Hair Cuts for Kids

Updated on February 04, 2008
M.G. asks from Austin, TX
39 answers

My 2 1/2 year old hates hair cuts. We only get his hair cut maybe once every 6 months. Are there any suggestions for what I can do to get my little boy to stay calm during his hair cuts?

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So What Happened?

Well, last night my husband and I cut my son's hair for the first time. It worked out very well. We will have to go back and try to fix the spots that are uneven but for the most part my son did much better last night then he ever has at a salon. Thank you all for all of your reponses. I appreciate your input.
M.

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B.R.

answers from San Antonio on

Everyone seems to love Cool cuts but I had a horrible experince there. The girl did a horrible job on my sons hair then it is so dang expensive. I dont know about paying $15 for a toddlers trim. It takes nothing to cut his hair. I will never go back. It was to worst hair cut. I go to fansitic sams and let him play with the water spray. The suckers get hair all over them. Maybe after he is done.

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A.M.

answers from Austin on

i always take my 2 and a half year old to cool cuts for kids and they let him watch a dvd of his choice. It is also very helpful because he can have a lollipop to keep him busy and distracted. Candy always comes in handy for jobs like this! try it out!!

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K.M.

answers from Dallas on

The Kid Salon in Allen is similar to Cool Cuts but the owner (Amy) has a private room in the back and we always make an appointment to have her cut my son's hair in the private room. It has a tv/vcr in there too. If you kid has a meltdown you don't have to worry about people staring at you.
We had to work a long time at home and with Amy to get my son to handle hair cuts because he has sensory integration issues but he has gotten much better with it especially since he has the same person each time and he knows what to expect. We count with him and that helps distract him too.

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J.T.

answers from Dallas on

My younger son just turned 2 and we took him with his older brother to get his haircut and had them cut his big brothers hair first. He could see what was happening and what would happen with him once he was up there and it helped a lot. He sat up there like a big boy and didn't move except when he was told to. Maybe your husband can go with you and get his haircut first. Maybe once he sees daddy get his haircut he will want his done. The time before that they put a cape on me and then we sat him in my lap and they put a cape around him and I held him while he got his haircut. He did well that time too. Hope these suggestions help. Good Luck!

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E.H.

answers from New London on

I take my kids to Toys R Us Cool Cuts place. They can sit in a car/fire engine chair while they get their hair cut, pick out a movie (lots of good choices) and the stylists are great. You can join the cool cuts club for discounts, etc. The only draw back, in my opionion, is the price. It is 15.95 compared to 8.95 at supercuts, plus tip. But, it is fun, and my son is excited when I tell him we are going to "cool cuts". If he sits still, and does well, there is the added treat of getting to play on the playscape afterwards.
If you are really brave, my husband (who shaves his head bi weekly) bought a pair of clippers with several gaurds, and we used to buzz his hair. It was easy for my husband who was used to the clipper. It was also free after the $20.00 clipper investment. Right now, Nate has long shaggy hair, so we have to take him more often to keep it from looking stylish and shaggy, instead of just unkept and shaggy.
Good luck.

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J.S.

answers from Dallas on

Have you tried letting the child sit in your lap while he gets his hair cut? If not try that. My 1 year old sits in his fathers lap when he gets his hair cut and he does great. Good Luck

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A.G.

answers from Dallas on

Have you tried some of the salons for kids? They often have movies, neat chairs to sit in, know how to interact with the children? That might help if you have not tried that.
A.

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T.R.

answers from Dallas on

My 2 1/2 year old has absolute breakdowns getting his haircut. About a year ago, a lady nipped his ear with the clippers and ever since it has been terrible.

Right before Christmas we were shopping at Toys R Us in Frisco, and they have a haircut place there.. with cars to sit in, movies, video games, etc to watch. The kids pick where they want to sit, and what movie or game they want to watch. My son didn't love it, but did not cry once. The hairstylists there are GREAT with children. It is about the same price as Cool Cuts.

