There are limitless ways to style locs, as we've seen on the red carpet. Take Chloe and Halle's epic updos or Jaden Smith using his chopped locs as an accessory to the Met Gala. But just when we thought they couldn't get any more versatile, new father Bakari kicked things up and notch and used his locs as a baby wrap for his daughter Leilani — oh, and he managed to go viral in the process.
Bakari and Lelani's mother got inspired to create this look after seeing photos of another dad lying down with his baby boy set in his heart-shaped locs. "It was a different idea I saw some time ago," he tells Allure. The couple wanted to copy the look, but, put their own flair on it. Creating a giant beehive-like cradle with his hair, they placed little Lelani in the center and posted the creation on Bakari's Instagram page. Turns out, the look was internet gold. People almost immediately filled his comments with love and admiration.
One user wrote, "Super cute. The bond between a dad and his daughter is so special. Enjoy every moment." Another user said, "Abosulety priceless and beautiful. This should be printed and hung on a wall."
After seeing how many people loved and were touched by the image, the couple decided to experiment with other poses. For the second take, Lelani, who is not even a month old yet (born on March 21), was securely placed on Bakari's shoulders as her mom wrapped her in his locs, creating a beehive-like design. Of course, the image made the newborn and her father went viral again. Taking a look at the picture, we're not surprised. Lelani's small body is all wrapped up, and you can see her tiny little hand holding on to her dad's hair. Consider our hearts melted.
Bakari's locs, which he has been growing for eight years, reach the middle of his back. That's a lot of hair put to good (and we'd also say adorable) use.
While the reactions to Bakari's photos were overwhelmingly positive, some folks on social media complained that it was unsanitary to put the newborn in his locs. One user commented, "Is it hygienic to put a newborn in hair that hasn't been washed in years?" Another user responded, "Guess you don't have to worry about that since it's not your baby."
Bakari was naturally unbothered by the haters. "That was the first time I put her in my hair and it was only for a picture," he explains to Allure. "People are funny to me. It doesn't phase me."
We're always here for fathers showing the beautiful bond between them and their daughters. Especially when it's this darn cute. We (and the rest of the internet) are glad that Bakari saw fit to share this precious moment with the world.