Is it a hassle to have long hair while traveling?

I grew out my hair for my upcoming travels and will not cut it until I am done traveling. Is it hard to clean while backpacking? Is head lice a risk? Do other countries find it offensive for a man to have really long hair?

I'm not sure about offensiveness, but I do know that if you pack some baking soda you'll be able to keep it clean. And you'll need to wash it less frequently than if you are using shampoo because when you stop stripping the oils away with shampoo you secrete them less. Takes about six or eight weeks to adjust, but it's true.

Have seen lots of guys traveling with long hair, doesn't seem to cause much comment, not my thing but I quit shaving when I started traveling 3 yrs ago, just too much trouble. I do however get the beard trimmed every month or 2 when I get a haircut.

I've been around the block and honestly can't think of where this might be an issue. Happy to report I never had issues with lice tho, wasn't that cheap I guess.

On the road, as at home, personal appearance affects how people relate to you. Long hair isn't inherently a hassle, but if you have long and unkempt hair, grubby clothes, or whatever, people associate certain things with you. One of those things might be involvement in the drug scene, which affects how your treated, and of course creates more hassle at borders and any other encounters with law enforcement.

Cultural norms also vary from country to country. Some cultures expect men to have scraggly beards and long hair (though the only one that comes to mind would then hide that hair). Others expect groomed beards. Most won't think much of someone who's well groomed, regardless of their hair length.

So I've read, some places in the middle east will take offense to it and may react with violence, since it's is considered effeminate.

Anyway yeah I'm kind of going for the scraggly, drifter/druggy look. I'm hoping to be a fly on the wall, and my look will probably keep me under the radar.

Been traveling with long hair on all continents. Russia was probably the only place where there were 'troubles' because of it. That being said, I also met a bunch of Heavy Metal freaks who took good care of me because of the long hair.

Never had problems with lice. Longest time not washing was probably around 10 days while cycling through Tibet because the water was just too freaking cold.

Funniest long hair moment was probably when I went to the barber/hair dresser in a remote village in Pakistan. The guy almost had a heart attack and no idea what to do with my hair. Didn't turn out half bald, actually.

virtuewill wrote:So I've read, some places in the middle east will take offense to it and may react with violence, since it's is considered effeminate.

What a bunch of brainwashed propaganda!!!! I have hair to my butt. I have lived in Yemen and currently live in Iraq. Plus i have lived in Turkey, Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan (the US interpretation of the Middle East) I have been to all "Middle East" Countries (except Saudi) including Afghanistan. Other than street children pulling on my hair or doing a Tarzan impersonation, i have NEVER had any problems here!!

In terms of "haircare" i like the fact i can simply tie it back in a pony-tail and go. I don't have to worry about bed-head.

I'm a woman and have very long hair and I've never had a problem washing and keeping it looking clean and I've done months of traveling.
I think you may be concerned unnecessarily, just enjoy the trip.
Anyone who is offended by the way you look needs to get a life.