Good luck!

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D.O.

answers from Dallas on

My husband bought a pair of clippers when my youngest was an infant. He has been cutting our boys' hair ever since! The clippers cost about $20. Since it would cost at least $30 every time our 3 boys got their hair cut, they paid for themselves the first time my husband cut their hair. Just a thought!

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C.W.

answers from Dallas on

Have you though about cutting it at home, I do all my kids hair and they have never be frightened. I second the food or candy thing too, we always use cherrios on that first haircut to keep them STILL!

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M.C.

answers from Dallas on

Take him to Cool Cuts for Kids. He can watch a video and sit in a toy car while getting his hair cut!

M.
www.GoodHealthMadeSimple.com

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A.O.

answers from San Antonio on

I have three boys and its not fun getting them their first haircuts...
One thing I tried was, I sat my sons in front of the mirror and kept praising how good and handsome they look as I would cut their hair just a little bit. With boys, teaching them differences from not playing with dolls, that cars and trucks are for boys kinda thing becomes helpful. So they become aware of the girl/boy differences..which leads to my next helpful note..
My daughter helped with convincing my smallest son, (3 yr old) by telling him that his hair was growing too long and he was starting to look like a girl...lol! He did not like that one bit. Another tactic is taking him to get a hair cut along w/big brother or dad.
*hope this helps....Adi*

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D.L.

answers from Austin on

Hi M.,
I am a hair stylist at Snip Its, and I see this all the time where the little boys are screaming, arms are all over the place, kicking their feet, arms are covering their head because they don't want you to touch their head. When a child is acting like that, it is not a good day to cut their hair for 2 reasons. 1) I am not going to fight a child to give them a haircut, all that ducking and dodging his every move. 2) It is dangerous for myself and your child because I have very sharp shears, and I will either cut him, or my nuckle! And you can not give a good haircut, so why waste $15.95?
It is always best to come 1st thing in the morning when they have had their breakfast, or after their noon nap. All these things are factors if they are hungry, tired, or overstimulated from their day.Try cutting their hair when they are sleeping, or maybe give them some tylenol to calm them down before you bring them for haircuts.
We try our best to distract them with a movie, then bribe them when they are finished, they can have some cookies or a lollipop, and they also get a prize from the magic box, and if none of that entices them, nothing will!
Good Luck!

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J.K.

answers from San Antonio on

Hi. Try cutting his hair yourself. My first son was the same way about haircuts. I purchased a book on haircutting and used scissors on him. (no noisy electric trimmers) I did not try to finish the job in one sitting. I'd cut the back, and then the next chance cut the bangs. He'll grow out of the fear after a while. My son is now 18 and is one of six boys, and I've been cutting their hair ever since. What a savings!

God bless,
J.

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H.L.

answers from Dallas on

Suckers!!! My son usually goes thru 2 of the little dum dum suckers while getting his hair cut. It's always worked for us!

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T.E.

answers from Houston on

Try Cool Cuts For Kids.I had the same problem with my son. We have been going there for 3 years now. They have movies for kids to watch and video games for older kids to play while getting a hair cut. Little ones get to sit in a firetruck or train while getting a haircut.
Good luck

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G.A.

answers from Dallas on

The more you get it done the more he will learn to sit still. It is like meeting someone that takes awhile to warm up to. After awhile it becomes second nature. Do it often and he will be more manageable. G. W

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D.M.

answers from Austin on

Maybe there is something uncomfortable to your child at the haircut place. You might want to check around for other places. I am enclosing some advice that I found at the following website: http://chiff.com/fashion/kids-hair.htm

Nowadays, it has become a little easier with a growing number of "kids cuts" franchises that do all they can to make the experience a fun adventure. Before you choose one in your area, be sure to stop by for a visit to familiarize your child with the people and surroundings.

