Baby’s First Haircut – Right Age, Preparations & Tips

It is common for parents to feel apprehensive about different aspects of caring for their baby, even if this is not the first child they have. One such landmark moment in the parents’ life is their newborn first haircut. Getting your baby’s first haircut can be a memorable milestone filled with excitement and a touch of apprehension for parents. It marks a significant step in your child’s growth and development, yet the experience can only be daunting with proper preparation. To ensure this special occasion is enjoyable, let us look at a few tips to make the process easier for your child to get through.

What Is the Right Age for the First Haircut of the Baby?

You might be wondering when do babies get their first haircut. Well, there is no specific best time for a baby’s first haircut; it all varies from child to child. You will need to take him to the salon when the hair gets into his eyes and irritates him often. The growth rate of the hair is not uniform, so only experience can tell you when you need to take him to the salon. Also, remember that trimming can sometimes make the hair look thick and full.

Preparations Before Your Child’s First Haircut

Preparing for a newborn baby’s first haircut is crucial. It’s about ensuring the child’s comfort while a stranger hovers over with a pair of scissors. To help you feel more confident and reduce your baby’s anxiety, here are a few tips for this landmark event.

• Take a change of clothes with you. The haircut is going to be messy, and your child is sure to wiggle around at least a little bit. You do not want hair inside his clothes once the cutting is done; it will only make him irritable and cranky for the rest of the day. Therefore, take a change of clothes with you.
• Bringing a familiar toy can be a game-changer. Your child might feel nervous with strangers, but a familiar toy, like a pacifier, can provide security. It can also distract from the cutting process, making the experience less stressful for your baby.
• Snacks are another way to keep your toddler busy while cutting his hair. Snacks keep him engaged and make him feel more comfortable with the whole thing. However, do not take anything sticky to the salon.
• Try to get him to be more comfortable about haircutting by mimicking the actions during playtime or bathtime.

How to Cut Your Baby’s Hair With Scissors?

Cutting your baby’s hair at home can be a rewarding and convenient experience, especially with the proper preparation and approach. You can ensure a smooth and enjoyable process for you and your little one with a few simple steps. Follow these tips to make your baby’s first haircut a success.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

Preparation is critical to a successful haircut for your baby. Ensure you have all the necessary items within reach so you don’t have to leave your baby unattended.

You will need:

• A towel
• A cape or cloth to cover your baby
• Hair-cutting scissors (baby nail scissors can work too)
• A comb
• A spray bottle with water
• A high chair or a seat that keeps your baby secure
• A small bag or envelope to save a lock of hair as a keepsake

Additionally, have your baby’s favourite toys, pacifiers, and possibly a distraction like a video ready to entertain them.

Step 2: Pick the Right Moment

Timing is crucial when cutting your baby’s hair. Avoid doing it before nap time or meals. Ensure your baby is well-fed, changed, rested, and in a good mood. A happy baby will be less likely to squirm and cry.

Step 3: Make It Exciting

Your baby will pick up on your mood, so keep the atmosphere light and fun. Sing songs, talk to your baby in an upbeat voice, and show them the tools (except the scissors) to get them comfortable. Letting them play with a comb or enjoy a special snack can also help keep them distracted.

Step 4: Be Ready for Various Reactions

Some babies might be fascinated by the new experience, while others might find it scary and start crying. Be prepared for both reactions, and don’t expect your baby to sit still like an adult. Even a calm baby might move their head around, so stay alert to avoid accidents.

Step 5: Start Snipping Carefully

Now, let’s get to the actual haircut:

1. Lightly dampen your baby’s hair with the spray bottle.
2. Comb up a small section of hair.
3. Hold the section between your fingers, away from the head.
4. Cut above your fingers, using them as a barrier to protect your baby’s head.
5. Drop the cut section and move to the next one.

Remember, minor, angled cuts blend better than long, straight ones. Hair looks longer when wet, so start by cutting less; you can always trim more if needed. Work methodically over the head, from front to back or vice versa, to ensure you don’t miss any sections.

When trimming around the ears and neck, use your hand to shield your baby’s ear to prevent accidents.

Step 6: Save a Lock of Hair

If you’re sentimental, save a few pieces of your baby’s hair in the small bag or envelope you prepared earlier. Doing this before using the spray bottle is best to avoid damp hair in your keepsake. However, don’t feel obligated to keep a lock of hair if it’s not your thing. Many children’s salons offer this service, so it’s entirely up to you.

