Lauren Ready

USA TODAY

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Looking at Emma Morgese’s hair every day, you’d think she was living with a professional hairstylist. The nine-year-old dons a perfectly coiffed hairdo on a daily basis. From intricate eleven-strand braids to Princess Leia buns that even Leia herself would be jealous of, Emma’s hair has got it going on.

Which is why many people are surprised to find out who is behind these hairstyles -- Emma’s dad.

Philippe Morgese knew he was facing many challenges ahead when he became a single dad to Emma when she was only a year old. One of those being Emma’s hair. Over the next few years Philippe taught himself not only how to raise a daughter, but how to do her hair. And we’re not talking ponytails here. We’re talking amazing, intricate styles.

Philippe got so good at Emma’s hair that he wanted to share his tips with other dads. So he reached out to a local school called the International Academy and began offering a hair styling class for dads struggling with their daughters’ hair. He calls it The Daddy Daughter Hair Factory and each class is free. Lessons include tips and tricks for basic things like brushing, detangling, ponytails, to more advanced styles.

Even daughter Emma has become a part of these classes. She helps her dad teach each lesson and bounces around the classroom helping dads navigate their daughters’ hair. “The most incredible part to me is the dedication my daughter has for the class,” Philippe said. “She has such a huge heart.”

Regardless of how well a dad can pull off pigtails at the end of one of his classes, Philippe hopes that the main takeaway is about spending quality time with your daughter. “It’s been pretty awesome having the opportunity to change so many lives,” Philippe says. “I love seeing the dads getting involved. It’s so heartwarming.”

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