Fun Firsts: Your Baby’s First Haircut!
The day has finally come – your little one is headed to the hairdressers. Here’s how to make this first experience a fun one!
You’ll always remember your child’s first trip to the hairdressers – it’s a totally new experience and surprisingly emotional, too. As they sit in the hairdresser’s chair and the scissors slowly start to snip...*Holds breath*... How will they react? Will they still look the same? Relax, we’re here to help.
A lot of parents ask what’s the best age for a first hair cut? But the truth is, there’s no right or wrong time. Some kids have their hair cut as early as eight months, others not until they’re two or three years old. You might want the hairdresser to style or braid your little one’s hair instead. It’s completely up to you!
Let’s run through some tips to prepare you both for the big moment...
Heads-up
Start talking about haircuts for a few minutes every day, explaining where they will go and what will happen. Make it sound positive and routine, like going to the park or brushing their teeth.
You could show them pictures or videos of children having their hair done (positive ones, of course!) and talk about what's happening, like sitting in the chair, wearing the special bib, and the hairdresser touching the child’s hair.
For parents of SEND children, your little one might be particularly sensitive to being touched and find the sounds and smells of the hairdressers overwhelming. You might want to visit several times beforehand, to familiarize them with the experience. They could try sitting in the chair, if they feel comfortable enough.
Some nurseries offer a mobile hairdressing service, so your little one can have their hair cut in a familiar environment. Whatever their needs, you know how your little one responds best. Go at their pace and trust your instincts!
