At a London pub, two dozen young fathers sit in near silence, concentrating as they weave strands of hair on mannequin heads into fishtail braids. This is Pints and Ponytails, a workshop where dads learn to style their daughters' hair, aiming to ease morning routines and strengthen bonds. The wholesome clips went viral, but soon drew mockery from misogynistic influencer Andrew Tate, who called the men 'cucks.' The founders quickly rebutted, framing the criticism as a compliment to their mission.
What Does It Mean to Be a Girl Dad?
The term 'girl dad' was popularized by the late Kobe Bryant, father to four daughters. In a 2018 interview, he said, 'Girls are amazing… I would have five more girls if I could. I’m a girl dad.' After his death, the clip sparked the #GirlDad movement—a celebration of fathers rejecting emotional distance. Today, the slogan adorns T-shirts and trucker hats, but some view it as performative. Meanwhile, the manosphere has targeted proud girl dads as a punching bag.
Progressive Fatherhood in Action
Mathew Lewis-Carter and Lawrence Price, co-hosts of The Secret Lives of Dads podcast, are at the forefront of this movement. They argue that being called 'submissive' by Tate aligns with their message of breaking stereotypes. 'If Andrew Tate calls us out, we’re doing the right work,' says Price. Matthew Krekeler, host of Girl Dad Nation, embraces the term as representing fathers 'invested in their girls' lives.' He notes that some men express disappointment at having only daughters, but his daughters bring out sensitivity and share interests like working on cars.
Lewis-Carter and Price challenge the 'Homer Simpson' stereotype of incompetent dads. They plan a 'Periods and Ponytails' event to tackle traditionally avoided topics. Dr. Rhonda Mattox, a psychiatrist, sees the label as a celebration of the softer side dads show with daughters, though she warns it may over-congratulate men for basic parenting. Yet, with women doing far more childcare, using the term might encourage greater involvement.
Ultimately, being a proud girl dad is about showing up—learning braids, wearing the T-shirt, and inspiring others. As Price puts it, 'If you’re a girl dad, you’re just so freaking proud.'
