Tips for Child’s First Haircut                               by SaraT
Oh fret, it is time for your little one to receive their first hair cut, here are some ways to take the worry out of what can
be a hassle free experience. A child’s first haircut can be a stressful experience for the child, the parent and the
stylist. I have a few suggestions to help ease kids into the stylist chair and creating a calming atmosphere for
everyone. We are a child service friendly salon, ask us which of our team of stylist enjoy performing services on
children.

Make sure the stylist offers child haircuts and is comfortable cutting young children's hair. Some stylist prefer
not to cut children’s hair.
When talking to your child about their first haircut DO NOT call it a haircut. Children associate cuts with pain
and they may be afraid that a haircut will hurt. Terms you can use instead: going to the salon, having a hair
trim, hair done, or hairstyle.
Tell the child the stylist's name before bringing him/her to the salon, this helps to create a familiar atmosphere
and introducing the child to the stylist negates the stranger danger factor.
Have your child go with you to your hair appointment, if children are welcome at the salon you go to. They will
see that haircuts will not hurt while becoming familiar with the salon surroundings.
Be consistent having a different stylist each time is a new experience for the child, if you find a stylist that you
and your child like try to stay with them.
Take your time! A child’s haircut may take longer, rushing the stylist or the visit may be very unpleasant for
everyone and your child may end up with a bad hairstyle.
Realize that your child may not be ready at that time for a haircut. If your child is crying and becoming agitated
it is best to take them home and come back another day. Leaving is better in the long run for your child, their
next visit will go better.
Each time your child comes to the salon for a haircut it will become a more comfortable experience for
everyone, especially your child.
Some parents believe that offering their child a present for good behavior is a way to go. I believe that taking
them to the park or just spending time with them afterwards is just as much of an award.
Let the stylist talk to the child, it is their cut after all, your conversation with the stylist can wait until your next
appointment.
Listen to the stylist, sometimes parents want to hold the child or stand next to them during the haircut, although
this can be comforting for some children, at times it can create more anxiety. The stylist may suggest you sit
out of the child’s line of vision. I have many children for clients and many calm down and have a conversation
with me when the parent is out of sight.
It is your prerogative to stop any appointment if you feel your child is at risk, or if the stylist is making you or
your child uncomfortable.

Following these simple guild lines can help to calm your child and create an enjoyable first haircut experience.
CHILD'S FIRST HAIRCUT