Why Do Men Prefer Long Hair on Women?

I've had long hair for most of my life, but there have been a few times where I was brave and cut it short.  Yesterday, I went from a medium length to a short hairstyle.  All my female friends say "it's cute," but my husband and sons said absolutely nothing.  I really liked the style until I came home and was met with silence....

Why do men prefer long hair on women?  I've wondered that for most of my life.  I get frustrated with being chubby and my long hair making me look uglier.  Shorter hair perks up my face.  It seems like all my husband cares about is the length.  He likes it long, even if the style looks hideous on me.  Apparently, scientists believe the hair length preference relates to some biological programming that makes men see long hair as a sign of fertility and health in a potential mate.  It makes sense, but I'd like to think that the modern man could get past old biological programming.

Nobody can convince me that short hair isn't as attractive or sexy as long hair.  There are some amazing styles that show off and frame the beauty of a woman's face.  Hair length doesn't need to detract from femininity.  A woman with more masculine features won't necessarily look more feminine with long hair.  She may end up looking like a drag queen. 

In trying to find some answers on this topic, I was horrified to find stories of men ending relationships because the woman cut her hair short.  I've also had personal experience with men who insist to their girlfriend or wife that she never cut her hair short.  I had a tough time overcoming that bias.  Honestly, I feel better with a cute new hairstyle.  That should really be the important thing.  My husband has gradually learned to accept it, but I know he still prefers the long hair.  I do miss the long hair at times.  When I dance at powwows, I won't be able to wear beautiful braids and hair wraps.  There is also a drawer full of hair accessories that are now going unused.

My advice to women who are confronted with a boyfriend or spouse who doesn't support short hair is to get your man to reword the question.  It's not long hair versus short hair, it's having your woman happy with how she looks versus being miserable with how she looks.  I know I'll be sexier when I feel better about myself.