7 Tips for making toddler’s haircut fun and easy

I didn’t even think of getting my son’s hair cut when his hair started getting in his eyes and the side curls over his ears started to look like wings. I thought it was adorable. But I knew it was time when people kept saying “what’s her name?” or “what a beautiful little girl!” There is no specific age at which the first haircut happens. Babies as young as 2 months make their first visit to the salon and some don’t until they’re 2 years. You’ll know when it’s time. And when you do, here are 7 tips for making toddler’s haircut fun and easy!

1. Prepare (yourself) and your child. This is a totally new experience for them, so be prepared for tears!  It can help to bring your child to your own haircut appointment so they can see what to expect. Or, you can play “haircut” at home by sitting them in front of a mirror and pinning a towel around their shoulders. Gently spritz warm water on their hair and “trim” with toy scissors or even using your hands as the scissors. Try letting them give you a “cut” too.
2. Take them to a salon that specializes in children’s haircuts. They should be equipped with all sorts of fun things to keep your child happily distracted – toys, kids movies/shows, a fun atmosphere, and most importantly, stylists that specialize in working with children. Also, be sure to pick a time that is good for your child.
3. Relax! If you are overly emotional or nervous, your child will pick up on it.
4. Have your child sit on your lap. Sometimes, no matter how many bells and whistles are around to distract your child, they may still want nothing to do with the event. But if you join in, they may have an easier time obliging. Try wearing a cape too! A little extra comfort may be all they need.
5. Use fun nicknames for the equipment. Blowdryers and hair clippers can be noisy, and scary! Using funny names like “Mr. Buzz” for the clippers and “wind machine” for the blowdryer can help them be less afraid.
6. Bring a snack. Non-sticky food works best like puffs or crackers or carrot sticks. It can make all the difference between squirming and contently sitting.
7. Focus on the experience, and not the perfect haircut. My son could have had a cleaner first haircut, but I knew he would freak out at the hair clippers, so we chose to save that for the next time. It’s best to keep the experience all-around positive.

These tips can work well for haircuts beyond the first too! I hope you find these helpful and your child has a great haircut experience next time!

If you’re thinking it’s time to get your child’s first haircut, head down to Manta’s Cuts, Kids Salon in Wilmington!