Most kids who go for their first haircut end up in tears, but it’s usually because they think it will hurt—especially when they’re faced with sharp, pointy scissors. It’s often a scary and unfamiliar experience. How do you lessen your child’s anxiety? Try these tips:
Expose them to the idea of haircutting
Read books about a child's first haircut to them, or have them watch videos of other kids successfully getting their hair cut, and explain what’s happening to them.
This is more ideal when done a few weeks before the actual scheduled haircut, to familiarize them with the process.
Let them join you in the hair salon or barbershop for your appointment
Babies and toddlers are still in their “monkey see, monkey do” stage, and want to be like mommy or daddy.
When they’re with you while you're getting your hair cut, explain the process to them as you go along, and try to find a connection between the process and their daily life.
Like when you’re getting your hair shampooed, you can say, “See how the man is shampooing Mama’s hair? It’s just like what I do for you when I give you a bath!”
When the actual haircutting time comes, make sure that they see that it doesn’t hurt or affect you when they cut your hair.
Do role-playing at home
Role-playing is a big deal for toddlers. Play “hair salon” or “barbershop” with your child at home, and take turns being the hairstylist and the client.
Go through the same process, from shampooing to blow-drying, so that the routine will really stick.
Search for the right hair salon or barbershop
Don’t just choose the first kids’ salon you see. Do your own inspection of the facilities, watch how their hairstylists work with the kids (take note of a particular hairstylist who impresses you, if ever), and look for reviews online about the establishments.
Get referrals from other moms about their experiences, or ask your own trusted hairstylist or barber if they do well with kids.
Give the salon a heads up about your child
When making the appointment, whether or not it’s in a salon for children, inform them beforehand that it will be your child’s first haircut, his or her age, and any special concerns (like if you’ll be bringing your own shampoo because of your child’s allergies, or if your child is afraid of strangers or crowds).
Continue reading to know about what to do during the day of the actual haircut!
Get super riled up when the day comes
As soon as the morning of haircut day, get your child excited by being excited yourself. Just like how you excitedly anticipate a big day, like his first day of school or his first family getaway, the feeling must be one of “I can’t wait!” rather than seeming like you’re dreading it by giving him or her a long list of things not to do.
Make sure your child is well-rested and well-fed before the appointment
Lessen the odds of a tantrum by eliminating some of the factors that might trigger them like hunger and sleepiness.
Refrain from going straight to the appointment after outdoor or intense play. Make sure to bring some light snacks, just in case.
Have your child bring a toy or book to distract him or her
It will also serve as a source of comfort for him or her, having something familiar during a new experience.
If you’re bringing your child to a kids’ salon, the chairs are shaped into fun, cool vehicles, there are plenty of toys, and usually a TV there to distract them.
Be with your child throughout the whole process
Explain what’s happening to him or her from start to finish, and remember to include the names of the hairstylist or attendant and what he or she doing. The more you communicate to them what’s happening, the less they have to fear.
Add in a “treat”
Most kiddie salons give out certificates for first-timers, while some hair salons end the experience with a freebie like a small braid, after the haircut.
Do something to commemorate the special occasion and for a job well done, like a cup of ice cream. You both deserve it!
Troop over to any of these following salons that specialize in giving children their first haircuts!
Cuts4Tots is one of the most visible and well-known kiddie salons in the Philippines, with bright and colourful interiors and chairs shaped into racing cars. Your child gets a certificate during his or her first haircut, and you get to save a lock of your child's hair. Click here for a list of branches and contact details.
Peppermint Kiddie Hair and Nail Salon
Both you and your child will enjoy the ambiance of the salon, along with its services. Imagine getting a pedicure while your daughter enjoys a haircut--fun, right? Troop over to either of their two branches:
Peppermint Kids Salon and Spa Boutique
Basement 1, SM AURA PREMIER
McKinley Parkway corner 26th Street
Taguig City
Tel. No. 553-3597
Mobile No. (0939) 925-1480
Open everyday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Peppermint Kids and Grownups Hair and Nail Salon
Unit 10 2nd Floor
#45 C. Jose Street corner V. Cruz Street
Malibay, 1302 Pasay City
Tel. No. 478-3566
Mobile No. (0939) 925-1480
Open everyday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
The kiddie salon is situated right beside its adult counterpart, and has friendly and able staff that give them a steady following. Their bright interiors help cheer up even the crabbiest or most anxious of kids. Headstart is located at 162 Mary Grace Bldg. Mc Arthur Hi Way, Potrero Malabon City. Contact them at (02) 361-1701.
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