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It’s hard to give a haircut to children under two because they wriggle around so much, and it’s hard to cut the hair of children over two because they’re often afraid of haircuts, and struggle and resist. Two-and three-year-olds have a general fear of bodily harm and often believe that haircuts hurt, that their hair won’t grow back, that shampoo will get in their eyes and sting, and that they will be helpless sitting in front of a stranger with scissors.You should talk to your child about getting a haircut, and reassure her. She may feel less anxious if she has a doll to play beauty shop with. As she washes and cuts (or pretends to cut) the doll’s hair, she may begin to feel in control of a situation that frightens her.
If your child is very young or quite frightened of haircuts, you may want to cut her hair at home. You or a relative or close friend can do this as she sits in her high chair and plays with some of her toys or watches you in a mirror. Since it’s hard for young children to hold still, and since you may not be an experienced stylist, you shouldn’t expect your child’s home haircut to be perfect.
When your child is three or four, you may want to take her to a professional stylist. For a first haircut, go to someone recommended by other parents or someone who specializes in cutting children’s hair. Before you bring her in for an appointment, you might want to observe the stylist and talk to him or her about your child’s anxiety.
Your child might feel comfortable going to the same barber shop or hair salon you use. She may have seen your stylist at work already and be familiar with the surroundings and the people in the shop. Taking her with you when you (or your older child) get a haircut is a good way to help her get over her fears. If she resists professional haircuts but you’re determined to take her to a stylist, try to distract her with an interesting object or by promising her a treat. One mother held her son on her lap during haircuts when he was under two, and when he was over two, she tried to distract him with a few play things.
When your child is five she may develop clear opinions about hairstyles. She may prefer a particular look: long hair, short hair, bangs, a Ponytail. One boy told his mother he wanted a curl on his forehead “just like Superman’s.” If you don’t agree with your child’s choice, the two of you may struggle before each haircut. Try to remember your own childhood arguments about hair, and how it felt to have no control over your looks. If you let your child have some say in how she wears her hair, trips to the stylist usually will go smoothly.
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Picture Credit : Google
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