The ‘Pints and Ponytails’ movement is making waves in Napanee, with its latest event, Braids and Brews, scheduled for May 7, 2026, at the Loaf n’ Ale. This initiative is not just about hair; it represents a significant cultural shift in fatherhood, emphasizing emotional availability and active participation in parenting among fathers.
Originally conceived as a way to teach dads how to style their daughters’ hair in a relaxed setting, the movement has blossomed into a broader conversation about masculinity. It serves as a counterpoint to traditional notions of masculinity and the often toxic narratives found in the manosphere.
Organized by fatherhood communities like The Secret Life of Dads, the Braids and Brews event aims to equip fathers with practical skills while also promoting men’s mental health. Tickets for this unique experience are priced at $15, with $5 from each ticket going to HeadsUpGuys, a men’s mental health organization.
Participants can look forward to a fun-filled day that includes a ‘braid off’ competition, fostering camaraderie and a sense of community among dads. As Dr. Pallavi Chaturvedi points out, when caregiving and emotional labor are not solely associated with mothers, children begin to recognize these as essential life skills.
Ketika Kapoor adds that this movement quietly rewires masculinity, steering it away from emotional restraint and towards active participation in family life. Harpreet Singh Grover emphasizes the importance of involved fatherhood, stating, “For children to grow up to be loving and capable, the more involved the father is, the better.”
The Pints and Ponytails movement reflects a growing recognition that being a ‘good dad’ today encompasses much more than just providing; it involves participating in the emotional and practical aspects of parenting.
As this movement gains traction, it highlights a shift in societal expectations surrounding fatherhood. The emphasis on emotional support and caregiving is changing the narrative, making it clear that fathers are just as capable of nurturing as mothers.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding future events and expansions of the movement, but the positive impact of Pints and Ponytails is already evident in the community.
