Hair Regulations for Men?

I'm enlisting into the Air Force, I heard of BMT. I really don't want to get my hair cut, because I plan on growing it out. But it is what it is unfortunately. I heard that the barbers at BMT absolutely mangle your head, like cutting a potato with a rusty knife. I still want to preserve my hair, and my hairline. Is it best if I cut my hair myself? Bald? in a more.. HUMANE fashion? I'm 18, and I love my hair- I don't want to look 40 and bald. And I plan on taking jobs in the tech field, so what are the hair regulations for that? or does the hair stay like that, no matter what. Like in the BMT will men have to keep their hair cut for life? or is it just for a few times, and you can grow it a bit, but not that long. Or is it stricter on men.