Definition: Kes is the Sikh word for hair. Kes refers unshorn hair and includes all hair on the head face and entire body. Sikhs honor the intention of the creator by keeping their hair unshorn and unaltered in its natural state. Kes is not to be dishonored in any way. All methods of hair removal, or alteration, are against the tenets of the Sikh faith and considered to be taboo for the kes. Kes is to be kept clean and combed, and ought never to be cut, colored, or curled. Shaving, plucking, tweezing, waxing, bleaching, using depilatories, or otherwise altering the hair by any means, dishonors the kes and the inherent intention of the creator. A Sikh who maintains kes, keeping all hair unshorn and intact, is known as a Keshdari. Any baptized Sikh who has accepted initiation to become a Khalsa Sikh, or Amritdhari, is required to keep the kes intact or face chastisement.
Pronunciation: Kes sounds like case.
Also Known As: Kesh
Alternate Spellings: Kesh
Examples:
Sikhs use a wooden comb called a kanga to keep the Kes free from tangles. the Kes is kept up and covered with a length of turban to protect it. Many Sikhs wear a small turban called a keski for this purpose.
