As of April, I have made the decision to cover my head. I’ve been using headbands and headscarves. I want to explain my reasoning for this — both spiritual and practical.

Disclaimer: let me mention that this is a personal choice. In no way am I saying that this is right, or forcing this choice on anyone else. I am simply explaining myself to those who are wondering.

1. I was drawn to it.

The main reason, I can’t even fully explain on a logical level. For a while I had these images in my head of women in history who covered their head/hair. I just felt drawn to it. But I thought, this is not something modern western women do. Then I finally decided that if I want to do it, I’m gonna do it! I’m not hurting anybody! Who cares if it’s different. And actually, it is more common than I realized, after doing some research. And there are many reasons both spiritually and practically to do so.

2. Remove distraction

Covering my hair removes the distraction of worrying about my hair. It takes away the pressure of making my hair look perfect. It reminds me to focus less on looks and more on spirituality. When I look at myself in the mirror now, I feel like I can see more of the soul. And I want the world to see my soul — not just my hair.

3. Submission & surrender

Submitting to the order of the universe. Surrender to God, nature, & ego to accept the fact that I am not in control and that there are more powerful forces in the world than myself.

4. Protection

I feel more protected, both physically and spiritually. First of all, sun damage is real, even in the winter! It also protects me from the wrong type of people who would only come towards me because of looks. And spiritually it may even protect me from demons…maybe…? I just feel more safe.

5. Anti-anxiety

Having pressure around my head helps relieve anxiety. The skull is made up of tiny bones that are constantly shifting with each movement. Head covering stabilizes the skull and keeps everything in place, giving you a feeling of more security and peace.

6. Kundalini energy

Kundalini yoga practitioners cover their head. They believe the body has “chakras.” The solar plexus chakra, located at the top of your head, is believed to produce energy — specifically kundalini energy. Head coverings keep this energy contained.

7. Inspired by Holy Mary

Holy Mary/The Virgin Mary/Our Lady/etc. has inspired me to do so. Her image is always depicted with a head covering. This gives me belief it has spiritual significance. And it makes me feel more connected to her and her values.

8. The Bible

It’s also worth mentioning it’s in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 11:4-6 ⁴ Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. ⁵ But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. ⁶ For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn [cut short]. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered.

9. Inspired by the gods & goddesses

All ancient gods and goddesses wear a head covering of some kind. Not always cloth, usually more elaborate such as crown or decorated wig or hat figure of some sort. This is actually why the pharaohs wore head coverings, to imitate the gods and goddesses, as they knew it held spiritual significance.