Christina Lavris
In Motion Staff Writer
Fathers and daughters showed up for a crash course in hair and nail care at the Daddy Daughter Hair Factory during November’s Homecoming activities.
Led by Daytona State College alumni Phillipe Morgese and his 10-year-old daughter Emma, he received help from a dozen DSC cosmetology students and staff. Morgese, a single father since Emma was a year old, found himself frustrated with caring for his daughter’s hair as she grew.
So he started the Daddy Daughter Hair Factory program a little over a year ago to help fathers connect with their daughters and learn the basics of caring for their hair.
“I like to encourage fathers to look at their daughter’s hair as an opportunity, not an obstacle,” Morgese said. “”It’s important for fathers to come together for encouragement and support. These classes are here for them.”
During the two-hour event — the second one at DSC in as many months — dads were introduced to the basics of choosing hair ties and elastics, brushing hair and using detangling products, how to make ponytails, and how to braid hair. “It’s about the bond, not the braid.” Morgese told the class. Each father received a free, special hair “tool kit” containing useful accessories for styling their daughter’s hair, including a brush, ties, detangling spray and styling cream.
Once the basics were covered, each daddy daughter duo had fun styling their braids into a “Turkey Bun,” decorating them with pipe cleaners and feathers. Gary Ramos, a first-year Digital Media student at DSC, brought his 23-month-old daughter to the event. Although her hair wasn’t long enough to style into a bun yet, he was excited to learn the basics of caring for her hair.
“This is a good bonding experience for me and my daughter. I want to learn how to do her hair so when she gets older, she doesn’t go to school looking weird.”
The fathers were also introduced to basic nail care, including filing, cleaning, massaging and painting their daughter’s little nails with help from DSC Cosmetology Dept. Chair Dee Gay.
Ramos even attempted to paint Lily’s tiny nails. “She was afraid of the paint, so I had to do a few of mine first.”
Barbara Fink, a level two cosmetology student volunteering at the event, said “I think a healthy relationship is important between a father and daughter and I’m glad this movement is taking place at DSC.”
At closing, Morgese said, “I thought the event was great. We had a crowded room. Typically it’s just me and the dads in there, so it’s not as intimidating for them. I’m super thankful to have had the opportunity to work with Suzette and Dee to put this together. DSC welcomed us with open arms and we will always appreciate that.”
Daughter Emma said the part she enjoyed most about volunteering for the event was, “Helping my dad, and at the end, how cool everything is, like the turkey buns and painted nails.”
More information about the Daddy Daughter Hair Factory can be found on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/Daddydaughterhairfactory.