But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head. 1 Corinthians 11:5-6

            The Bible recognizes national customs and does not try to override them when applicable.  Back then, a woman’s long hair displayed her beauty and glory.  A married woman in public covered her head as a sign of being “under” the authority of a husband.  The point here focused on the times she prayed or prophesied in public.  That would be a very select group of women.

Right before this, Paul made this point:

But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head.  1 Corinthians 11:3-4

            The point Paul was making had to do with the custom this represented regarding marriage and authority during that time.  Man, as the head of the family, did not cover his because he was not under any earthly authority.  Is it the same today?  No, but the principle remains the same, just that the practice may differ.

            What about men wearing hats in church?  Again, this is the same principle but it is a solid recognizable custom (in America) to remove your hat in church, that it would be hard to refute, even though biblical you don’t really have to.