MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A salon owner is preparing to offer “Father and Me” classes to teach dads of daughters some basic hair care and styling techniques.
Salon owner and licensed instructor Anya Parker plans to teach the classes, beginning next month.
Parent Antwuan Williams has three daughters, aged 10, 2, and 11 months.
When mom is not free to do their hair, he gives it the old college try.
“Yes, yes, quite a few times. She will go to school with the night-before hair style. You know, try to spruce it up a little bit,” Williams said.
Fortunately, for Williams and other dads, Parker gets it.
“I have three daughters, and their father basically doesn’t know anything about hair. So when I’m gone, I’m getting the calls, ‘Okay, well, who’s going to do the ponytails?'”
She is gearing up to offer classes to teach dads the basics, like ponytails, twisting, shampooing, and braiding. She will also explain what products are safe to use.
“I want to braid. I want to know how to braid. I want to go all out the roof with it, have her coming out all kinds of hair styles. Make her think she went to the beauty shop, but her daddy did it,” Williams said.
In a city with its share of juvenile problems, and at times, absent parents, Parker has already had a few dads sign up.
She said better hair styles are a bonus, but the real beauty is in the time spent.
“Predominantly in this neighborhood, a lot of the fathers may not be looked at in the right light, but there are some really good fathers who are in their child’s life, and that needs to be seen,” Parker said.
“Even when I’ve had the failed attempts at doing my daughter’s hair, you know, it’s funny. You talk. You laugh. Y’all playing around. So, it’s definitely a good experience and help you grow close to your daughter,” Williams said.
Parker plans to offer the first class on August 1st. She expects classes will run about three hours and cost $19. You may call 210-6637 for more information.
