Why is a woman's long hair a glory to her?
Scripture teaches that a woman's long hair is a glory to her because her hair is given to her for a covering. It is a blessing, and nature itself affirms this distinction. Paul explains this within the context of headship, order, and proper conduct in the church.
Les explains that Paul is tempering his correction of the Corinthians. The man is still the head of the union, and the man came from God in creation. Paul asks them to judge whether it is comely for a woman to pray to God uncovered, and he appeals to nature: if a man has long hair, it is a shame to him, likely reflecting Roman custom where men wore short cropped hair. But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her, because her hair is given her for a covering. Les calls it a blessing, noting that any woman would admit a beautiful head of hair is indeed a blessing. Paul does not want them browbeaten or driven to rebellion, but corrections must be made; in chapter 14 everything in the local church must be done in order, not confusion, because God is a God of order.
But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.