Tips for Child’s First Haircut                                                        by Sara T

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.

 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.
 Have your child go with you to your hair appointment. 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 traumatized 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 them can wait until
your next visit with them.
 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 the child, 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.

Following these simple guild lines can help to calm your child and create an enjoyable first haircut
experience.
Take your time!
A child’s haircut
may take
longer, rushing
the stylist or
the visit may
be  unpleasant
for everyone.
Running Scissors on
the Salon Floor.
CHILD'S FIRST HAIRCUT