8 Tips For Giving Your Toddler Boy A Stress-Free Haircut

I still remember my son's first haircut as a toddler. Many of my friends in my baby group had taken their kids already and shared that it was no big deal. Their boys were basically nonplussed. But it was different for my more sensitive, nervous kid. There were some tears, a little bit of fear, and handholding, but he made it through, and we never had an issue with a haircut again. In fact, now he loves going to his barber and getting a new style! But looking back, I'm not surprised he reacted strongly — getting your first haircut can be scary for a toddler. 

Look at it through their eyes. A stranger is hovering over them with a sharp object, cutting something off of them for the first time. I remember my son's fear that cutting hair would hurt, as well as his nervousness about someone he didn't know getting close to him. However, the first haircut doesn't have to be a dramatic or upsetting experience. Here are some of the things I did — and things I wish I had done — to make that first haircut easier.

If you're lucky enough to have a salon in your area that is targeted to kids, take advantage. Some of these salons, like the one that my son went to, turn haircuts into a playtime adventure. Our salon had race cars as seats, which kept my little car fanatic highly entertained. Additionally, screens played cartoons, and every kid got a lollipop at the end, making the haircut something to look forward to, not dread.

Whether it's a favorite stuffy, toy, or a show on a tablet, something that makes your child feel comfortable or entertained and distracts them can make the time fly and stave off toddler tantrums. I remember bringing my son's favorite Matchbox cars so he had something to keep his hands busy. Now probably isn't the time to implement screen time rules, either. 

Remember, your toddler isn't the only one who has ever been nervous about their first haircut. There are a number of great books and shows available that address the topic and help kids feel more prepared for this new experience. "Daniel Tiger has a great episode on haircuts," shares a Redditor in a thread on tips for your child's first haircut. "I recommend it even if your toddler isn't into tv/daniel tiger. It gave me a great perspective on what kids might be feeling and how I should react as the adult."

With my son, it worked best to stay close to him, but not be too involved. I sat in a chair where he could see me, reading a magazine. But if I had hovered over him, I know he would've been more likely to plead his case to get the heck out of there. Give the hairdresser a chance to do their job.

Some toddlers may get more excited about the moment if you make it into a special event. For example, I took a ton of pics of my son during his haircut, while being sure to offer up ample praise. I also let him know he could pick out a new toy or treat afterwards for trying something new. Some kid-friendly salons may give stickers or certificates for first haircuts as well.

Sometimes you just have to call it. If your toddler is inconsolable, there's no reason you have to continue the haircut. This may feel embarrassing in the moment, but it also makes the hairdresser's job easier. Plus, a squirmy toddler who is constantly trying to make a run for it is more likely to get injured, either by scissors or falling out of the chair.

Turning something potentially scary into a fun game at home first can go a long way. Parents in a Reddit thread pointed out the power of make-believe in helping prepare for a first haircut. "We played pretend hairdresser at home a bunch and talked him through it over and over," shares a commenter. 

I brought my son to his first haircut early so that he could explore the space, watch other kids getting haircuts, and feel more at ease in the environment before sitting down for the actual trim. During this introduction, I also paid attention to how I reacted to the space. "The bigger deal you make the more it's going to effect (sic) him," advised a parent on Reddit. Before you know it, this too shall pass. Take it from a mom who never thought their kid would actually ask for haircuts!