London Dads Launch 'Pints & Ponytails' as Antidote to Manosphere Culture
In a London pub, a group of fathers recently gathered not for typical banter, but to learn how to braid hair while opening up about the challenges of modern parenting. This is the essence of Pints & Ponytails, a workshop series created by best friends Mathew Carter, 37, and Lawrence Price, 42, which has quickly become a phenomenon, selling out events in minutes and attracting millions of online views.
A Safe Space for Fatherhood Conversations
When Mat and Lawrence first conceived the idea, they envisioned more than just a hair tutorial. Both became new fathers around the same time and struggled significantly with their mental health post-birth. "As dads, we felt as though there wasn't the space to come forward and talk about what we were going through," Mat explains. He observes a "real seismic shift in fatherhood" today, where emotional availability and vocabulary are demanded in ways previous generations did not experience.
The workshop format is deliberately simple yet effective:
- 20 to 30 men meet in pubs across London.
- They enjoy a pint or two while learning hair braiding techniques from the stylist collective Braid Maidens.
- Conversations flow naturally without forced prompts, covering topics from parenting stress to personal struggles.
So far, three events have been hosted, with a fourth scheduled. Tickets at £35 each are highly sought after, especially after a video of the inaugural meet-up garnered over 25 million views.
Confronting Toxic Masculinity
In a surprising twist, the workshop caught the attention of self-proclaimed misogynist Andrew Tate, who publicly questioned the participants' masculinity. Mat and Lawrence, both fathers to daughters, responded by proudly stating that the men involved represent the "antithesis of the manosphere." The second workshop sold out in under ten minutes, demonstrating strong demand for such positive spaces.
Plans are now underway to expand Pints & Ponytails across the UK, with social media followers requesting workshops for different hair types. "We want to shine a positive light on dads," the founders emphasize, highlighting their decade-long friendship and mutual support through fatherhood.
Personal Journeys Through Postnatal Depression
Both founders have faced significant mental health challenges. Mat was diagnosed with postnatal depression during his first year as a father, feeling disconnected from his daughter and wife despite outward appearances of success. "I threw myself into running long distances, marathons, anything to outrun what I couldn't quite understand," he recalls. It was only upon discovering that fathers can also experience postnatal depression that everything made sense.
Similarly, Lawrence developed chronic anxiety after becoming a dad, experiencing his first panic attack during a work event. He coped by overworking to provide financial security, which ultimately led to a heightened state of stress. Through mindfulness and breathwork, he found a path to recovery. These experiences inspired them to start a podcast, The Secret Life of Dads, to explore fatherhood roles more deeply.
Participants Share Transformative Experiences
Ed Trippier, a father of two, describes trying to manage his six-year-old daughter's hair as "listening to white hot screams." He attended Pints & Ponytails seeking more involvement in his children's lives and appreciated the break from the usual "nodding acquaintances" at school gates. "The guy at the school gate is going through the same thing you are," he notes, enjoying the camaraderie and pride each dad showed in their braiding efforts.
His brother, Alex Trippier, also attended, despite his daughter being 17. He highlighted the importance of such events in building dad networks, noting that mothers often naturally connect, while fathers struggle to form friendships based solely on parenting. "Anything that encourages dads to build relationships with other dads is awesome," he says, adding that discussions often extend to broader men's issues, like fertility challenges.
At the end of each workshop, dads write on post-it notes what they'll take away. One poignant message read: "My daughter says my hands are too big, but tomorrow I'm going to show her a new skill I've learned." This encapsulates the workshop's impact—fostering connection, skill-building, and emotional growth among fathers.
Understanding Postnatal Depression in Men
Postnatal depression affects approximately 1 in 10 new fathers, typically peaking within the first year after birth. Factors such as lifestyle changes, increased responsibilities, fatigue, stress, and financial pressures can trigger it. Key symptoms include:
- Feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
- Constant exhaustion or emotional numbness.
- Difficulty coping with daily tasks.
- Guilt over not feeling happy or competent.
- Anxiety and panic attacks.
Pints & Ponytails addresses these issues head-on, offering a supportive community where fathers can share experiences without judgment. As the movement grows, it stands as a beacon against toxic online cultures, promoting healthier, more connected fatherhood in London and beyond.
