Payot
Sidelocks worn by Orthodox Jewish men based on religious law.
Payot are sidelocks grown by some male adherents of Orthodox Judaism. This practice stems from a biblical interpretation in Leviticus that forbids shaving the sides of the head. Styles vary significantly across different Jewish communities.
- Payot means corners or sides in Hebrew.
- Based on Leviticus 19:27 prohibition.
- Yemenite Jews call them simanim.
- Banned in Russia in 1845.
- Styles vary by Jewish community.
What it is
Payot are sidelocks or sideburns worn by certain Jewish men. The term comes from Hebrew words meaning 'corners' or 'sides'. These locks hang near the ears and can be curled, twisted, or coiled. Lengths range from small bunches behind the ear to long ringlets reaching the upper arm. Different groups maintain distinct appearances for these hair strands.
Where it comes from
The practice originates from an interpretation of Leviticus 19:27, which prohibits shaving the sides of the head. Maimonides viewed shaving these areas as a heathen custom. The Talmud specifies the location as hair in front of the ears extending beneath the cheekbone. As Kabbalistic teachings spread into Slavonic lands, the custom became more widespread. In 1845, the Russian Empire banned the practice.
What it means
For many, payot serve as a visible sign of religious observance and identity. Yemenite Jews call their sidelocks simanim, meaning 'signs', because they distinguish them from Gentile neighbors. The style reinforces community belonging and adherence to traditional laws regarding male grooming and modesty.
How it is made
Men allow hair over the ears to grow without shaving it completely. Styles depend on community tradition. Some curl the hair into ringlets. Others twist it into tight coils. Hasidic groups may wrap hair around ears or tuck it under yarmulkes. Lithuanian Jews often cut most of the area but leave specific strands uncut behind the ear.
Versions
Styles differ widely among groups. Satmar Jews wear thick sidelocks tucked behind ears. Belz Hasidim wrap hair around ears without trimming. Skver Hasidim create tight coils protruding before the ear. Chabad-Lubavitch members keep minimal hair around the ear. Lithuanian styles often involve cutting while leaving small uncut bunches.
In culture
Payot appear in historical contexts within Jewish societies. They were banned in the Russian Empire in 1845. Crimean Tatars used the presence or absence of payot to distinguish Karaites from Krymchaks. The style remains a key identifier in Haredi and Hasidic communities today.
Questions people ask about Payot
What is the religious basis for wearing payot?
They stem from Leviticus 19:27, interpreted as forbidding shaving the sides of the head. Maimonides considered shaving them a heathen practice. The Talmud defines the area as hair in front of the ears.
How do Yemenite Jewish payot differ from others?
Yemenite Jews wear long, thin twisted locks that can reach the upper arm. They call them simanim, meaning signs. This distinguishes them from Gentile neighbors in their society.
Do all Orthodox Jewish men wear payot?
No. Only some male adherents wear them. Lithuanian Jews often cut most hair but leave small uncut strands. Chabad-Lubavitch keeps minimal hair. Many Haredi men trim or tuck theirs.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Payot", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryHairstyle rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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