Preparing for Your Child's First Professional Hair Cut

Recently I took my nearly 15 month old son to a local barber shop to have his hair professionally cut for the first time. The experience wasn't bad, but I think it could have gone much better if I would have thought-out a few small details in advance.

The Equipment

You will need to bring a few things with you to the salon. You need to bring your camera and/or your video camera, a plastic ziplock baggie for your little ones hair clippings and your child's favorite toy to distract them from what's going on and to make them feel more comfortable. A sippy cup with a delicious drink inside is nice in case your child needs a break and is crying. And a snack or special treat for after the cut is finished.

The Third Party

Bringing a long a third adult during this time is a great way to keep your child happy. One parent will probably have to hold the child in the chair while the other parent will be busy capturing the event on camera. Having a third body there, someone the child is familiar with and comfortable around will help a great deal not just for the child but the hair technician as well.

The Gift

After the cut has been given your child may still be very confused and upset. I would suggest bringing along a special treat to calm your child after the experience. If you don't normally allow your little one to have sweets, bring a cup cake or cookie for them to indulge on while you clean up and pay. You can also bring a new or old toy they may not remember for them to play with and explore. Ending the experience on a happy note may make hair cutting visits easier in the future.

Preserving Your Memories

Be sure to take enough hair with you so that you may keep some for yourself and save some for your child. You may also consider saving some clippings for the Grandparents. Some Grandparents may enjoy receiving special items such as first hair clippings for their own memory purposes. If you are scrap booking make sure all your materials are acid-free so your memories will last as long as possible.

When taking your child to his or her first hair cut it is absolutely vital that you keep them as happy and as distracted as you possibly can. Changing the focus from the child receiving a hair cut to them seeing a loved one or new toy will make your little ones first hair cut experience a positive one. Good luck, and happy memory making!