This paper uses feminist criticism and gender criticism as theory behind an analysis of Paul’s rhetoric. The aim is to make out his intentions of telling women to cover their hair in 1 Cor 11:2-16, in a context where several different cultures meet. The main question is Why does Paul write that women should cover their hair? To give more specific answers I also ask how and when he intends for it to be done, why women should cover their hair when men should not and what it meant for the Corinthians in their context. I argue that the natural differences Paul points out between men and women are not necessarily reason for inequality between them in societal hierarchies. Covering the hair of women in Corinth could be a way of protecting them from being taken advantage of (sexually). The directions Paul gives in 1 Cor apply to the gatherings but does not tell us what he thinks is appropriate in society in general. However, it would make sense for him to tell people not to disturb the societal order by going against the norms and wearing their hair differently outside of the churches.