Hairdresser Anita Erdmann is organizing workshops in Munich to teach fathers how to style their daughters' hair.
These sessions aim to break traditional caregiving stereotypes by empowering fathers to handle daily grooming tasks. By mastering these skills, fathers can contribute more equitably to childcare and strengthen their emotional bonds with their children.
The "Dads Do Hair" workshops are held in a local bar in Munich [2]. During these sessions, fathers learn the technical aspects of hairstyling, including how to create braids and ponytails [1, 2]. Each workshop lasts 90 minutes [1].
The initiative has seen significant interest from the local community. The city has already hosted its third workshop in the series [2]. Erdmann said she designed the program to provide a supportive environment where men can learn a skill that is often traditionally reserved for mothers.
By moving the learning process into a social setting like a bar, the workshops normalize the act of fathers engaging in beauty and grooming routines. This approach helps remove the stigma associated with men performing tasks typically viewed as feminine, creating a space for practical learning and peer support.
The curriculum focuses on a variety of styles to ensure fathers can manage different hair types and preferences. The goal is to transition these skills from the workshop setting into the home, reducing the grooming burden on other parents and increasing the father's active participation in the morning routine.
“The "Dads Do Hair" workshops are held in a local bar in Munich.”
The popularity of these workshops reflects a broader societal shift toward gender-neutral parenting and the dismantling of rigid domestic roles. As fathers seek more active roles in the daily emotional and physical care of their children, targeted skill-building programs like this provide the practical tools necessary to bridge the gap between the desire to help and the ability to perform specific caregiving tasks.
