It is quite common for children to be afraid of having their hair cut. For parents, it can seem like a daunting process too, especially if your child is struggling to overcome their worries and fears.
But there are several ways that both parents and salons can help, ensuring your child gets the cut they need and with minimum fuss.
Why are young children scared of hair salons?
We can often understand our children’s fears by looking at how we deal with our own. Even as adults, we can be anxious about trying something new and different, especially when it involves anything that we feel could harm us.
That’s how some children feel when they come into a hair salon for the first time. With the sharp scissors and noisy clippers buzzing around and the strange lotions and potions being used on their hair, it takes them out of their normal routine. Having mum, dad or another family member by their side can bring some comfort, but perhaps not enough to stop them being scared.
And it’s not just first timers that can feel nervous about getting a haircut. If a child has had a bad experience at home or at a salon, they’ll likely be anxious about having their hair trimmed again.
But the good news is there are things that you can do at home to calm their worries. The salon you are visiting can also do their bit to make your child feel more relaxed and at ease.
How to prepare your child for a visit to the hairdresser
Getting your child ready will help them relax and make it a more pleasant experience for you too!
1. Try to be as encouraging and empathetic as possible before and during the haircut. This will calm their fears and allow them to feel like their concerns are being listened to.
2. Share fun books and videos about getting a haircut in the weeks and days before they come to the salon. YouTube is a great resource for finding real life stories about first-time haircuts for kids.
3. Role playing is a great way to normalise getting a haircut. You can be the barber and your child the customer. It can not only make it seem fun but also generate real interest.
4. Arrange a quick visit to the salon so they can get used to the surroundings and meet the person who will cut their hair. Once they know what to expect they will likely be less worried.
What can salons do to help children visiting a hairdresser for the first time?
As parents ourselves, we know how tricky it can be to convince your children that getting a haircut is perfectly normal and safe.
1. Patience is key – children move and fidget a lot through no fault of their own, so we know when to step back and give them a moment to settle, when needed.
2. Gentle introduction – before their appointment we’re happy for you and your child to come in to see the salon. And if they’re ready, we can pretend to cut their hair to help them get used to the sights and sounds of the salon.
3. Give encouragement – children want to know they are doing something right, especially when it’s their first time. We always keep a positive vibe in the salon and will encourage them and try to boost their confidence as we are cutting.
4. Treating them with respect – making them feel important can help them to relax, so we’ll always ask how they are feeling, try to make them smile and ask their permission before using any tool or product.
We’d love to hear from you!
At Kartee Salon, we are truly lucky to have amazing customers who love what we do, with some even calling us the best hair salon in Tooting (some have even called us the best hair salon in London!).
You can also find regular updates on our social channels that offer free, helpful tips and insight into common hair issues: Facebook or Instagram.
If you’re a parent that needs some help with your child and their first hair cut, feel free to get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to help.
You can find us on Colliers Wood Road, SW19 and we are open Monday to Friday, 10-7.30pm (9pm on Thursdays), Saturday 9-6pm and Sunday 10-5pm. Give us a call on 020 8540 4664 or email hello@kartee.salon and we’d be more than happy to arrange a free hair consultation.
