Getting your child’s haircut – how to prepare your child for the barbers (or hairdressers)
Whether you’re about to get your child’s first haircut or have a child with additional needs, we know that visiting the barbers or hairdressers can be an overwhelming and often stressful experience for both of you. Especially if your child has had a negative experience elsewhere. Why would they believe that this barbers is going to be any different?
Your barber or hairdresser might say they’re child friendly, but are they really? What if your child won’t sit still? What if they have sensory needs and get upset by unpredictable noises like the sound of the clippers?
We get it – we’ve been looking after children at our barbers in Peterborough for years, (more than we’d like to admit!). We are pros when it comes to cutting children’s hair.
But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. We don’t have a magical wand that makes your child sit still. Our barbers are excellent at distracting children and slowly getting them used to the experience, but there are also some things you could do to make their visit even more enjoyable and much easier for them.
In this article, we delve into some of the things other parents and carers (and we) have done to keep your little ones distracted and used to the barbering experience.
Ready to get stuck in?
Things you can do to make your child’s hair-cutting experience more enjoyable
Even if you think they’ll be fine, it’s always good to prepare, just… in… case…
Here’s a list of things that might help:
Talk about it in advance – prepare them and let them know what to expect. Talk about it positively. Look at pictures of what ‘cool new haircut’ they might like to get. Watch videos on our Instagram of people getting their haircut. At our barbershop, we have a fish tank, and the children love to feed them – let them know they get to feed them after they’ve had their cut. Can they guess what the names of the fish might be? We also have lollies!
Bring all of their favourite things – favourite toy, snacks, tablet and phone with programmes ready and downloaded (don’t forget to download them!) even headphones if they’re sensitive to noise. Headphones work really well. Even if you think you won’t need it, bring it. If it keeps them happy and makes them more comfortable we can work around it. Even if they’ve been fine elsewhere before. Better to be prepared then turn up empty handed.
Book at the right time of day – avoid times when you know they’ll be hungry or ready for a nap. We know there’s never an exact science to this – but afternoons when they usually go down for a sleep (we know as parents ourselves) doesn’t always equal best mood for a new haircut. I mean, who would when you’re tired, right? We are open 7 days a week, so you can choose the best times and days for them.
Realistic Expectations – Skin fades are fashionable, but is that the right choice for your child? They take more time than your usual cut, it could irritate their skin, and if they are uncomfortable with the cut and don’t want to continue, you’re going to end up with half a hairstyle!
Take it easy – pull up a seat, have a cup of tea and relax. You’ve got this! We want you to be nice and calm and relaxed so your little one picks up on your calming energy too. If they get upset, we can take a pause.
Rewards – (aka a bribe!) We think they deserve a treat after all that hard work! Plus, it can build up a lovely positive experience and a day out. Barbers plus Ice Cream? Where do we sign up?!
Things we do to make your child’s hair-cutting experience more enjoyable
We’ve got you covered with our toolbox of tricks:
Friendly, patient barbers who get kids – we’re used to wiggly kids, chatty toddlers, and teens who’d rather be anywhere else but here. No judgement – we’ve got kids too, we get it.
Explaining the process step-by-step – we explain exactly what we’re doing step by step, so they know what’s coming (no scary surprises here). They get to use the brush and feel the vibration of the clippers and see that it’s not actually scary at all.
Gentle approach – we take it slow, check in with them at each step and adjust to their needs.
Fun rewards – Lollipops, say hello and feed the resident fishes and a big high-five at the end – we like to celebrate their bravery with them!
Consent to Hair Cuts
If you have a sensitive or wriggly child, you may need to sit them on your lap and hug them close, or hold their head still while we cut their hair. Please bring a friend or family member to help you if needed.
This does not mean we cut children’s hair against their will.
There are times when a child refuses to have their hair cut. No means no. We don’t (and no barber should ever) forcefully hold a child down to get their hair cut. It’s not safe for your child or the barber, and we won’t continue.
In Summary – Children and Haircuts at the Barbers
At the end of the day, getting your child’s haircut is a team effort between you and us. We need to work together. If your child has had a bad experience before, and is likely to get extremely upset, you may need to be more prepared and book in for more than one session so we can ease them in together.
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail is the motto here. Preparation is key. But if you’re we’ll prepared, then together we can make the experience fun and one they want to come back to again and again!
Book your child (and/or you!) on our booking link here. We can’t wait to welcome you both to Seven Barbers in Werrington, Peterborough.
Book your Barber with Confidence
Whether you live in Peterborough, Stamford, or the surrounding areas, our Peterborough barbers is based at the bottom of Werrington Village and easily accessible on your way home or to work with free parking.
0 Comments