Luke's First Haircut

One of the many milestones in your child’s life is their first haircut. Along with their first tooth and first word, this monumental event is one that all parents fuss over and get excited about.

With Matthew, my first child, I was so excited to take him to his first haircut I took him when he was just over a year old. With the twins, however, I waited much longer. They are just over 2 and a half now and I finally took them. I delayed it because Luke had these little curls at the back and I was afraid that if we cut them he would no longer have those cute little curls. And for Chloe, the way her hair was growing in she didn’t really need it.

When you take them is different for each child, depending on how fast and thick their hair grows in and what you as the parent want. It was when Luke started brushing the hair out of his eyes to see, that I knew that I could delay it no longer. Chloe too was doing the same.

I took them to Beaners, a local haircut place for kids. It is decorated in bright colors, has lots of fun seats for the kids to get their haircut in – cars, motorcycles, and animals – and a ball pit.

Now it’s always a concern when you take your child to have their hair cut for the first time about how they are going to react. Though Matthew never screamed or had a problem with his hair getting cut, I was a bit concerned as I had heard many children in there, screaming like they were being tortured and killed. And that is a horrible experience even if it is not your own child.

Chloe's First Haircut

I was lucky, Luke and Chloe were fine. In fact they were excited to go and though Luke may have been a bit quiet and shy, he didn’t fuss and he sat very nicely while the lady cut his hair. Chloe was awesome as well, a little more interactive and smilely than Luke.

Luke sat in the Jeep, Chloe on the dog, and both got great haircuts. Of course Chloe being the girl, got a ribbon and sparkles in her hair, though Luke totally would have said yes to having them to if asked. We took lots of pictures and all went smoothly.

I know it is not always this easy for all children and parents. For whatever reason some kids are just not comfortable with getting their haircut. So here are some tips for parents who are concerned, how to make your child’s first haircut a happy and memorable event.

Chloe an Luke after their haircuts

1. Go at a time of day when it is best for your child; when they are well rested and fed. We went in the morning, which is the best time for Luke and Chloe.
2. Go to a place that is for kids; like Beaner’s. The staff are used to and familiar working with children and how they may react. The place is also fun, brightly decorated and has things that are of interest to children.
3. Tell them where you are going beforehand. If children know what to expect this could make a big difference. Tell them what to expect and get them excited about it!
4. If possible, have the child watch someone else get their haircut. Luke and Chloe have often come when we have taken Matthew for his haircut, so they knew what it was all about. They had watched Matthew sitting nicely while his hair was being cut, so they knew what to do.
5. Take a favorite toy for the child. Something familiar to comfort them if they are feeling uncomfortable.

At Beaners, Luke and Chloe also got a “First Haircut” Certificate with a lock of their hair attached to it. Most kids places will do this for your child’s first haircut. It’s fun and it’s nice memorabilia for their baby book.

Your child’s first haircut does not have to be a traumatic event, it is easy to make it a happy ocassion for everyone, including the staff at the hair salon 🙂