Payot vs. Curly — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 7, 2024
Payot refers to the sidelocks or sideburns worn by some men in certain Jewish communities as a sign of piety, whereas curly describes hair with a naturally spiraled or helical form.
Difference Between Payot and Curly
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Key Differences
Payot are specific to certain Jewish traditions where men grow long sidelocks in adherence to biblical injunctions, specifically avoiding shaving the corners of their heads. On the other hand, curly hair is a general term used to describe hair with a lot of curls, which can be found naturally in people of all backgrounds and is not linked to religious or cultural practices.
The practice of wearing payot comes from a religious commandment found in the Torah, which interprets the "not rounding off the hair on the sides" to mean leaving the hair at the temples uncut. Curly hair, meanwhile, is a genetic trait and does not come from any cultural or religious rule.
While payot are typically grown intentionally from a young age in communities that observe this tradition, curly hair is a natural characteristic that individuals have no control over. People with curly hair may come from various ethnic backgrounds, including those with no religious affiliations.
Payot are often styled in specific ways depending on the community—some are long and dangle freely, while others may be curled tightly to frame the face. Curly hair varies greatly in type and form, from loose waves to tight coils, and can be styled in numerous ways depending on personal preference and hair texture.
Payot serve as a public expression of faith and adherence to Jewish law, visible in everyday interactions and marking a distinct identity. Conversely, curly hair, while it may be a distinctive physical feature, does not carry any inherent religious or cultural significance and is simply a hair type.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Sidelocks worn as a sign of piety in some Jewish communities.
Hair that is naturally spiraled or helical.
Origin
Religious commandment in Judaism.
Genetic trait.
Cultural Significance
Symbol of adherence to Jewish law.
None specific to any culture.
Styling
Grown and styled according to religious tradition.
Styled based on personal or fashionable preference.
Compare with Definitions
Payot
Traditional Jewish sidelocks worn by men as a religious observance.
He carefully curled his payot for the synagogue service.
Curly
Hair that often requires specific care techniques to maintain its shape and health.
She followed a strict regimen to keep her curly hair moisturized.
Payot
Sidelocks that are not cut, as a symbol of faithfulness to religious teachings.
Members of his community distinguished themselves with their neatly styled payot.
Curly
Hair that naturally forms curls or spirals, varying from loose to tight coils.
Her curly hair bounced as she walked.
Payot
A physical manifestation of piety within certain Orthodox Jewish communities.
The young boy was proud to start growing his payot.
Curly
A type of hair texture characterized by its helical structure.
He used special products to define his curly hair.
Payot
Hair grown specifically on the temples and left uncut in observance of Torah commandments.
His payot were noticeably longer during the high holidays.
Curly
Curly hair can be hereditary and is common in many ethnic groups.
Both of her parents had curly hair, and so did she.
Payot
Hair that is often styled to curl or wave naturally among those who wear them.
He used a small comb to neaten his payot every morning.
Curly
Naturally curly hair that can range from slightly wavy to tightly coiled.
His tightly coiled curly hair was a striking feature.
Payot
Payot (Hebrew: פֵּאָה, romanized: pe’ot, plural: פֵּאוֹת) is the Hebrew term for sidelocks or sideburns. Payot are worn by some men and boys in the Orthodox Jewish community based on an interpretation of the Tenach injunction against shaving the "sides" of one's head.
Curly
Curly or Curley is a surname, given name, nickname or stage name.
Curly
Having curls.
Curly
Having the tendency to curl.
Curly
Having a wavy grain
Curly maple wood.
Curly
Having curls.
Curly
(typography) Curling in a direction, as opposed to straight (quotation marks or apostrophes)
Curly
Complicated and difficult; knotty.
Curly
A person or animal with curly hair.
Curly
Curling or tending to curl; having curls; full of ripples; crinkled.
Curly
(of hair) having curls or waves;
They envied her naturally curly hair
Common Curiosities
How are payot styled?
Payot can be styled in various ways, including letting them hang loose or curling them tightly, depending on community customs.
What are the different types of curly hair?
Curly hair can range from type 2 (wavy) to type 3 (curly) and type 4 (coily), with each type having subcategories that describe the tightness of the curl.
Is it mandatory for all Jewish men to wear payot?
No, the wearing of payot is specific to certain Orthodox and Hasidic Jewish sects; it is not a requirement across all Jewish communities.
How can someone manage curly hair effectively?
Effective management of curly hair typically involves using hydrating hair care products, detangling gently to avoid breakage, and sometimes using techniques like "plopping" to enhance natural curls.
Can curly hair be straightened safely?
Curly hair can be straightened using heat tools or chemical treatments, but these should be used sparingly to avoid damaging the hair.
What cultural impacts do payot have?
Payot often serve as a visible identifier of belonging to specific Jewish communities, carrying both cultural and spiritual significance.
What is the religious significance of payot?
Payot are worn as an expression of obedience to the commandment in Leviticus 19:27, which forbids shaving the "corners" of one's head, symbolizing a commitment to God's laws.
Are there any famous individuals known for their payot?
Yes, several prominent rabbis and members of Orthodox Jewish communities who appear in public and media are recognized for their distinct payot.
Can payot be cut or trimmed?
In communities that observe the practice of wearing payot, they are usually not cut or trimmed to adhere fully to the religious commandment.
Do weather conditions affect curly hair?
Yes, curly hair is particularly sensitive to humidity and dry conditions, which can affect its texture and styling.
What challenges do people with curly hair face?
People with curly hair often face challenges such as frizz, dryness, and the difficulty of finding suitable hair care products and stylists who understand their hair type.
How does diet or health affect curly hair?
Diet and overall health can impact the health of curly hair, as adequate nutrition and hydration are crucial for maintaining its natural lustre and strength.
What hair products are best for curly hair?
Products that are moisturizing and designed to enhance curl definition without weighing down the hair are generally recommended for curly hair.
How does one start growing payot?
To start growing payot, one would stop trimming the hair around the temples, allowing it to grow out naturally while the rest of the hair is maintained according to personal or communal norms.
Is wearing payot limited to specific age groups?
Generally, boys start growing payot from a young age in communities that practice this tradition, but it is a lifelong commitment.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
