Welcome to our site, Pete. The reaction you got from the customer is,,,,well,,silly at best> However, your boss's reaction / message is something that I find outragious. Like others have said, stick in there until you find you a better job where you're accepted the way you are. Maybe thats just me,,,,,,but I got no tolerance at all for opinions like those.
Pete, welcome to Sly Bald Guys!!
Hey there new sly guy. I'm really sorry to hear about what happend. I know how you feel about being treated differently because of it, and I also at times can have a hot temper. Here is my advice for you though(if you want to hear it, if not just ignore this) If a customer or wishes not to have you help them because of your appearance, take it as someone elses problem and not yours. Easier said than done, I'm aware, but there not worth letting them get under your skin like that. As for your boss telling you that you have to grow your hair out, I personally would not do it myself, I'm not sure your exact situation, but I personally wouldn't allow anyone to tell me how to live my life. You should never have to change WHO YOU ARE for a job, or anyone for that matter.
Hope all goes well with you, keep that dome smooth and shiny, and don't sweat the haters.