‘Pints & Ponytails’: London dads gather in pub to learn how to braid their daughters’ hair

On a recent evening in London, a pub filled not with football fans or quiz teams but with fathers holding hairbrushes and mannequin heads. Around 35 dads gathered for a workshop called “Pints & Ponytails,” an event designed to teach them how to braid their daughters’ hair.

The event was hosted at the Lucky Saint pub in London, where professional stylists guided participants through basic braiding techniques. What began as a practical lesson soon became something more meaningful, as the fathers shared parenting stories, laughter and a few awkward first attempts at braiding. The unusual event quickly gained attention online, where many praised it as a heartwarming example of modern fatherhood.

How the idea for ‘Pints & Ponytails’ came together in a London Pub

The concept behind the event was simple: create a relaxed setting where fathers could learn a useful skill while connecting with other dads. Organisers from Secret Life of Dads say the idea grew from conversations within their community about everyday parenting tasks many fathers want to take part in but often feel unsure about.The event was organised in less than three weeks, yet interest was immediate. Dozens of fathers signed up, eager not only to learn braiding techniques but also to meet others navigating similar parenting experiences.

A representative from Secret Life of Dads explained the thinking behind the gathering. “We wanted to show that parenting skills are not fixed by tradition,” organisers said the event was intended to show that parenting skills should not be limited by traditional expectations. “Many dads want to be involved in every part of their children’s lives, including the small routines before school or family outings. Something as simple as learning to braid hair can become a meaningful moment between a father and his daughter.

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Turning a pub into a braiding classroom

To guide the session, professional stylists from Braid Maidens, a London-based braiding service, were invited to teach the fundamentals of hair styling.They demonstrated techniques step by step, starting with basic hair preparation before moving on to simple plaits and ponytails. Mannequin heads were placed on tables so participants could practise without the pressure of styling their children’s hair.For many fathers in the room, the experience was unfamiliar.

Some admitted they had rarely handled a hairbrush beyond quickly detangling hair.Stylists from Braid Maidens emphasised that the aim of the workshop was confidence rather than perfection. One stylist told participants that braiding improves with practice. “The first braid is always the hardest,” she said during the session. “Once you understand how the sections move, it becomes something you can practise every morning.”

From nervous laughter to open conversations

The workshop began with nervous humour as fathers attempted their first braids. Strands of synthetic hair slipped through unfamiliar fingers, and uneven plaits sparked laughter across the room.As the evening progressed, the mood shifted. Conversations moved beyond hair styling into the broader realities of parenting. Fathers shared stories about school mornings, bedtime routines and the everyday challenges of raising children.Organisers from Secret Life of Dads say these conversations are central to the purpose of such events. Their organisation aims to create spaces where fathers can speak openly about their experiences, something that traditional social settings for men do not always encourage.“Events like this allow dads to talk about things they might not normally discuss,” the group explained. “Once the initial awkwardness fades, people start sharing stories about their children, their worries and the small victories of everyday parenting.”The story soon reached a wider audience after photos and videos from the gathering circulated online. Many responses described the event as a positive symbol of changing expectations around fatherhood. Commenters noted that tasks like braiding hair may seem small but often become meaningful rituals for children.Others shared personal memories of parents helping them prepare for school or special occasions, highlighting how everyday moments can leave lasting impressions.

The debate around modern fatherhood

Although the reaction was largely positive, the viral post also sparked a small debate about changing gender roles in parenting.One critic described the scene as “poignantly sad,” suggesting it reflected shifting expectations for men. However, this view was rare compared with the broader wave of support the event received.Researchers studying family life note that fatherhood has evolved significantly in recent decades.

Many modern fathers now take active roles in caregiving tasks that earlier generations often associated mainly with mothers.Events like “Pints & Ponytails” reflect that shift by encouraging fathers to take part in everyday routines rather than dividing responsibilities along traditional lines.Although the workshop focused on braiding hair, organisers say its deeper value lies in everyday rituals that shape relationships between parents and children.Morning routines, school preparations and bedtime moments often provide the most consistent opportunities for parents to connect with their children. Taking part in these small tasks can strengthen emotional bonds and create memories that last for years.By the end of the evening, many fathers had produced braids they felt confident enough to try at home. More importantly, they left with new friendships, shared experiences and a reminder that parenting does not require perfection, only presence.For the dads who attended, the evening was less about mastering a hairstyle and more about embracing the small acts of care that children remember long after the braid itself has been undone.