1 Some Abuja say that braiding hair makes men look irresponsible, describing the practice as alien to Nigerian culture.
two The Nigerian News Agency reports that hair braiding or weaving is popular with African women as they use it to maintain the natural texture of their hair.
3 Some Nigerians have lately adopted it as a fashion statement, especially by footballers and those in the entertainment business as a way to create a unique identity for themselves in the society.
4 But a cross-section of Abuja residents interviewed by the Nigerian News Agency on Sunday in Abuja say hair braiding should be restricted to women only as it is their exclusive preserve.
5 Mister Vicente Chukwuebukaa resident of Wuse 2, said that men who engage in hair braiding are seen by society as deviating from social norms and values and therefore have nothing to offer society.
6 “People tend to see them as irresponsible in society, because they tend to look rough and sloppy.
7 “African culture does not accept men braiding their hair, men who braid their hair mostly move with trends just to fit in.
8 “Although braiding was once seen as a social act in Nigeria, our current culture does not accept it.
9 “Personally, I don’t like to judge people based on their appearance, but I think we should follow the rules that guide our society,” Chukwuebuka said.
10 Mister collins okoroaforKubwa resident, supported the claim, adding that the reason men braid their hair is to copy celebrities.
eleven He said that they are trying to imitate the popular culture of the current time, to look elegant and feel among themselves.
12 “Celebrities have a huge influence on people, they see their favorite artist in braids and they do the same, even though it’s not part of our culture.
13 “The conservative nature of Nigerian culture does not accept male braided hair.
14 “Once a typical Nigerian sees someone who does braids, they think that they like music or that they are a member of a gang or that they are not someone they can look up to as a responsible person.
fifteen “I also don’t think it’s a way to judge someone, but our culture is too conservative to accept it,” he said.
sixteen However, Mr. miguel okoyea resident of Gwarimpa, there is nothing wrong with hair braiding for men, saying that he braids his hair because he is an artist and needs to portray what he does.
17 “I think men keeping their hair is part of our culture, our ancestors kept their hair, so people don’t hate it right now.
18 We cannot change that part of our culture, cutting your hair for me is slavery.
19 “We are just imitating western culture by cutting our hair.
twenty Keeping or braiding my hair is my choice, our culture should accept it because it was once a part of us,” Okoye said.
twenty-one Mrs. Esther Josea Dei-Dei resident said that there is always a bad impression on those who braid their hair.
22 She said they are seen as bullies or yahoo boys.
23 “ Men who braid their hair always get the wrong impression of people, even though they may be responsible people, people won’t know until after a personal conversation with them.
24 “Although I don’t think one should be portrayed for how they look, everyone has a culture and African culture doesn’t support it,” he said.
25 News sourceCredit: YAYA
