Braids on Boys: A Trend Challenging Our Cultural Norms

Leonard Divine
It starts with a parting comb, a little rubber thread, and a teenage boy sitting between his sister’s knees. On a hot Saturday afternoon in Lagos, she skillfully sections his hair, twisting and braiding as Davido’s music hums in the background. Just a few years ago, this scene would have raised eyebrows. Now, it is becoming more common than controversial.

Once reserved for women or dismissed as rebellion, braided hair on Nigerian men is no longer just a passing trend, it is a bold, visible statement. From the streets of Lagos to university campuses like ours, more young men are wearing cornrows, twists, and locs with unapologetic flair.

However, as the braids get tighter, so do the questions: Is this simply fashion, or a deeper cultural shift? Are we witnessing a creative expression of identity or the gradual loosening of traditional African values? The conversation is knotty—just like the braids themselves.

Today’s teenagers and youth take pride in expressing themselves, and one growing form of expression is braiding their hair. This has become especially popular among Generation Z males as a symbol of individuality and self-confidence.

It is no longer uncommon to see young men with braids or twists styled with beads, fade cuts, or even dyed tips. However, the real question remains: Is this just about style, or is there something deeper behind it?

Pop culture plays a huge role. The rising influence of celebrities such as Burna Boy, Fireboy, and Rema cannot be ignored. Young people naturally look up to their role models and tend to imitate their fashion, hairstyles, and overall appearance.

Beyond imitation, some young men say braids give them confidence. For others, it is about pushing back against rigid societal expectations — a personal rebellion that says, “I am in charge of my life.”

However, how did we get here? Braids used to be viewed as “unserious” or even “thuggish” when worn by men. Today, it is becoming normalized — even Generation Z mothers now braid the hair of their young sons, capturing photos proudly for social media.

This shift represents more than a fashion statement. Young men are challenging outdated ideas that suggest “real men must cut their hair.” Still, this evolution has not been well received by everyone. Many elders view the trend as disrespectful, unruly, or even immoral. It is not unusual to see disapproving looks from older individuals at the sight of braided male hair. Some even go as far as forbidding their children from associating with boys who wear braids — branding them “wayward” or “rebellious.”

In religious and conservative communities, male braiding is often linked with irresponsibility or a lack of discipline. However, this raises deeper questions: Is morality truly about appearance? Is a man defined by his hairstyle or by his character?

Some argue that this trend is a return to African roots. Before colonialism, traditional African societies had braided hairstyles for both men and women. Warriors and hunters often wore braids to reflect strength, tribe, or social status.

Others argue the opposite that this is more about Western influence than African heritage. With global exposure through social media, music videos, and entertainment, many Nigerian youths are mimicking styles that may not have deep cultural roots in African masculinity.

The reality is that today’s generation lives in a world shaped by technology and constant global influence. Their ideals are different, and the way they express identity is evolving. Still, we must create space for respectful dialogue between generations. No generation is entirely right or wrong. Parents, educators, and leaders should focus more on values such as integrity, discipline, and hard work — not solely on appearances.

Culture evolves, but values must be preserved. Balance is key.

In the end, hair is only a strand in the greater fabric of who we are. While styles may shift across seasons and generations, values should remain rooted. Rather than condemning or conforming, perhaps it is time we created space for understanding between the old and the young, the traditional and the trendy.

Culture is not static and sometimes, even a hairstyle can spark bigger questions about identity, values, and belonging. Whether it is a trend, an act of rebellion, or a misunderstood return to ancestral aesthetics, braided hair on boys challenges us to reflect on what culture means — and whose version of it we are holding onto.