In many cases, kids hair salons will provide age-appropriate music and cartoon videos, as well as chairs in the shapes of cars, airplanes or fire engines. Some even provide video games to keep kids happily distracted.

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M.J.

answers from Dallas on

Cool Cuts for Kids, they have toy cars, and videos especially for kids. Not the greatest trained hair professionals, but definately a more relaxing hair cutting experience.

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M.P.

answers from Houston on

Cool cuts for kids. They have dvds and video games, so the kids are busy, they don't even notice they are having their hair cut!

Good luck!

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J.I.

answers from Dallas on

I would look into Cool Cuts for Kids, Sassy's, etc. It depends where you live on what kid hair places are by you. We use Cool Cuts. They play video games or can watch a movie while getting their hair cut.

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M.A.

answers from Dallas on

I take snacks for my kid and if he can eat his favorite snacks while in the chair, it helps. I also let him sit in my lap when they cut it. I go to FunCuts4Kids on 3040 by Vista Ridge Mall b/c they let the kids watch videos they like while they cut and they go fast. Ih ope that helps!

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N.B.

answers from Austin on

Hello M., my son who is 2 years old also doesn't care for hair cuts. Usually to get through the process we watch his favorite video while cutting his hair.

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C.R.

answers from San Antonio on

Well my son hates it too but i take him to a place called toon klips i think that is how it is spelled. Well they have it to where your little one can watch tv play a video game to get their minds off of getting their hair cut. they have at least two or three stores in san antonio. Look them up

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S.S.

answers from Wichita Falls on

In Wichita Falls there's a place called Kids Hair Safari - he can sit in a power wheels truck, drive, and get his hair cut at the same time - that's the only way my son will sit still. Hair cuts are $12 - $10 on Thursday, not a bad deal at all.

S.

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S.L.

answers from Dallas on

I also recommend any of the Cool Cuts places. My son at that age wouldn't sit still either and freak out, but they are great with kids, and the videos and cool chairs seem to occupy them.

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L.

answers from Dallas on

Hi M.! My husband takes my son to Sport Clips and it works really well for them. They have TVs around the place with sports on and a lot of sports related decorations throughout. It helps for my son to see daddy get his hair cut first and the lollipops before the cut don't hurt either. The folks at the store in Frisco are quick and very kid-friendly. Best wishes!

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M.F.

answers from Dallas on

For the most part he'll just have to outgrow it. My little guy did well at one of those Cool Cuts places. He would still occasionally melt down, especially when I would try to trim his hair at home...until I brought out the M&Ms. I pulled out a bunch of those little medicine cups (the kind that come on top of the children's motrin bottles) and put 2 or 3 M&Ms in each one, then lined them up in front of the mirror on the bathroom counter. I told him he could have M&Ms while he got his hair cut and let him grab another little cup in between snips. I also make sure to take some kind of lollipop or treat when we go to a salon as well, just in case they don't already offer them to kids. Or, combine the trip with a run through Sonic for a fun drink.
He's been wonderful with hair cuts ever since.

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Y.R.

answers from Austin on

My son cuts hair in a salon and for some reason kids loves him and they sit in chair and let him cut their hair without crying. We were just talking about that the other day, that he has a knack for how kids respond to him when he is cutting their hair. They will just sit and he talks to them and before you know it he is finish. It has always been that way since he started being a barber.

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L.M.

answers from Dallas on

Don't know where you live - but - I go to Snip Its and love it! My son has a great time there getting a hair cut! Just try any that are geared for kids - usually the set up is exactly what is needed to get your kids happy about a hair cut! Also - before we started going there - we used the dum dum suckers also - and it does work!

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S.P.

answers from Dallas on

Try taking him to YOUR hair stylist. I know with my kids, they were nervous because they could tell I was nervous (is she any good, how will it look? stuff like that). Once I started taking them to my stylist, all worries were gone. They could tell I was much calmer, so that helped them out. Plus, she already knows what styles I like, and what I don't like. I don't have to explain to a new person each time how I want their hair to look. And since I'm such a regular customer, I get a discount on the kids cuts (sometimes she doesn't even charge me at all).

