Dads are not usually the first people to come to mind when it’s time to do their children’s hair.
But, it can be a bonding experience between a child and their father as they tackle the tedious process of washing hair and styling it together. While it’s typical for the mother or woman in the household to take on the responsibility, more men are embracing doing their children’s hair.
The #dadsdohairtoo hashtag was created to normalize fathers as their children’s hair stylists.
Thousands of videos and images of dads combing, brushing, washing, and completing different hairstyles are pictured throughout the hashtag. The joy coming from kids after seeing how their dad styled their hair will always be an Instagram-worthy moment.
In honor of Father’s Day, NaturallyCurly spoke with a few dads about their experience styling their children’s hair.
Dad’s Talk Haircare
1. Wilfred Rivera – @_jrrivera
What has been your experience doing your child’s hair?
Since the beginning of trying to make a neat ponytail, I have had a huge learning curve. Now, it’s getting my daughters’ baby hair correct and even doing a few styles. After being divorced, I had to learn to do my daughter’s and son’s hair, which was a blessing in disguise. So many great conversations and memories have come from the opportunities to do my kids’ hair and show up as best I can.
What lessons have you learned while experiencing this hair care journey with them?
Getting a neat ponytail takes a lot of repetition, and not all hair care products give you what they say. Also, I learned not to be afraid to start over in the middle of a hairdo. There’s value in getting my kids’ hair done correctly and seeing my daughter smile when it’s done right.
What advice would you share with other fathers learning to style their kids’ hair?
Take the time to talk to your child and let them know you’re a beginner. Be open to the suggestions of others, which, for me, was on the Internet. Find products that help you get the job done, keep getting the repetition in, and enjoy the process!
2. Jason Dunnigan – @the_modern_dad
What is your child’s favorite hairstyle to create?
My boys are simple. They just want their hair combed and clean. We use a matte pomade and then some firm/strong-holding hairspray. The girls are more adventurous. My older daughter lets me try new braids all the time. Our favorite is usually a Dutch braid; she even lets me do a crown braid.
With my youngest daughter, you have to say it’s a character like Skye (from “Paw Patrol”) or Gabby (from “Gabby’s Dollhouse”) and then try to make it resemble that the best you can. I am not the best with rubber bands, but I have been practicing and have been able to do more with my younger daughter’s hair because that’s what she prefers.
What lessons have you learned while experiencing this hair care journey with them?
I knew the importance of keeping their hair clean, but fresh cuts help, too. Whenever I wash my girls’ hair, I not only wash and condition it but also let them know what I am doing and explain what it will do for them. “Okay, we are going to do conditioner now so that we don’t have any troubles when combing.” Plus, I try to teach them how much to use and how to do it themselves.
Also, it’s just hair. If they want to try something—go for it! My boys wanted to bleach, and I figured, what the heck! Let’s do it! They talked me into it, and I will forever remember when we all bleached our hair together.
What advice would you share with other fathers learning to style their kids’ hair?
You’ve got this! It’s a process that takes practice, but I promise you that the time you spend with your kids while you do their hair will be remembered. Start basic with a bun or ponytail, then work your way up. The only way you are going to get better is if you practice.
Have conversations with your kids as you do their hair. It’s not always going to be perfect, but that’s okay. You will get better. Your kids will be proud to say, “Yeah, my dad did my hair today,” instead of people looking and obviously knowing that their dad did it.
3. Andre Archer – @andrearcherjunior
How would you describe your journey doing your child’s hair?
My experience has been an exciting learning journey. I’ve had to discover what works and what doesn’t, learn about my daughter’s hair texture, and how to “part” it correctly. Each time I do her hair, I gain more confidence as I build my skills. It’s been very rewarding. I love it when people think her mom did her hair, but it was me!
What has doing their hair taught you about yourself as a parent?
Doing my daughter’s hair has taught me I can take on new challenges and succeed. It has created a special bond, allowing us to share moments that normally only moms have. Additionally, it has relieved some pressure from my wife. We can now share the responsibility of hair care. This shared responsibility has taught me that dads are capable if we try.
What advice would you share with other fathers learning to style their kids’ hair?
Just do it—watch videos and practice what you see. Find hairstyles you think you can do and build from there, gradually taking on more complex styles as you gain confidence. Be patient with yourself and your child; it takes time to get it right.
Remember that anything you set your mind to, you can do. Being involved in your child’s hair care creates lasting memories and bonding moments that will be cherished by both you and your child forever.
Looking for kid-friendly hairstyles to try? Check out 15 curly styles perfect for all ages.
