West Lothian mum launches hair workshops for dads and daughters

A dedicated hair stylist in West Lothian is empowering dads to learn essential hair care skills for their daughters.

The number of fathers signing up is rising, with sessions designed to build confidence and foster strong bonds between girls and their dads.

The classes at The Braid Bar in Bathgate teach parents how to brush and care for long hair and master styles such as ponytails and plaits.

Mum Sarah Eaton said Bonnie Braids began as a hobby in 2023.

“My daughters are 11 and nine and have lovely long hair, which I always braid.

“One day I decided to give them red hair braids. I put a picture up on Facebook and it went bananas.”

Sarah began delivering lessons to locals in her kitchen before launching workshops in the community in 2024.

With the popularity of her classes growing, she is also planning to launch online lessons to connect with her global audience.

“Usually it’s much easier for girls default to mum for hair. Generally, dads have shorter hair so they never had to learn to brush it.

“It’s wonderful that dads can learn these skills so their daughters can come to them in the morning instead.”

Dads learning hair basics at West Lothian workshops STV News

“By the end they can do a three-strand plait, they get a certificate and the kids are so happy. They have a great time.”

At its heart, the sessions are about connection as much as skill.

“We always suggest to practice at bedtime rather than the school rush so it doesn’t matter if it’s a mess,” Sarah said.

“If the dads take time to sit and braid their daughters hair, they can chat and ask them about their day. It makes them feel so much closer to their child.

“It’s a bonding experience.”

Dad David Kane attended the class with his daughter STV News

Among those taking part is David Kane, who says he signed up to better support his daughter.

“I really always struggled with her hair. It’s hard to do.

“Girls just do it naturally, so it’s quite hard to show someone how to do it if you do it all the time.

“I finally gave up and went online to book it. People in her school started commenting that her hair was a bit messy. I don’t want to be a parent responsible for that, so it was time to learn.”

Another dad was gifted lessons from his wife.

“It’s definitely a life skill I don’t have, doing my daughters hair. It’s a bonding experience and I’d pick something up. It sounds like it’s going to be time well spent.”