A growing trend in parenting sees dads learning hair styling skills to bond with their daughters
Category: Arts & Culture
In a heartwarming twist on traditional fatherhood, the Pints and Ponytails movement is taking root across various parts of the globe, encouraging dads to embrace their caregiving roles in new and meaningful ways. This initiative, which originated from a simple yet powerful idea, has sparked a series of events where fathers gather to learn the art of hairstyling—an activity that transcends mere aesthetics and examines into the core of modern parenting.
On a recent evening at the Lucky Saint pub in Marylebone, London, over 30 fathers gathered not for a sports event, but to learn how to braid hair. Under the guidance of professional stylists from Braid Maidens, attendees practiced everything from basic ponytails to more complex braids, all the whilst enjoying drinks and camaraderie. This gathering, dubbed Pints and Ponytails, has quickly gained traction, with video clips of the event amassing more than nine million views worldwide, earning praise for its refreshing approach to fatherhood.
Mathew Lewis-Carter and Lawrence Price, the creators of the Pints and Ponytails concept and hosts of The Secret Life of Dads podcast, initiated this movement as a response to the traditional views of masculinity and fatherhood. "We didn’t mean this to happen at the same time," Mathew said, referring to the growing awareness of toxic masculinity in society. "You’ve got dads showing up who want to learn a new skill to deepen connections with their daughters. If you get five extra minutes with your girl, it can have a tremendous effect on them and the person they become." Their approach is seen as an antidote to the often hyper-masculine narratives prevalent in many online spaces today.
The appeal of Pints and Ponytails lies not just in the hairstyling but also in the community it fosters. As Lawrence noted, the environment encourages men to share their struggles and experiences in a non-judgmental setting. "There’s no judgment," he explained. "No one knows your backstory. You’re all just dads." This aspect of vulnerability and openness is particularly important in a culture where men often feel pressured to conform to rigid standards of masculinity.
Meanwhile, the movement is not limited to the UK. In Napanee, Canada, the upcoming Brews and Braids event on May 7 at the Loaf n' Ale aims to teach dads and other caregivers how to style hair, addressing a common struggle many face during chaotic mornings. Hosted by Bloom & Capture Co., the event includes a workshop led by local hairdresser Jess Dainard, where participants can practice on mannequin heads or even bring their children along. Tickets are priced at $15, with a portion going to HeadsUpGuys, a charity focused on men's mental health.
Robyn Mae, the owner of Bloom & Capture Co., shared her inspiration for the event, which was influenced by the Pints and Ponytails gatherings in the UK. “I had a local father reach out to me and ask if this was something I could ever put together,” Mae recounted. “I had been working on it, and I believe it’s in the UK where there is a group of dads that have created a group called Pints and Ponytails.” This initiative is part of a broader trend where modern fathers are stepping up to take on traditionally maternal roles, fostering stronger bonds with their children.
Experts in parenting highlight the significance of these small acts of caregiving. Dr. Pallavi Chaturvedi, a parenting coach and founder of Get Set Parent, emphasized that when fathers engage in daily caregiving rituals, it helps children experience them as emotionally available figures. “When such caregiving and emotional labor are not limited to mothers, children begin to see these as life skills,” she explained. This shift benefits daughters and helps sons understand that empathy and emotional expression are strengths.
In India, a similar cultural shift is underway. Traditionally, fatherhood in the country has been associated with provision and authority, with caregiving tasks often relegated to mothers. Yet, as millennial and Gen Z fathers challenge these norms, there is a growing recognition of the importance of shared parenting responsibilities. Harpreet Singh Grover, a parenting researcher and founder of The Curious Parent, noted that both mothers and fathers are increasingly willing to question traditional parenting methods. “Parenting is becoming harder for both mothers and fathers. But today, both are willing to step back and question the way parenting was done earlier,” he said.
As Indian fathers begin to participate more actively in their children's lives, they are redefining their roles and creating a more balanced approach to caregiving. Workshops that teach fathers the basics of child-rearing, including emotional communication and responsive parenting, are becoming more common. These sessions aim to break down stereotypes and equip fathers with the skills needed to engage meaningfully with their children.
The Pints and Ponytails movement is emblematic of a larger cultural shift toward more engaged fatherhood. Both Mathew and Lawrence, through their events, are paving the way for fathers to embrace vulnerability and connection, moving away from the constraints of traditional masculinity. They believe that by fostering open conversations and teaching practical skills, they can help create a generation of fathers who are present and emotionally available.
As the movement continues to gain momentum, it serves as a reminder that fatherhood is not just about provision but also about nurturing emotional bonds. The Pints and Ponytails initiative, along with similar events around the world, is helping to redefine what it means to be a father in the modern age, encouraging men to embrace their roles as caregivers and emotional supporters.
With plans to expand the Pints and Ponytails concept beyond London, Mathew and Lawrence are exploring ways to replicate the event's unique atmosphere in other locations. They hope to inspire fathers everywhere to engage with their children in meaningful ways, reinforcing the idea that being a dad is not just a title but a commitment to emotional availability and connection. As Lawrence poignantly stated, “Once you have the bravery to open up and talk to one another, it’s incredible what happens.”