Singapore dads launch 'Dads and Braids' workshop to master daughters' hairstyles

In Singapore, a unique workshop called 'Dads and Braids' is empowering fathers to master the art of hairstyling for their daughters, fostering a deeper connection and shared responsibility in childcare.

Founded by longtime friends and stay-at-home dads Jeggan Rajendram and Rukshan Chiththananda, the initiative was born from personal experiences. Rajendram, who left a high-ranking role at Meta, found himself unable to style his young daughters' hair during a trip, leading to a sense of inadequacy and his daughter's disappointment.

Similarly, Chiththananda, who transitioned to being a stay-at-home dad after leaving a career in health tech, began learning hairstyling to manage his own daughter's needs. Inspired by overseas workshops like 'Pints and Ponytails,' they created 'Dads and Braids' to provide a supportive environment for other fathers.

Each 1.5-hour session involves fathers practicing simple hairstyles such as ponytails and braids on mannequin heads. The workshop provides all necessary tools and accessories, alongside a tutorial sheet. The founders aim to equip fathers with the skills to confidently style their daughters' hair, proving that childcare tasks are not exclusive to mothers and can be a source of bonding and shared family effort.

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Throughout the trip, all I could manage was a messy ponytail. I could sense my daughter, who’s used to showing off beautiful hairstyles done by my wife and our helper, was slightly disappointed.