Blokes get ready to braid as fathers step up their hairstyling game

A VIRAL video has sparked a worldwide movement encouraging fathers to learn how to style their daughter’s hair.

Geelong’s Parent Thread in collaboration with Strong Dads Geelong will host its first Blokes and Braids afternoon in May, helping men build confidence in their hair styling capabilities.

The idea came after Parent Thread founder Eleisha Casañas saw how well received the original event, Pints and Ponytails in London, was received.

“The video went around on social media and a few people sent it to me and some of the other partners that we’re working with, and we were like that just looks like such a fun opportunity and a way to create a really awesome space for dads to connect,” Casañas said.

The event will allow dads and father figures to come together to learn and practice simple hairstyles.

As modern fathers continue to become more involved in their children’s lives, practical skills are essential, Casañas said.

“It’s really empowering for dads to be like ‘I’ve got this’ and play that role, rather than it always falling to the mothers,” she said.

“Doing you child’s hair is one-on-one time. It’s something that’s enjoyable to do together and it’s a caregiving thing as well.

“It’s a space for connecting and helping dads to create more of those moments with their families.”

Casañas hopes men from across the region will benefit from the low-pressure afternoon and take the opportunity build important friendships in a world where parenting can feel isolating.

Working with Simon Moore from Strong Dads Geelong to bring the event to life was important to Casañas.

“For dads to have a dad facilitator there really creates a welcoming space,” she said.

“He brings a lot of knowledge and experience in working with dads and supporting them, so I love that he is really keen to be involved.”

Support for the event has already been strong and Casañas is expecting to host another later in the year.

Blokes and Braids will be held on Saturday 2 May at 3pm at Where You Meet thanks to a generous partnership with the venue. This is an adult’s only event for fathers and father figures to learn hair skills in a communal setting. Head to Humanitix to register to attend.

Parent Thread secured funding through Geelong Connected Communities to bring the Blokes and Braids event to life.