I don't like having long hair in Africa. Besides it being uncomfortable in the hot weather, there is a very practical reason for preferring shorter hair while out there: to conserve time and resources.
Depending on the village, families might have rain collection tanks as their water source, or river water, or if they're lucky, they have a well. In most places, you use bucket of water and a cup for your "shower". In some places, you might be lucky to have running water and a stand-up shower like you're used to in the West.
I don't mean to discourage anyone from volunteering. It's just like going camping. In fact, you can also use camping shower bags that past volunteers have donated. You can bring one of your own, of course.
In the end, less hair means using less water and firewood or coals, and spending less time in the stall with uninvited flying guests. Also, the haircut, valued at over $50, was free because the salon was a partner with Locks of Love and I had 10" of untreated hair to donate.
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