Braiding the hair of a male.
Q. I wanted to find out if muslim females can braid or plait the hair of males. I usually plait my nephew-in-law’s hair and I don’t want to be doing something that is Haram so I’ll appreciate it if you could kindly confirm whether this is Haram or not.
A. First of all, the Prophet (S.A.S) has cursed those men who adopt the styles/fashions of women and has cursed those women who adopt the styles/fashions of men. Based on this, it is established that since the act of braiding and plaiting one’s hair is the practice of females, it would not be permissible for men to adopt this style. The same will be the ruling for wearing earrings, etc.
Seeing that the braiding and plaiting of the male’s hair is one which is not permissible, it means that if you help your nephew in law braid his hair, then you are actually assisting him in doing that which is not allowed in Islam. Hence, you must stay away from this.
And Allah knows best.
Mufti Waseem Khan