More Than Braids: Inside Our 'For Dads Who Can't Braid' Journey at HMP Brixton

Sometimes, the smallest acts of care create the biggest moments of connection.

This June, TreasureTress took For Dads Who Can't Braid (FDWCB) somewhere incredibly special: HMP Brixton.

Over four weeks, a group of fathers came together to learn something many had never imagined doing before — caring for and styling textured hair. But as with every FDWCB workshop, this was never just about learning how to braid.

It was about rebuilding confidence. Creating hope. And finding new ways to show love.

Week One: Every Journey Starts Somewhere

Our first workshop was all about taking that first step.

Hosted by Jazz and Tuan, founders of Gym Busy, the room was filled with nervous excitement as fathers picked up combs, sectioned hair and attempted their very first parts and plaits. With expert guidance from hair educator Louis Driver (Avlon UK), participants began learning the foundations of textured hair care using training heads generously donated by Hello Hair.

For many, it was completely new territory.

There were laughs, moments of frustration, plenty of encouragement and, most importantly, pride as each participant realised they were capable of learning something they once thought was beyond them.

One participant summed it up perfectly:

"Learning how to do hair isn't for the light-hearted, but I learnt how to cornrow today – it's the first step on the ladder."

Another shared simply:

"I learnt some new techniques today. I'm proud of myself."

Those words capture exactly what FDWCB is all about.

   

More Than Hair

Within Black families, hair has always meant more than appearance.

Wash days, parting, braiding and styling become opportunities to talk, laugh, comfort and create memories together. Hair is care. Hair is trust. Hair is quality time.

When fathers are separated from their children, those everyday moments are often the ones missed the most.

That's why bringing For Dads Who Can't Braid into HMP Brixton felt so important.

As TreasureTress Founder Jamelia Donaldson explains:

"Hair is never just hair in our community — it's love, it's identity, it's quality time. 'For Dads Who Can't Braid' was born from a simple truth: when a father learns to care for his child's hair, he's not just learning a skill, he's learning a language of connection.

Bringing this programme inside HMP Brixton felt necessary. These fathers love their children deeply, and we wanted to give them something tangible to hold onto — a way to show up for their kids that goes beyond a visit; a bonding moment they can practise for and look forward to."

That language of connection is exactly what unfolded throughout the programme.

Challenging What Fatherhood Looks Like

For Dads Who Can't Braid has always challenged outdated ideas of masculinity.

Tenderness is strength.

Patience is strength.

Care is strength.

Learning to braid your daughter's hair or moisturise your son's curls doesn't make someone less of a father — it celebrates exactly what fatherhood can be.

As Anita Tremain from HMP Brixton shared:

"For the fathers participating at HMP Brixton, this programme means far more than simply learning how to braid hair. It is an opportunity to reconnect with their identity as fathers, strengthen relationships with their children, and rebuild confidence in their role within the family."

One participant's application said it all:

"The love I have for my child motivates me to learn how to care for her hair."

Thank You to Our Partners

This special HMP Brixton series was made possible through the support of ORS, whose sponsorship helped provide the products, resources and materials needed across all four workshops.

We're also incredibly grateful to Hello Hair for donating training heads, allowing every participant to practise throughout the programme, and to every guest facilitator who gave their time, expertise and encouragement.

Community partnerships like these allow us to create spaces that change lives in ways that go far beyond hair.

This Is Only the Beginning

What started as a workshop has become something much bigger.

For Dads Who Can't Braid continues to create spaces where fathers, families and communities can connect through one simple but powerful act of care.

Because every braid tells a story.

Every parting creates space.

And every moment spent learning today can become a memory shared tomorrow.

We're incredibly proud of every father who took part in our HMP Brixton programme, and we can't wait to continue this journey as FDWCB returns to communities across London, Manchester and Birmingham throughout 2026.

Here's to more learning. More healing. And many more braids.