Covering of the hair for women, and beards in 1st Century Palestine Note:  This is just a historical point, it isn't judging anyone, just trying to understand things in their historical context.

In a lecture I heard that in 1st century Palestine:

1. All women used to cover their hair except for Gentile women and Prostitutes
2. All men had beards except for gentile men and gays.


Where could I verify this?

I know Paul has a strong statement regarding women not covering their
hair in church:


  For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her
  hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut
  off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.


http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/11-6.htm
It might be clearer to ask about Jewish versus other men and women. My impression is that most women wore head coverings at that time, and most men wore beards, but customs varied greatly among non-Jewish people. Prostitutes likely would not wear head coverings. I don't see homosexuals as a group that would be likely to have a common practice about beards, though doubtless some shaved to be more feminine.

Michael Marlowe discusses head coverings and other clothing issues at http://www.bible-researcher.com/headcoverings3.html . The Bible makes clear that the Jews are to remain a distinct people, and should not adopt many of the customs of the people around them (gentiles).

After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances. (Leviticus 18:3. cf. also Deuteronomy 12:29-32 and 2 Kings 17:13-15.)

The LORD has prepared a sacrifice and consecrated his guests ... and on the day of the LORD's sacrifice, I will punish ... all who array themselves in foreign attire. (Zephaniah 1:8)

Marlowe suggests that Jewish men of the first century did not cover their heads when they prayed. They likely covered or uncovered their heads for practical reasons only. Women normally kept their heads covered any time they were outside of their home.

Philo of Alexandria refers to a woman's head covering as a "symbol of modesty", suggesting that an innocent woman would be uncomfortable in its absense.