Dads Gather in Pubs to Master Hair Plaiting
Two friends from the UK have launched a novel concept that is taking the parenting world by storm: teaching dads how to plait hair over a pint. Matthew Carter and Lawrence Price, best friends and fathers, started 'Pints and Ponytails' events in February 2026 to help dads learn to do their daughters' hair. The events, held in pubs across the UK, have become so popular that tickets sell out within ten minutes, and inquiries have come in from as far as Mumbai and Los Angeles.
The first event took place at the Lucky Saint pub on Devonshire Street, Marylebone, with a small group of ten dads. Hair specialists Braid Maidens provided the tutorials, using mannequins for practice. According to Carter, the dads not only learned a new skill but also opened up about the challenges of fatherhood. The initiative has since grown, with the founders now hosting tutorials themselves and planning more events nationwide.
An Antidote to the Manosphere
Mat Carter, 37, from southwest London, explained the inspiration behind the events: 'I dropped my daughter off at school, and her hair was an absolute mess. It looked like she had been dragged through a bush backwards.' He wanted to create a space where dads could learn practical skills and connect. The response has been remarkable, with dads from Mumbai to LA asking how to set up similar events.
The events have also drawn attention from figures like Andrew Tate, with some negative comments from manosphere influencers. However, Carter sees this as a positive sign. 'His version of masculinity is a dying form of masculinity and is something that we don’t align ourselves with. It's all ego and misogyny, and it is the complete opposite of what we have seen from the dads at the events,' he said.
Lawrence Price, 42, from Hampshire, added: 'People have said that we are the antidote to the manosphere. We feel like it is a huge responsibility we hold now to guide the ship in the right direction.' The duo believes that modern dads want to step up and redefine masculinity in a positive way.
Breaking Stereotypes and Building Community
Mat Carter emphasized that the events are about more than just hair. 'At a time where boys are being labelled toxic before they have even entered the world, and there is this notion that men don’t talk, I think it is just completely false. We have found that dads can talk, they just need a safe space to do it.'
The classes cost £35 per ticket, which includes a free beer and the tutorial. Upcoming events are scheduled in Cardiff, Bristol, and Bournemouth. Carter noted that dads are spending twice as much time with their children as previous generations, and they want to take on more responsibilities to ease the burden on mothers.
The founders see the initiative as a way to break down old stereotypes. 'It is a traditionally feminine task as well, so we are breaking down old stereotypes and allowing dads to come into this space. We are still learning, and we are not perfect parents, but we are trying to be just slightly better for the next generation,' Carter concluded.
