What is the ruling on a man growing his hair long and braiding it, and is this considered imitation of women?

It is permissible for a man to lengthen his hair and braid it, for it has been narrated that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, had hair that reached his shoulders, and at times it grew long enough to form braids. One should observe the customs and norms of people so that his appearance does not become a cause for fame or an imitation of dissolute people. The customs regarding lengthening and cutting hair may differ among people, and the essence of this lies in intention and action.