Laughter and chatter fill the air, interspersed with focused expressions, as fathers meticulously work on synthetic hair strands. Some strive to keep their braids from unraveling, while others master the art of even hair sectioning. This is "Dads and Braids," a class founded by Jeggan Rajendram and Rukshan Chiththananda.

Launched in April, the program guides fathers through basic skills such as tying ponytails, creating pigtails, and crafting simple styles for girls. Each session runs for about 90 minutes, providing all necessary tools: combs, hair ties, accessories, and mannequin heads for hands-on practice.

The inspiration for the class came from Rajendram, 41, a father of two daughters. He decided to leave his demanding role as a senior manager at Meta after experiencing prolonged burnout. During a private trip to Sri Lanka with his elder daughter, he discovered his inadequacy in styling her long hair.

"Throughout the trip, I could only manage a clumsy ponytail," he recalled. "I sensed my daughter's disappointment at not having her usual beautiful hairstyles."

Upon returning home, Rajendram resolved to learn hair styling for his daughter. He enlisted the help of his domestic helper, who taught him step-by-step, from proper brushing techniques to tying and braiding. "I never realized there were so many techniques just for brushing hair," he commented.

Fathers in the class learning to braid their daughters' hair. Photo: CNA

Rukshan Chiththananda, 38, the program's co-founder, shared a similar experience after he became the primary caregiver for his daughter.

"I often took my daughter to school with her hair only casually brushed," he recalled. "By day's end, she would return with her hair neatly styled by her teacher. That made me realize I needed to learn more."

For several months, the two fathers independently explored simple hairstyles. Their conversations often centered on hair styling tips for their daughters whenever they met.

Eventually, other fathers expressed curiosity and a desire for guidance, leading to the idea of establishing the class.

The class aims to empower fathers with greater confidence in childcare.

"Fathers sometimes hesitate because they lack the know-how," Rukshan stated. "Often, before they can even learn, they face teasing or judgment, which discourages them from trying."

Thus, "Dads and Braids" provides a supportive environment where everyone can learn and make mistakes without fear of judgment.

During the class, many fathers spent an hour just to complete a simple braid. Some struggled with hair slipping, while others had to undo and redo their attempts multiple times.

Roy Choudhury, 42, a banker with two daughters, enrolled to change his image in his children's eyes. "My daughters often joke that if anyone bothers them, Dad will do their hair," he chuckled.

Challenging fatherhood stereotypes

For Rukshan, learning to style his daughter's hair holds a significance beyond a mere personal care skill.

Previously, he had taken for granted that women carried most of the family care responsibilities. Only after becoming a primary caregiver did he fully grasp the invisible daily workload mothers manage.

"Learning to do my daughter's hair is a small way to share that responsibility," he explained. "Fathers can and should be present in such everyday moments."

Rajendram also noticed that when he braided his daughter's hair, many expressed admiration, yet his wife performed the same task daily without any praise.

This experience highlighted the comparatively low societal expectations for fathers in childcare. "We can certainly do better," he asserted.

Inside the Dads and Braids class. Video: Instagram/jegganr

What truly satisfies Rajendram is not his improving braiding skills, but the profound shift in his relationship with his daughters.

Now, whenever they want their hair tied or a new style, his two daughters actively approach him. "It's wonderful that my daughters trust and are proud of the hairstyles Dad creates," he shared.

For Rukshan, increased involvement in daily parenting tasks has also strengthened his marriage. "Both my wife and I feel supported and have more time to spend with our children," he noted.

Beyond the perfectly braided hairstyles, the greatest satisfaction for the two founders after the classes comes from seeing more fathers readily embrace tasks traditionally associated with mothers.

Ultimately, even a clumsy braid can forge a powerful bond between a father and his daughter.

Nhat Minh (CNA)