Unshorn Hair (Jesus, ritual, Moses, grace, preach)

[Lux et Umbra]

I've read about Sikhism, but I'm no expert. I was curious though if anyone could address the rule of unshorn hair (Kesh). From my research I discovered that both men and women are required to keep to the rule. As a woman I can't imagine not being able to shave various parts of my body or pluck any hairs that need to be!

According to a site it said this about Kesh:

1. Kesh or unshorn hair, regarded as a symbol of saintliness. Guru Nanak started the practice of keeping the hair unshorn. The keeping of hair in its natural state is regarded as living in harmony with the will of God, and is a symbol of the Khalsa brotherhood and the Sikh faith. Hair is an integral part of the human body created by God and Sikhism call for its preservation. The shaving or cutting of hair is one of the four taboos or Kurehats.
Long unshorn hair. A symbol of spirituality. The Kesh reminds a Khalsa to behave like the Guru's. It is a mark of dedication and group consciousness, showing a Khalsa's acceptance of God's will. Long hair have long been a common element of many spiritual prophets of various religions such as Jesus, Moses and Buddha
"represents the inviolability of the human body". The keeping of unshorn hair represents the Sikh belief in the accepting of God's will. The unshorn hair is to be covered at all times by the dastar (turban) as a sign of respect for God, and also as a sign of acceptance of the belief in the equality of men and women. Sikhism preaches that the only reason one should cover one's head is out of respect for God. Since men and women are equal, both men and women must cover their heads, and since God is everywhere, they must do so at all times. The turban also serves as an outward form of recognition of Sikh men and women.
From your head down to your toes all hair is to be kept intact.

…swbq sUriq dsqwr isrw]
"…complete form is with turban donned." (SGGSJ Ang 1084)

For the respect of your hair, two turbans are to be tied, tying each layer one at a time. There should be a small turban tied underneath and a larger one tied above this. Women must not plait their hair and should keep their hair tied in a bun. If possible, in order to respect your Kesh then a small turban should be tied.

iehY mor AwigAw sunhu hy ipAwry ]
ibnw Ssqr kysM idvoN n iddwry ]
"Listen to this command oh beloved, this is the essential pre-requisite to attain my darshan. Without arms and kesh I will not give you darshan."

God also revealed himself as Kesdhari (when God gave Darshan/revealed himself to Sahib Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji he did so in the form of a human with his hair intact), as does the following line narrate:

sohxy nk ijn lMmVy vwlw ]
"Your nose is so graceful, and Your hair is so long." (SGGSJ Ang 567)

inrhwrI kysv inrvYrw ]
"He does not need to eat; His Hair is Wondrous and Beautiful; He is free of hate." (SGGSJ Ang 98)

Are their sects of Sikhs that disregard this rule?
Is one a Sikh if they cut their hair--- I've heard two answers: 1. Basically if they follow God and are a good person even if they cut their hair than yes, they're a Sikh 2. No they're not.

[Aupmanyav]

Those sikhs who were initiated by the tenth guru Sri Guru Gobind Singh wear the five distinguishing marks (5 K's, unshorn hair, comb, sword, steel bangle, and lioncloth - Kesha, Kanghi, Kirpan, Kara, Kaccha). They form the majority among sikhs. But sects like Sahajdharis and Udasi (which incidentally was started Sri Chand, a son of the first guru, Guru Nanak Dev) are not required to wear the 5K's.

[mystic man]

Why do they grow the hair just to cover it up...? Why don't they cover the beard aswell?

[Aupmanyav]

I suppose since Guru Gobind Singh was establishing an army of fighters for righteousness, he wanted some order in appearance. The unkempt hair were out, so he ordered them to tie up their hair. I think the poor in those days did not have the luxury of getting a shave.