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C.C.

answers from Dallas on

Hi M.!
I didn't have time to read all the responses, so I don't know if anyone suggested this, but we give my son (22 months) a sucker when he is getting his hair cut. He is so into his sucker that he forgets why he is in the chair. My son's hair grows so fast that we have to get his hair cut every 4 weeks, and thankfully the sucker trick works great for us.
I hope this helps you some!
C.

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H.B.

answers from Dallas on

Hair Diddle Diddle in Flower Mound

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M.R.

answers from McAllen on

What I can tell you from my 10 yr old boy and 5 yr old girl is that they don't get over it... at least not mine... my son still gets nervous, because he has to sit still so long.. and it usually takes about 15 minutes... just make sure you are always at eye range and keep on talking to him.... that what I usually do... I hope this helps

M.

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M.

answers from Dallas on

M.,

We take our kiddo to Cool Cuts for Kids on Lover's Lane by the tollway. He loves getting his hair cut. The kids sit in little cars and can play video games or watch anything from Cars the Movie to Barney, etc. The employees are very patient with them...and after they are done, they can go play with the train set, etc. Our son has loved getting his hair cut there and even asks when he can go get it cut again! I know they have a few other locations so if that one is far, you might want to search for some others. Hope that helps!

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K.R.

answers from San Antonio on

My boys are now 8 and 4 and do beautifully at the hair salon. We started with blowing up a balloon for them to hold under the cape. Good luck!

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A.

answers from Dallas on

Cool Cuts for Kids. They have franchises all over the Dallas area. Kids can watch a movie or play video games while they get their hair cut. My daughter has been getting her hair cut since she was 4 months old (even then it was way overdue!!) and hates having water sprayed on her or anything in her face. She does really well at Cool Cuts, though!

Good luck!

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E.F.

answers from Austin on

I used to be a hairdresser and this is what I use to tell my clients. Think of his getting a haircut like you thought of his seperation anxiety. It is h*** o* them, but they need to learn that they are ok. When my son had seperation anxiety, I would leave him at a safe place, tell him he was ok and that I would be back and then leave. He would cry, then be ok and he quickly learned that I always came back. He is scared about his haircut. It is foreign to be put in a chair with a stranger, have a cape put around his neck (to him feeling tied to a chair), then come at him with a sharp object that he has probably been told is dangerous to play with and expect him to sit still. He doesnt know that his hair isnt the same as his finger and that it wont hurt when you cut it off.

So, cut his hair at home if you have to in the mean time, but everytime your husband gets a haircut, have him take your son. Have him say things like "Look, Daddy is getting a haircut, it doesnt hurt, it is so relaxing, etc". Let him sit in Dad's lap if he will and just keep trying. He will get over it. He may never like getting a haircut. Some kids dont, but it will help if his fears are understood.

Tell him he is safe, that it wont hurt, then do it. My boys (21/2 and 1) dont like to sit still...most boys dont, so I just use the electric clippers (I call it the tickle machine) with the #8 guard. It is long enough to comb and look like a haircut, not a buzz cut, but I know it will be even if they are moving around.

Good Luck!

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V.B.

answers from Houston on

Cool Cuts is the thing. I took my daughter to Sweet and Sassy for her first hair cut and regretted it instantly. It is really for older girls. I just thought it would be cute, but they didn't have anything to distract her and she was terrified through the whole thing. Cool cuts has a video playing and they sit in little car shaped seats, so it's fun for them. She did much better there and now I won't take her anywhere else.

One other tip is to see if you can go with one of her friends who is also getting their hair cut so that she can see them doing it (as long as they are good about it). That way, she will want to be just like them and do it too. This worked well for me also.

Best of luck!

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