Single Dad Learns How To Do Daughter's Hair, Starts Class To Teach Others
PUEBLO, Colo. (CBS4) - A Colorado man has brought his solution to one of life's greatest struggles to the masses through daddy-daughter hairstyle classes in Pueblo.
When a bald-headed Greg Wickherst became a full-time single father, he knew he didn't want his daughter growing up with unfashionable hair.
Luckily, his job at a college in Pueblo that teaches Cosmetology gave him access to students with hair styling skills. He asked for a tutorial on ponytails, braids, and buns, and then went home to practice with his daughter.
Wickherst began posting photos of different hairstyles, leading him to build a Facebook page offering tutorials and photos of the different hairstyles he creates.
Through this page, Wickherst was able to connect with other dads across the country that have perfected the art of styling their daughters' hair. One father in Florida was originally hesitant to tell people he does his daughter's hair, but after winning a contest of Wickherst's began showing off the hairstyles.
This is how Daddy Daughter Hair Factory, a group of dads who hold hairstyling classes across the country, was formed. The core six dads communicate daily and coordinate the start of new classes all over the place.
While fathers are of course gaining valuable daughter skills, the classes also offer another opportunity for parents to bond with their children.
As Wickherst puts it, "we aren't trying to show advanced skills or to create a perfect braid or bun. We want to be able to help build bonds between the parents and kids."
Each of the classes across the country uses some sort of partnership within the community. In Pueblo, Wickherst holds monthly classes through Catholic Charities, who already offer parenting classes. His class is a little different in that he allows moms -- many, he found through his Facebook page, would like to learn braiding.
At first, Wickherst said he was nervous about having the girls sit for an hour and a half as he instructs tutorials and then parents repeat. It proved not to be a problem, though, as the daughters enjoyed the attention from their fathers.
Daddy Daughter Hair Factory is now working on a deal with a hair product company to provide supplies for startup classes, in addition to the instructions and lesson materials they send to those looking to begin hairstyle classes in their community.
Wickherst's next class is May 21 at Catholic Charities in Pueblo. Parents can register by calling 719-586-8623.
He added that he is also hoping to claim a national holiday that honors dads who do their daughters' hair. It would be called National Real Men Braid Hair Day.