Men in Women Industrial Space: Male Hairdressers of Ibadan, Nigeria.

This article examines the emerging gender dynamics in Africa’s informal economy by focusing on men’s involvement in hairdressing, a profession traditionally dominated by women, using Ibadan, Nigeria as a case study. It identifies factors such as personal interest, high unemployment, and financial necessity as key reasons men enter this female-associated trade, despite facing challenges including discrimination, seduction attempts, and social stigma rooted in cultural and religious norms. The study finds that many female clients prefer male hairdressers for their perceived professionalism and interpersonal skills, and that male hairdressers cope with challenges primarily through denial and focusing on their craft. The article highlights how economic pressures and shifting social norms are reshaping occupational gender roles in Africa’s informal sector, suggesting a need for further research on gender and informal employment in developing contexts.