Widow covering hair - Nishmat Yoatzot Halacha

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Widow covering hair

January 3, 2006

Question

My husband died recently. I am 54 years old; we were married for 31 years. I do not know whether or not I should continue covering my hair, now that I am a widow. Although this is not a niddah question, I thought you might be able to address this situation. Many thanks.

Answer

We are so sorry to hear of the death of your husband. May Hashem grant you nothing but happiness in times to come.

According to Halacha, a widowed (or divorced) woman continues covering her hair. In some cases, a woman who wishes to remarry and feels that her head covering might get in the way of her finding a husband, may be given a special heter (permission) to uncover some or all of her hair. In such a situation, an individual and specific question must be asked.