How to Assess a Person's Character Based on Their Hair?
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Hair and eyebrows are uniquely human features. Ancient texts state: "The body, hair, and skin are gifts from our parents; we must not harm them, as this is the essence of filial piety." In the "Classic of Filial Piety," it discusses the body (with the spleen governing all flesh), skin (with the lungs governing the skin), and hair (with the kidneys as the source of vitality). After death, hair and bones are the only parts that do not decay, both originating from the kidneys. The kidneys are the foundation, while hair and bones are the expressions. The kidneys govern strength, and skills emerge from them. The "skills" mentioned here are explained by Master Liu Heng as wisdom, identifying the kidneys as the source of intelligence. Below is an ancient description of hair in physiognomy, with brief commentary by the author.
Noble people have no excessive hair, while foolish horses have long manes.
Commentary by Liu Heng: Those of high status do not have thick hair, nor are they bald. People with thick eyebrows and hair are often of lower status because they tend to act impulsively and irrationally, lacking precision in their actions due to excessive liver energy. The expressions "noble people do not have thick hair" and "nine out of ten bald men are wealthy" reflect how people judge status and wealth based on hair characteristics. A foolish horse has a thick and long mane, and those with dense hair on their foreheads often perform physical labor.
"Principles of Physiognomy" Hair Physiognomy Verse
A. Sparse and shiny hair signifies intelligence and a kind-hearted nature. When coupled with clear eyebrows and bright eyes, there is no fear of not achieving greatness.
Commentary by Liu Heng: A young person with sparse, dark hair typically presents an image of high intelligence. Their character is gentle and kind, displaying compassion for others. If they also possess well-defined eyebrows and gentle eyes, such a person is destined to thrive! Hair should be soft, black, and sparse. Soft hair like silk indicates harmony in marriage; sparse and fine hair signifies fame and fortune; shiny and sparse hair represents intelligence. Combined with clear eyebrows and bright eyes, it suggests success in academics and career.
B. Shiny black hair as fine as silk indicates wealth and high status. Long, flowing hair is especially notable in the southern and northern regions, where such striking appearances are more common.
Commentary by Liu Heng: Hair that is jet black and as fine as silk represents a cautious and reflective individual destined for lifelong wealth and honor. In contrast, coarse, thick, and long hair, especially if yellow, denotes a common fate. Those with larger bodies and smaller heads are often of lower status; people from the south tend to be slender, while northerners have larger heads. The phrase "southern shape, northern appearance" typically describes slender individuals with larger heads and prominent features, indicating a destiny of scholarly success and nobility.
C. A small head with long hair suggests a stubborn nature; long hair with a narrow forehead implies a shorter lifespan. Hair reaching the ears indicates a stubborn child; spiral-shaped curly hair forecasts misfortune.
Commentary by Liu Heng: An individual with a small head and long, coarse, thick hair is often unyielding and inflexible. Children with coarse, hard hair covering their foreheads, resulting in a narrow forehead, are described in physiognomy as having a low hairline that conceals the forehead, leading to a life characterized by poverty and ignorance, often appearing foolish or reckless. A low hairline covering the forehead indicates a stubborn and imprudent individual, while curly hair resembling a snail shell suggests a fate that might bring misfortune to their parents.
It is preferable for hair to avoid being yellow, coarse, or hard. Physiognomy suggests that coarse, hard hair causes marital discord; yellow, dry hair signifies poverty. Children with thick hair while crying are likely to be mischievous. A low hairline suggests stagnation in fortune, and early hair loss points to financial difficulties. Curly hair may bring misfortune, and coarse hair like hemp implies a life of hardship. Long hair with a narrow forehead indicates a short life. Fine, soft hair that is coal black and sparse suggests a wise and noble fate.