Tanzania’s Zanzibar has banned men from braiding their hair, and those caught face a fine of Sh1 million($409), six months imprisonment, or both.
Dr. Omar Adam, the executive secretary of the Council of Arts, Film, and Culture in Zanzibar, told local media outlet that this move is designed to protect Zanzibar tradition and culture.
“Police will arrest all men who plait hair; this is not acceptable by the arts council, and there is a special permit for plaiting hair, which is Sh1 million, and we have set that price in order to deter them. Now it is your choice to either pay Sh1 million to plait or buy a razor to shave,” said Dr. Omar.
The law has been in existence since 2015 but has not been implemented. Omar, however, did not state whether it would apply to foreign visitors.
