When I had long hairs and was in my 20s, I used to systematically have my baggage searched whenever I came to Asia (especially in Japan). Now that I'm in my thirties with short hairs and clean cut, I'm never searched...

It seems stupid, I mean potential drug smugglers must know about this and adapt their looks. In the end, it's really just security theater.

I would prefer to have long hairs again and just be able to dress whatever way I want but as someone who travels a lot, I ended up having to conform...

And I agree, it does seem very stupid. I'd much rather actual security with plausible numbers than the theater, but they didn't ask me.

"I ended up having to conform..." I do understand. I conformed a lot in my 20's, mostly for job reasons. Found a job where it didn't matter - at a pharmacy, no less - and then wound up moving to Norway. Along the way, I decided I'd rather just be myself with the hairs and all, even if that means I get searched. I occasionally miss being able to blend into a crowd, but that's part of the payout for this, I guess.

If you travel a lot and let it grow it would be interesting to find out what length the problems start at.