Amish Example
For example, the Amish require their women to always wear (whether in church or not) a covering called a kapp. The kapp is typically white and is worn directly over the hair. The justification for this practice is taken from 1Corinthians 11 where the Apostle Paul is discussing how women should present themselves when they pray or speak.
Every man who has a covering on his head when he is praying or prophesying puts his Head to shame.
But every woman (gune, Strong's Concordance #G1135) who has her head uncovered when she is praying or prophesying puts her head to shame, for it is the same as being shaved . . .
You judge for yourselves. Is it becoming for a woman (gune, Strong's #G1135) to pray to God uncovered? (1Corinthians 11:4 - 5, 13, HBFV throughout).
Overlooked Facts
There is one crucial fact often overlooked (but implied) concerning Paul's statements regarding women when they pray (which also applies to 1Timothy 2:11 - 12). This misunderstanding is why some religious groups even make young (pre-teen) girls wear a covering, all the time, over their head.
The Greek word translated "woman" in the above Biblical quotes, and in verses 6 through 12 of 1Corinthians 11, is gune. This word refers to a female who is married. It does not refer to all women, everywhere, regardless of age or marital status! Strictly speaking, these verses only concern married couples when they pray.
What is also lost on many people who study these Bible verses is that the context of 1Corinthians 11 is speaking more of spiritual things rather than physical things. These verses mean far more than merely putting a veil or hat on one's head. They concern the attitude of a person towards one who is in authority over them. As Paul mentions in verse 3 of the chapter, God the Father is in authority over Jesus Christ, who is also a member of the Godhead. If Christ is subject to the Father, then man needs to be subject to Christ (John 13:13).
Paul's discussion concerns the situation where married women offer prayer or teach, with their heads "uncovered," in the presence of their husband. What, however, does it mean to have their head uncovered? He tells us in verse six that it would be a disgrace for a wife to cut her hair too short or shave it off. This type of action expresses an attitude of rebellion. He then states the following, "For this reason, it is necessary for the woman to have a sign of being under authority on her head because of the angels" (1Corinthians 11:10).
Concerning Married Women
Simply stated, a married woman should have long hair so that heavenly angels can differentiate between husbands and wives (1Corinthians 11:10) just in case an angel has to quickly intervene to protect "the weaker vessel." Verses 13 to 15 of the chapter confirms the fact that the "covering" women are meant to have, especially when they pray, is long hair.
Although both men and women are equal in God's eye, and joint heirs of eternal life (1Peter 3:7), a wife is nevertheless to be subject to and under the authority of her husband. The sign of this natural order is her long hair. At the very least, these often-debated verses should not be used as the definitive proof that all females should wear a head covering either when they pray or do other activities.