St. Mary Magdalene was often identified as the woman who washed Jesus’ feet and dried them with her hair (Luke 7:36-50). This is why hairstylists have often taken Mary as their patroness.
In addition, a medieval legend stated that Mary retired to live as a hermit in her last years. According to the legend, her clothes eventually became so ragged that they fell off her body, but miraculously her hair grew so thick and so long that it covered her entire body, preserving her modesty. This legend reinforced her patronage of hairstylists.
Father Frank Salmani
St. William Church, Warwick
