Tips for a Fear Free, Happy Haircut
- Find a salon that specifically caters to children.
Some children’s salons have fun distractions like fire truck chairs to sit in and TVs that play cartoons or a favorite DVD. These stylists will also be more experienced in dealing with young children and may have extra tricks and props to help turn a fearful or uncooperative little client into a happy one. - Go on a precut tour.
Take your toddler along to a couple of your own (or an older sibling's) haircutting appointments to introduce her to the salon's sights and sounds -- buzzing clippers, hair dryers, bright lights, and mirrors. Give her a day or two advance notice. Let her be a part of choosing the new hairstyle. - Time it right.
Consider your child's usual napping and eating routines when scheduling her hair appointment. Is she especially active right after lunch? Is she cranky before a nap but relaxed and happy afterward? You're more likely to have a pleasant experience when your child is content. Don’t put off or skip nap time in order to get a hair cut. Instead try to book an appointment for a time when she will be well rested, fed, comfortable and more likely to cooperate. - Prepare the hair.
If your child has long hair, give it a good brushing and detangling before heading to the salon. Your child will be less likely to enjoy her haircut if the first ten minutes are spent trying to brush out knots and tangles. - Try to arrive for your appointment on time or a few minutes early.
Showing up too early will mean your child will have to sit and wait and possibly use up all her patience before the cut even begins, too late and she will be rushed and stressed. - Decide on what type of haircut you’d like before the appointment.
The quicker the haircut can begin, the less likely your child will get restless. Be realistic in the type of hairstyle you want. If your child is very young or doesn't tend to sit still for haircuts, an intricate and precise haircut might not be your best option. Instead, opt for a simpler hairstyle that the stylist can create even if your little one’s head moves during the cut. - Once your child is in the chair, distraction is the key to keeping her there.
Keep her busy to take her mind off what the stylist is doing. Bring along a few small toys or a favorite stuffed animal or doll to keep her preoccupied. Kid-friendly salons stock their own books, playthings, or lollipops to entertain children. Distract her by reading or singing songs or even talking to her about something unrelated to her haircut. And keep in mind that your child may feel more relaxed -- and willing to stay still -- if you let her sit on your lap. - Don't force it - know when to throw in the towel.
As much as you may want your child’s hair cut, a stylist can only do so much with a crying and squirming child. Remember, your child will have sharp scissors very close to her head and a wrong move at the wrong time (especially when cutting around the ears for short hairstyles) can be dangerous. And, of course it's much more difficult to get an even haircut on a moving target. Forcing a child to sit when she’s terrified won’t create fond memories of trips to the hairdresser and may deepen her fear of haircuts. - Learn from your previous experiences.
If your child’s salon visit was less than successful, try to make adjustments for the next appointment. For example, alter the time of the next appointment. Or, if you've had success (congratulations!!), make future appointments with the same stylist. Your child will get to know and trust that person, which may help alleviate her fears. The stylist will also get to know your child and will be able to help future haircuts go more smoothly.