I have curly hair that is mid-back length, I always wear it in a braid while hiking. At night I take it out, comb it and rebraid it. It's never been a problem. The feeling you get at a hostel or motel when you can finally wash it and feel it cascading over your shoulder and back, all clean and free - ahhhhhhhhhhh. I can't imagine cutting it off just for a hike!