Tips For Your Child or Grandchild’s First Hair Cut

I went with my daughter to watch my granddaughter get her first hair cut. It was more of a trim, but it was still a big deal. Momma was scared to watch her baby get her curls cut off. I guess you could say I went along for moral support.

Watching my granddaughter climb up in the chair and have the cape draped over her brought back memories of taking our twin boys to get their first hair cut. To say it was a traumatic event would be an understatement. They didn’t want their hair cut and they refused to be still. I can’t imagine how nervous they must have made the lady who was trying to cut their hair. Their dad finally had to go outside and play peek-a-boo through a window in a desperate effort to get their attention and keep it long enough for the beautician to cut their hair and not cut their ears off.

There are some things parents can do to reduce the stress associated with that first hair cut.

TIPS FOR TACKLING  HAIR CUTS

1. Talk about it in advance. Explain what is going to happen and if possible visit the salon before the actual day of the cut so the little one can get the feel of the place and see for themselves that there is nothing to be afraid of.

2. Offer a treat (okay bribery) for a job well done. My granddaughter loves chewing gum and doesn’t get it often so her mom offered her a piece if she was a good girl, and she was.

3. If the child is really scared or they refuse to cooperate you have two choices. You can wait and get it cut later or you can do it yourself. It may not look professional but it will grow back. FYI-don’t cut their hair outside while the wind is blowing. My sister-in-law did this to her oldest son and he looked like someone had taken a buzz saw to his head.

4. Some beauticians are better than others with small children. Find one who is patient and loves children and they will know what to do to make your child feel comfortable. If you don’t know a stylist in your area who is good with children ask a mom or grandmother whose children are older than yours, they will know.

5. Stand directly in front of the child and try to keep their attention focused on you so they will be still. Make silly faces or let them look at something on your phone. Do whatever it takes to distract them and keep them still.

Oh and be sure to take an envelope to put some of their hair in. You’ll want to save it for them (or for you).

Do you have suggestions for taking the trauma out of the first hair cut? If so, please comment and share them!

(A version of this post appeared on NanaHood two years ago. I updated it and added some thoughts for other nanas who didn’t see the article when it first ran! Here’s hoping all your grandchildren’s hair cuts are Happy Hair Cuts!