I don't think it is giving up to cut your long hair shorter. I had my last hair cut in September 07, and am needing to get it cut for the same reasons as you..it's long, DS keeps grabbing it, I smell like puke some days, etc etc.
It doesn't feel nice to feel like crap, get it cut I reckon. Like jords said, it will grow back.
It is your hair that is being pulled and chucked on, not your DH's. Tell him to grow his hair long and he can see what it feel like lol

Nic