First Haircut 101: How To Make That First Cut The Kindest
 Danielle Friedland |
Whether it’s your child’s first haircut or just a trim, it’s important to realize that the experience can be as much fun as getting a shot but it doesn’t have to be! In order to make the experience tear-free for you and your child, we asked our kids’ hair experts for their top tips.
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Warm them up to the idea.
Show your child what to expect by bringing them to see you get your hair cut. Linda Sherwood, senior designer at NYC’s James Bentley Salon,says, "model haircut protocol by talking through the steps with yourchild, such as ‘It’s mommy’s turn this time, but soon you will besitting in this chair!’" Rhonda Piraino, of Rhonda Piraino Haircolor & Designin Dallas, Texas, suggests preparing them by "talking up the visit andreading books about getting a haircut to ease any fears, like Blue’sClues’ Sprinkles’ First Haircut." Cozy Friedman, founder of NYC’s Cozy’s Cuts for Kids, advises that you "use another word such as ‘trim’ or “style.’ ‘Cut’ can be a scary word for a child."
Bring entertainment and treats.
Many kids’ salons have TVs, video games, or toys, but if you’re not sure, bring your own. Linda says that bringing a favorite toy or activity "to hold their attention will help prevent squirming." Marley, of Marley’s Cuts in Shirley, N.Y., recommends a lollipop (hold the gum!) to keep hands and mouths busy.
Use an expert.
All of our experts recommend going to akids salon or a stylist who specializes in kids because they squirm andtherefore require an expedient and steady hand. Attitude is importanttoo; Rhondasays, "it’s important to find a stylist who truly enjoys kids in theirchair/salon because body language speaks volumes. Kids can absolutelypick up on tension and nervousness." Cozyalso says that since "children’s hair has different textures (a mix ofbaby hair and ‘adult’ hair)," you should request a stylist who haslots of experience working with children because "they are the mostskilled working with the texture of their hair."
Don’t go against the grain.
As for the style, your stylist will be able to advise you but check out our Celebrity Baby Hairstyle gallery! Linda suggests, "For a first haircut, it is better to avoid a drastichaircut. Before going over to the wild side… start simple for thefirst cut." Cozyoffers some expert knowledge for dealing with two major kids hairmisconceptions. For kids with cowlicks, instead of cutting hair shorterto keep the cowlick from spiking up, she suggests keeping the hair longso that the hair will lie down naturally (short actually accentuates acowlick). For girls, Cozy recommends leaving hair a little longer,especially in the summer. Despite what most parents think, "longer hairtends to hold clips and barrettes more easily and better than shorthair, keeping hair out of your child’s face."
Time it right.
And finally, go when your child is fully rested and in a good mood. And most importantly, says Marley, bring a camera and a bag to save the hair!
