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Why do practicing Sikhs refrain from cutting their hair?

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The Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, features gold-covered domes and ornate architecture, surrounded by a large reflective pool with visitors gathered at the entrance. — Sikhism Site of Operation Blue Star, the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab state, India.

Practicing Sikhs refrain from cutting their hair as a commitment to the kesh, which is uncut hair and one of the five Ks of the Khalsa. This practice is a core tenet for Kes-Dhari Sikhs, who are often viewed as the quintessential Sikhs. The five Ks are symbolic articles of faith that initiated Sikhs, known as Amrit-Dhari Sikhs, are required to wear. These symbols represent spiritual qualities and are an integral part of Sikh identity and practice.12