1

In response to your letter where you write about a sheitel - that in the religious community where you now live this is not the custom. Consequently you are embarrassed that they may laugh at you if you wear a sheitel:

The general idea of wearing a sheitel and not sufficing with a hat or kerchief is explained in many places. We verily observe that wearing a hat or even a kerchief leaves part of the hair uncovered, at least for a short while, i.e., causing one to transgress a major prohibition, as explained in Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim ch. 75.

The importance of having the hair covered at all times is also understood from the reward for fulfilling this command in the manner in which we were commanded. In the words of the holy Zohar, it causes us to be "blessed with all blessings, blessings of above and blessings of below, with wealth, with children and grandchildren."

As regards to your writing that they may laugh at you and you will be embarrassed, etc.:

Recently even American youth have begun to honor and respect specifically those who stand firm in their faith. They do not feel embarrassed by those who scoff at them and their outlook on the world. To the contrary, they respond with scorn and derision to those who simply follow the majority without having any principles of their own. Surely you know that the entire four-part Shulchan Aruch opens with the statement that one should not be embarrassed by those people who scoff at one's service of G-d.

Moreover - and this too is quite simple and very understandable: "G-d fills heaven and earth," and finds Himself with man in all places and at all times. This is not so with regard to people - even those who lively extremely close are not always close at hand. Thus, how can it possibly be that one is not embarrassed, G-d forbid, before G-d, and rather is embarrassed by people who are flesh and blood!

Excerpt from Igros Kodesh, Vol. XIX, p. 428

2

In response to your letter where you write about Kisui HaRosh:

I have already stated my opinion on many occasions that in present generations covering one's hair with a kerchief will not last, for each and every time the woman is put to the test - whether to cover all her hair, or just part of it, etc., so that she not be embarrassed by those who scoff (although it may only be a figment of her imagination, and sometimes it is actually so).

This is not at all the case with a sheitel, for it is impossible to remove the sheitel when one is at a gathering and the like. Especially so, since as you write that she will cut her hair and that both of you agree to this, then this is the best possible way.

As to her going with an uncovered sheitel: For the last several generations already this has not been looked upon unfavorably at all. Understandably, however, it is necessary to ascertain the custom in your place - if this does not constitute breaking a precedent, G-d forbid.

Excerpt from Igros Kodesh, Vol. XVI, pp. 330-331

3

As to your inquiry about the difference between covering one's hair with a sheitel and covering one's hair with a kerchief:

The difference is simple indeed. When the hair is covered with a kerchief and one meets a non-religious friend or acquaintance, then quite often the kerchief "slides up" or disappears altogether into the pocket. This, of course, cannot be done with a sheitel. Ultimately, keeping the hair constantly covered then becomes second nature.

Excerpt from Igros Kodesh, Vol. XVIII, p. 186