The scent of hairspray mixes with the faint aroma of beer in the Wirtshaus Fux in Munich. Twenty bald plastic mannequin heads, adorned with long, flowing locks, stand ready for their transformation. Around them, a group of fathers, some looking a little bewildered, others determined, are about to embark on a journey that goes far beyond mastering a simple ponytail.
From London’s ‘Pints and Ponytails’ to Munich’s ‘Dads do Hair’
It’s Monday evening, and these fathers are united by a common desire: to be able to do more than just a lopsided ponytail for their daughters. Their guide on this follicular adventure is hairdresser Anita Erdmann, the mastermind behind Munich’s ‘Dads do Hair’ workshop. The concept, originally a viral social media sensation from London known as ‘Pints and Ponytails’, has found fertile ground in Bavaria.
“Is that a bun?” a father asks uncertainly, pointing to a picture of a girl with two symmetrical hair knots. “Almost – those are Space Buns,” Erdmann clarifies. The other men chuckle, not out of mockery, but relief that they weren’t the ones asked. In just an hour and a half, Erdmann aims to teach them six different hairstyles, all while fostering a relaxed atmosphere, perhaps aided by a refreshing beer to ease any initial frustrations.
Erdmann initially considered it a “fun project,” expecting to fill a course perhaps once every two months. The reality, however, has far exceeded her expectations. All eight initial courses were quickly booked solid, and there are no available slots until the Wiesn (Oktoberfest). “I really never expected it to take off like this,” she admits, a hint of surprise still in her voice.
More Than Just Braids: Relief for Mothers, Time with Daughters
For Erdmann, the workshop’s impact extends far beyond the intricate braids and bubble braids. “It’s only positive: the mothers are relieved, the dads have a cool evening with other dads and learn cool hairstyles. And the daughters benefit the most, of course, because they can share this moment with their dad.”
The overwhelming response has even surprised Erdmann herself. Approximately 90 percent of inquiries come directly from fathers. Many share stories of their daily struggles, expressing a desire to help their daughters get ready in the mornings but often feeling overwhelmed by the task of hairstyling. “I get messages from dads saying, ‘Finally! I’m desperate every day. I really want to be able to do this.’ That’s what I find most beautiful.”
From Ponytails to the ‘Final Boss’ of Braiding
The motivations of the men attending the course become clear almost immediately. Jonathan, one of the participants, radiates confidence: “I’m here today to learn how it all works, what the hairstyles are called – and to make my daughter happy.” Basti, a tradesman, can expertly braid copper cables, but admits to struggling with hair. “My daughter complains that my ponytails are always crooked and messy.”
The session begins with the most basic exercise: the ponytail. Even this proves to be a challenge for some, like Sandro, who arrived with his friend Mitja. Both are bald. “We’re both not very deep into the topic of hair. When was the last time I had hair? At 23,” Sandro laughs. His daughter is still a baby, but he believes it’s never too early to start learning.
Later, they tackle the “final boss” for many fathers: braiding. While some quickly grasp the principle, others wrestle with the three strands. “Quite complex. I imagined it would be easier,” one participant sighs. Erdmann understands this reaction. “Before my courses, I always thought braiding hair was like tying shoelaces – everyone can do it. But nine out of ten men have no idea.”
Ten Crucial Minutes in the Morning
Many participants have reported back that the effort invested in the course pays off significantly in their daily family routines. “I’ve received feedback from women saying that they simply have ten more minutes in the morning because now dad does the hair. And suddenly, mom can also leave the house on time.”
The course costs 25 euros, which includes a free drink and a goodie bag. The high demand clearly indicates a growing number of fathers who are keen to actively participate in the morning hair routine. This initiative highlights a broader European perspective on shared parenting responsibilities.
As the evening draws to a close, the fathers leave with newfound skills and a sense of accomplishment. They’ve not only learned to braid but have also discovered a new way to connect with their daughters, one strand at a time.
Source: https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/wenn-vaeter-zoepfe-flechten-muenchner-kurs-wird-zum-renner,VO3nmZ0
