The First Haircut
Author: Stef Daniel
By the time my twins were 18 months, they were both in desperate need of a haircut. It was time to tame the unruly quaff and repair the split ends and uneven growth that only toddlers are privy too. I was tired of putting it in barrettes and clips to hold the hair back from their face just to have them pulled out some 2 minutes later. It was time for a professional haircut.
I took the kids to my hairdresser who I absolutely loved. They had watched me get my hair cut several times and never seemed phased. As soon as twin 1 sat up in the chair she began crying and shrieking like a maniac. We all tried to tell her how pretty she was going to look and what a big and special deal this was that she was finally a "big girl." Even so, she was unphased. When the first tiny strand of hair was cut she let out a shrill cry that made me wonder if my trusted hair dresser had cut off her ear. Twin #2, on the other hand, hopped in the chair and sat gracefully while her hair was being trimmed and dolled up; making her look like a genuine Gerber baby. It made me contemplate what the best course of action as far as the first haircut really is.
A few kids later, I have realized that there are a few tricks to the trade. The first thing every parent should do is familiarize their child with the idea of a haircut. This can be done by taking out the scissors after bath time and snipping at the random stray hairs. This not only shows them that it doesn't hurt but it provides an excellent opportunity to praise and reward them for the haircut. It prepares them. The second hint is to find someone they like to do the haircut. If you don't personally know a hairdresser, there are now all these really cool kid oriented hair cutters and even those that will come to your home dressed in colorful costumes; which makes the experience more like an amusement park ride than a haircut.
The last place I visited to get a first haircut for my fourth child was a salon that allowed the children to sit on horses while getting their hair cut. They were surrounded by mirrors and fancy ceiling fans. They got to eat popsicles and wear costumes and had their pictures taken. Afterwards, the horses they rode on turned into rocking and rolling Mustangs. TV's were in every corner playing shows like Dora, Sesame Street and they even took requests. When they got done playing they were given gold coins that allowed them to pick from many of the toys that they offered as a reward. It was fabulous and definitely a day to remember. All of this for $12! Quite a bargain considering all that parents will do just to get their kids to sit through their first cut.
If you don't have an awesome place like this around, you might still be able to get your child to sit through long enough to ensure straight bangs. Bring a movie, a book or a favorite toy. Try bringing a bunch of stickers to stick on your child's arms and legs to divert their attention. Offer them a reward afterward like a new toy or ice cream cone for having the haircut. Several days in advance, begin to talk it up so your kids know they are about to do something really grown up and wonderful. Allow them to sit on your lap. One parent I knew told her son that if he moved, he would be bald for the rest of his life, and he sat insanely still - although most wouldn't recommend this approach.
If all else fails and your toddler just doesn't seem ready, you can do like I did with twin 1, which was sneak in her room while she was sleeping and try to cut a bowl around her head just to keep the tangled hair from falling in her eyes. Like most things - eventually your child will sit for a haircut and forcing the issue is more about the parents than the child.
