“Within An Hour They’re Doing Ponytails And Plaits”: How Cork Barber Ciarán O’Sullivan Is Helping Dads Master Their Daughter’s Hair

For Cork barber Ciarán O’Sullivan, better known to many as Kiwi, that simple transformation has become one of the most rewarding parts of a unique initiative that is bringing fathers and daughters closer together across Ireland.

The Glengarriff native, who owns KiwiCutz in Cork and has built a reputation cutting the hair of members of the Irish football team, never imagined that teaching dads how to style their daughters’ hair would become such a phenomenon.

Yet through his hugely successful Pints and Ponytails events, fathers are turning up in their droves to learn skills many admit they never thought they would need.

“The reaction has been unbelievable,” said Ciarán.

“Most of the dads come in saying they haven’t a clue what they’re doing, and within an hour they’re doing ponytails, buns, plaits and bubble ponytails.”

The idea for Pints and Ponytails came from a client who had seen a similar concept abroad and suggested it could work in Ireland. At first, Ciarán thought it was simply a fun idea, but the more he considered it, the more he realised there was something deeper behind it.

“A lot of dads want to be more involved, but sometimes they just don’t know where to start,” he explained.

“Hair can feel intimidating to them, so Pints andPonytails gives them a space to learn without pressure or judgement.”

The concept struck a chord immediately.

The first event sold out. Then the second sold out. Before long, demand was coming from well beyond Cork.

For many of the fathers attending, the classes are about far more than learning how to do a plait or tie a ponytail.

There’s plenty of laughter, friendly slagging and mistakes along the way, but Ciarán says the confidence the dads gain is what stands out most.

“A lot of them leave saying they didn’t realise how much confidence they’d get from something so simple,” he said.

The feedback from families has been equally heartwarming.

One moment in particular has stayed with him.

“A proud mum sent me a picture of her husband doing their daughter’s hair the morning after one of the events, getting her ready for school,” he recalled.

“That really hit home for me, because that’s exactly what Pints and Ponytails is all about.”

For Ciarán, the initiative is not about creating perfect hairstyles.

“It’s not about creating perfect hairstyles. It’s about a dad being able to say, ‘Come here, I’ll do your hair today,’ and a little girl feeling that effort and connection.”

What has also surprised him is the sense of community that has developed around the events.

He describes them as being almost like a modern men’s shed for millennial dads, a place where fathers can come together, learn something new and enjoy each other’s company.

“You see dads opening up, chatting, laughing at themselves and realising they’re all in the same boat,” he said.

“I didn’t set it up as a mental health event, but that side has naturally come through.”

The response from mothers has been overwhelmingly positive too.

Ciarán believes that reflects the reality of modern family life, where dads are taking a much bigger role in everyday routines, from school runs and sports training to helping children get ready in the mornings.

“It might seem like a small thing, but if a dad can confidently get his daughter ready in the morning, tie her hair up for school, or sort it before a match or a party, that makes a real difference at home,” he said.

Having already expanded to locations including Limerick and Killarney, with plans for further events around the country, Ciarán says the success of Pints and Ponytails has shown him that the idea resonates far beyond Cork.

“It showed me that this isn’t just a Cork idea. It’s something families everywhere can relate to.”

For the West Cork entrepreneur who first picked up a pair of clippers as a teenager, the journey has been an unexpected one.

But while dads may arrive convinced they know nothing about ponytails, plaits or bubble ponytails, many leave with far more than a new skill.

They leave with confidence, memories and a stronger connection to the little girls waiting for them at home.

Having already sold out the next Cork event, Ciarán and the Pints & Ponytails team are now preparing to bring the initiative to Enniskillen on July 4 and 5. Further dates for Cork, Dublin, Galway and Waterford are also expected to be announced soon as demand for the events continues to grow around the country. 

For Ciarán O’Sullivan, the success of the events isn’t measured by how many ponytails or plaits are created.

It’s measured by the confidence, connection and memories fathers take home with them afterwards.

“It’s not about creating perfect hairstyles. It’s about a dad being able to say, ‘Come here, I’ll do your hair today,’ and a little girl feeling that effort and connection.”