In Jainism, the key point is not “looking ugly” or “looking attractive,” but your intention and level of attachment.

Very simply:

1. Basic Jain guideline for appearance

- Be clean, simple, and modest. - Avoid show‑off, sensual attraction, and fashion that increases maan, maaya, raag–dvesh (ego, deceit, attachment–aversion). ( jainknowledge.com)

1. Is styling hair totally wrong?

- As a householder (shravak/shravika) you are not expected to live like a sadhu/sadhvi. - Combing / tying / trimming hair neatly for cleanliness and social normal life is okay. - It becomes a problem when: - you spend a lot of time, money, and thoughts on hairstyle, - you want to attract lustful attention, - you feel pride, jealousy, or inferiority because of your looks.

1. Where is the line?

Ask yourself: - “Is this for cleanliness and basic neatness, or to create attraction and show-off?” - “If I cannot do this style, will I feel disturbed, angry, or low?” If yes, it is moving against aparigraha (non‑attachment) and brahmacharya (sense‑control).

1. Ideal Jain approach

- Keep hair simple, decent, easy to maintain. - Avoid extreme styles meant to shock or attract sensual attention. - Gradually reduce importance of looks and increase focus on guni sringar – decorating yourself with good qualities (ahimsa, daya, shanti).

So:

• Neat, simple hair – allowed and fine for lay Jains.
• Over‑styled, attraction‑seeking hair – not in line with Jain values, and better to avoid.

If you want to read more on simple Jain dress and modesty, you can see this explanation on clothing and simplicity for Jains here and here .