Is your child’s hair in dire need of a trim but the thought of taking her to the stylists makes you cringe. You’ve tried bribery and appeasing but you throw your hands up in frustration wondering what the big deal is. It’s only a haircut after all, right? Well yes and no. Children’s senses can be hyper aware so having cut hair on their face and hearing the buzzers or scissors near their ears can send them over the top. Here’s some good advice to help the haircut go much smoother- pick a few that you would like to try and start a couple weeks before the planned hair “trim.”
1. Yep, call it a hair “trim” rather than a haircut. The word cut can cause a fearful response before the scissors even come out.
2. This is my favorite- Play barbershop with your child regularly. One of the biggest reasons your child is afraid is because they don’t know what to expect and so they feel vulnerable. If they had a bad experience the first time- then that’s what they remember. Playing the routine out at home makes them feel in control! You can glue yarn onto a doll or Styrofoam ball and use paper towels as the tissue that goes around the neck. It’s important to go through every step. Say out loud what the “doll” may be feeling and speak to those worries or sensations. Encourage your child to put words to the experience. Take turns having your child be the barber and the customer. Use phrases that a hairdresser would use, like “look down” and “turn your head to the left.” Get out smelly lotions if the salon you use is generally fragrant and use real equipment that may be part of the experience (clippers, blow dryer) but work these into the play routine gradually.
3. If you know that your kid is sensitive to new experiences- help him slowly adjust. On first visit, just point out the salon. On the second visit, walk through it. On the third visit, sit in the waiting area for a few minutes. This will acclimate your child so that on the appointment day- there will be familiarity and less to take in for the first time.
4. A few tidbits for the day of: Find the right kid friendly stylists and stick with the same one. This will create more familiarity and routine. Don’t offer too many rewards. Tempting your child with a big treat can inadvertently tell them that this is a big deal. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for certain accommodations. Some kids feel better when they are not facing the mirror or when they can skip the blow dryer.
With patience and practice a trip to the barber shop can go from a dreaded experience to a simple appointment.
1. Yep, call it a hair “trim” rather than a haircut. The word cut can cause a fearful response before the scissors even come out.
2. This is my favorite- Play barbershop with your child regularly. One of the biggest reasons your child is afraid is because they don’t know what to expect and so they feel vulnerable. If they had a bad experience the first time- then that’s what they remember. Playing the routine out at home makes them feel in control! You can glue yarn onto a doll or Styrofoam ball and use paper towels as the tissue that goes around the neck. It’s important to go through every step. Say out loud what the “doll” may be feeling and speak to those worries or sensations. Encourage your child to put words to the experience. Take turns having your child be the barber and the customer. Use phrases that a hairdresser would use, like “look down” and “turn your head to the left.” Get out smelly lotions if the salon you use is generally fragrant and use real equipment that may be part of the experience (clippers, blow dryer) but work these into the play routine gradually.
3. If you know that your kid is sensitive to new experiences- help him slowly adjust. On first visit, just point out the salon. On the second visit, walk through it. On the third visit, sit in the waiting area for a few minutes. This will acclimate your child so that on the appointment day- there will be familiarity and less to take in for the first time.
4. A few tidbits for the day of: Find the right kid friendly stylists and stick with the same one. This will create more familiarity and routine. Don’t offer too many rewards. Tempting your child with a big treat can inadvertently tell them that this is a big deal. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for certain accommodations. Some kids feel better when they are not facing the mirror or when they can skip the blow dryer.
With patience and practice a trip to the barber shop can go from a dreaded experience to a simple appointment.
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