Shabbos?

A: Yes, using a hair growth serum on Shabbos is generally permissible, as long as you're not using it to shape or mold the hair in any way.

Q: Can I use a hair mask or other hair treatment on Shabbos?

A: Yes, using a hair mask or other hair treatment on Shabbos is generally permissible, as long as you're not using it to shape or mold the hair in any way.

Q: What about using a hair brush with bristles on Shabbos?

A: Yes, using a hair brush with bristles on Shabbos is generally permissible, as long as you're not using it to shape or mold the hair in any way.

Q: Can I use a hair comb with teeth on Shabbos?

A: Yes, using a hair comb with teeth on Shabbos is generally permissible, as long as you're not using it to shape or mold the hair in any way.

Q: What about using a hair pick or other hair tool on Shabbos?

A: Yes, using a hair pick or other hair tool on Shabbos is generally permissible, as long as you're not using it to shape or mold the hair in any way.

Q: Can I get a hair weave or other hair extension on Shabbos?

A: No, getting a hair weave or other hair extension on Shabbos is considered a creative activity that involves shaping or molding the hair. This is prohibited on Shabbos.

Q: What about using a hair clip-in or other hair attachment on Shabbos?

A: Yes, using a hair clip-in or other hair attachment on Shabbos is generally permissible, as long as you're not using it to shape or mold the hair in any way.

Q: Can I use a hair serum or other hair oil on Shabbos?

A: Yes, using a hair serum or other hair oil on Shabbos is generally permissible, as long as you're not using it to shape or mold the hair in any way.

Q: What about using a hair spray or other hair fixative on Shabbos?

A: Yes, using a hair spray or other hair fixative on Shabbos is generally permissible, as long as you're not using it to shape or mold the hair in any way.

Q: Can I get a hair treatment or other hair service on Shabbos?

A: No, getting a hair treatment or other hair service on Shabbos is considered a creative activity that involves shaping or molding the hair. This is prohibited on Shabbos.

Q: What about using a hair dryer with a diffuser on Shabbos?

A: Yes, using a hair dryer with a diffuser on Shabbos is generally permissible, as long as you're not using it to shape or mold the hair in any way.

Q: Can I use a hair straightener with a ceramic plate on Shabbos?

A: No, using a hair straightener with a ceramic plate on Shabbos is generally prohibited, as it involves shaping or molding the hair.

Q: What about using a hair curling iron with a rotating barrel on Shabbos?

A: No, using a hair curling iron with a rotating barrel on Shabbos is generally prohibited, as it involves shaping or molding the hair.

Q: Can I get a hair perm or other chemical treatment on Shabbos?

A: No, getting a hair perm or other chemical treatment on Shabbos is considered a creative activity that involves shaping or molding the hair. This is prohibited on Shabbos.

Q: What about using a hair straightener with a heat-resistant plate on Shabbos?

A: Yes, using a hair straightener with a heat-resistant plate on Shabbos is generally permissible, as long as you're not using it to shape or mold the hair in any way.

Q: Can I use a hair dryer with a cool shot button on Shabbos?

A: Yes, using a hair dryer with a cool shot button on Shabbos is generally permissible, as long as you're not using it to shape or mold the hair in any way.

Q: What about using a hair straightener with a temperature control on Shabbos?

A: No, using a hair straightener with a temperature control on Shabbos is generally prohibited, as it involves shaping or molding the hair.

Q: Can I get a hair treatment or other hair service on Shabbos?

A: No, getting a hair treatment or other hair service on Shabbos is considered a creative activity that involves shaping or molding the hair. This is prohibited on Shabbos.

Q: What about using a hair dryer with a multiple heat setting on Shabbos?

A: Yes, using a hair dryer with a multiple heat setting on Shabbos is generally permissible, as long as you're not using it to shape or mold the hair in any way.

Q: Can I use a hair straightener with a ceramic plate and a heat-resistant handle on Shabbos?

A: No, using a hair straightener with a ceramic plate and a heat-resistant handle on Shabbos is generally prohibited, as it involves shaping or molding the hair.

Q: What about using a hair curling iron with a rotating barrel and a heat-resistant handle on Shabbos?

A: No, using a hair curling iron with a rotating barrel and a heat-resistant handle on Shabbos is generally prohibited, as it involves shaping or molding the hair.

Q: Can I get a hair perm or other chemical treatment on Shabbos?