Defining Masculinity: The Cultural Impact of Dreadlocks and Braids

Masculinity refers to a set of qualities, behaviour and attributes typically associated with men and manhood in a particular culture or society. According to the society, masculinity may be a combination of cultural norms, expectations, and stereotypes regarding what it means to be a man.

Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks are a type of hairstyle that is intentionally matted and locked together to form long, rope like strands. Low maintenance, culture, or fashion may be one of the many reasons men put dreadlocks “locks”. For instance, Rastafarianism is a culture in which locks symbolize the rejection of western standards of beauty.

When it comes to African cultures, locks give a different meaning. In an African perspective locks are unhygienic, one is not professional and one is rebellious. Mostly, if a man has locks, it’s either they sell or smoke bang. Locks give the idea of crime or a threat to the people. Locks can create the idea that one is associating himself with bad companies or one is in a gang.

Mungiki Case

In most cases crime is allegedly committed by these people, those who sell and use drugs, those in bad companies and those in gangs are these people. In the early 2000 the Mungiki movement emerged. The movement which was primarily among the Kikuyu ethnic group in Central Kenya has been controversial due to its involvement in political violence, extortion, and other criminal activities; leading to government crackdowns and legal restrictions on its activities over the years. Dreadlocks were part of their identity.

Frequently these men are unhygienic and they look rebellious.

Police brutality has been witnessed towards these people where they are killed or arrested because they had locks even if they are innocent. Globally it has been a notable issue for the case in the South Africa where Nathaniel Julies, a teenager with Down syndrome, was allegedly shot and killed by police officers. His family claimed that he was targeted because he was wearing locks, which the officers associated with criminality. Also, not only the police but the community at large where mobs happen to innocent children who have locks get accused of crime and lose their lives.

Despite enduring misconceptions and stereotypes, including associations with hygiene, criminality, or professionalism, the reality is that dreadlocks are a legitimate and meaningful expression of identity and heritage for many and does not make a man less of a man. Whether rooted in cultural pride, spiritual beliefs, fashion or practicality, the choice to wear dreadlocks should be respected as a personal decision that reflects diverse perspectives and histories. As society continues to evolve, embracing a broader understanding of dreadlocks helps foster inclusivity, acceptance, and appreciation for the multiplicity of ways people express themselves through their appearance. A man can be defined by his qualities, behaviour, and attributes and not the kind of hairstyle he has.

The Plaiting

Plaiting, also known as braiding, refers to the process of intertwining three or more strands of hair, thread, or other flexible materials to create a woven pattern. Mostly in braiding it does not give the idea of crime, but it gives the idea of girlish behaviour and femininity. In this century, we find men going to the salon barbershops to braid their hair. In the rise LGBTQ community, the stereotype that men who braid can be considered gay and seen as they are departing from masculine norms in some African context.

Within the LGBTQ+ community, hair braiding has become a powerful tool for self-expression and empowerment. For individuals who identify as transgender, non-binary or gender-nonconforming, braiding offers a way to affirm their identity and challenge traditional notions of gender. Braids can signify personal pride, resilience, and a rejection of societal norms that restrict self-expression based on gender identity.

Braiding has a major influence from the celebrities and sport stars to the young people and the community at large. Hairstyles worn by celebrities often influence mainstream trends in hair braiding. Celebrities who showcase braided hairstyles in public appearances or on social media platforms can inspire individuals to try similar looks. Due to the strength of social media to the young people, they may be highly influenced. Social media is one of the day-to-day activities that people engage in and has strong impacts.

Braids can signify personal pride, resilience, and a rejection of societal norms that restrict self-expression based on gender identity.

The Influence

Fashion carries the day in influencing men to braid. In hair braiding styles, fashion plays a significant role. Popular celebrities, social media influencers, and fashion runways all contribute to the trends in braided hairstyles. For example, certain types of braids may become trendy due to their appearance in movies, TV shows, or on social media platforms. Male celebrities and public figures often set trends with their hairstyles. When well-known figures, such as actors, musicians, or athletes, sport braided hairstyles, it can popularize the look among their fan base and beyond. Fashion shows and influencers in the fashion industry frequently highlight unique hairstyles, including braids, as part of their aesthetic. The fashion industry platforms can introduce new braiding techniques and styles that appeal to fashion-forward men looking to express themselves through their hair. Some braids men prefer are the cornrows, French braids, twist among others.

When well-known figures, such as actors, musicians, or athletes, sport braided hairstyles, it can popularize the look among their fan base and beyond.

The perception that braids might lead to a loss of masculinity is typically rooted in traditional gender norms and stereotypes that associate certain hairstyles with femininity or masculinity. However, this perspective is increasingly outdated and culturally biased. The perception that braids diminish masculinity is a stereotype that overlooks the diversity of personal expressions related to hairstyles. As attitudes towards gender expression continue to evolve, hairstyles like braids are increasingly celebrated for their versatility and cultural significance, rather than judged based on outdated notions of masculinity. A man can be defined by his qualities, behaviour, and attributes and not the kind of hairstyle he has.