In what cultures is this true as well? My hypothesis is that historically the men go into battle and need to keep it short to stay out of their eyes and so other soldiers don't grab it. The women are allowed to grow it out because it doesn't become such a nuisance in home life, but then again that's just my theory. I have noticed that many cultures have similar gender preference for short and long hair.
hi! there's always room for more input, but FYI there's are previous related posts in the FAQ*
On men with short hair, women with long hair, and vice versa
*see the link on the sidebar or the wiki tab
You aren't far from the truth.
The trend of short hair came about with lice and other hair related ailments that moden armies do not take too kindly of. The short hair trend that we see today is due to the sanitation regulations of the 19th century European armies.
In my country, for instance, prior to 19th century modernisation, men wore their hair long and braided as per the Ottoman tradition, and when the army deemed it fit to cut it, many were outraged at the notion, but cut it they did.
it simply carired over into everyday life, like how toilet paper was used by doctors and is now in common use.