By following these steps, you can create a pleasant and memorable first haircut experience for your baby.

How to Cut You Infant’s Hair With Clippers?

Cutting your infant’s hair with clippers can be a convenient and effective way to keep their hairstyle neat and manageable. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process:

• Begin with a higher guard setting to gauge the length. Note that a size 1 or 2 guard might cut shorter on a baby than expected. You can always trim more if necessary.
• Be mindful of the lever on the guard that adjusts the cutting length, allowing for options such as a “short 2” or a “long 2.”
• Run the clippers over your baby’s head in multiple directions to ensure an even cut. If you prefer a longer top, use a higher guard on the top and blend the sides with an intermediate guard. Consider using scissors and clippers to blend the transition smoothly for a balanced look.

Tips to Keep in Mind During the Haircut

There are many things you can do to ensure that the child is at ease with the trip to the salon. These also help the stylist do her job without any difficulties.

1. Keep Your Child Comfy

This should always be your priority, even in the hair salon. Some children may refuse to wear the cape for the haircut—if that is the case, you should simply scrap it. Do whatever you can to make your child as comfortable as possible so that the first haircutting ceremony progresses without a hitch.

2. Hold Him

For some children, haircutting can be a traumatic experience. In such situations, no amount of toys or snacks can keep your child engaged- only you can. So, ask the stylist if you can hold him while he is getting his hair cut so that he feels more at ease with the process.

3. No Force

It is common for children to be wriggly or squirmy in the salon. Your child does not feel safe in the surroundings, so he tries to make his discomfort apparent to you. In such situations, you should not react by trying to hold him down with even more strength. This leads to a heightened sense of resistance and is potentially dangerous. A sudden jerk or a swift moment when you have let your guard down can result in cuts and bruises- therefore, try to make your child as comfortable as possible.

4. Breaks

Again, your focus should not be on getting through the process as quickly as possible. Ensure your child does not feel too uncomfortable with the whole thing, so taking breaks in between may be required. You can hold him during this time so that he calms down and stops panicking.

5. Family

A few more familiar faces around the toddler will only make him more comfortable with his surroundings. Therefore, you can try to bring along someone, like his sibling or grandparents, to keep him distracted while his hair is being cut.

6. Have Them Watch You Get a Haircut

You can start making them more comfortable about visits to the salon by taking them along whenever you have to style your hair. This also works if his older sibling is the one getting the haircut. This might make them more comfortable about the salon, and your child may even be looking forward to his turn on the high chair.

7. No Mirrors

Another important thing to remember is that you do not want your child to face the mirror for his first haircut. Kids mostly freak out when they see a stranger hovering over their head snipping hair, so try turning the chair so that your child is facing you the entire time. This can also make him more comfortable with the haircut.

8. Make It a Routine

Schedule haircuts regularly to familiarise your baby with the process. Routine visits can reduce anxiety and make future haircuts easier.

FAQs

1. Should you cut your baby’s hair while it’s dry or wet?

Choosing between wet or dry cutting depends on personal preference and the baby’s hair type. When cutting your baby’s hair, it’s typically recommended to do so while it’s slightly damp. This makes it easier to manage and ensures a more even cut.

2. How do I care for my baby’s hair after the first haircut?

After haircut, maintain your baby’s hair by gently washing it with baby shampoo and using a soft brush or comb to detangle it. Regular trims every few months can help keep your baby’s hair healthy and manageable as it continues to grow.

3. Will cutting my baby’s hair make it grow faster or thicker?

Cutting hair doesn’t affect its growth rate or thickness. Hair growth is determined by genetics and health factors. Trimming can make the hair look healthier by removing split ends, but it won’t alter its growth pattern (1).

4. How often should I trim my baby’s hair after the first haircut?

The frequency of haircuts depends on how quickly your baby’s hair grows and your desired style. Trimming every 2-3 months can help maintain healthy hair growth and keep the style looking neat.

An infant’s first haircut is often a milestone moment for both parents and babies. It marks the beginning of grooming routines and creates lasting memories of their early stages of development. Getting a haircut is a big deal for your child, so try to make him as comfortable as possible when you visit the salon. You can also get him his barber kit so that he can grow used to the hair-styling aspect.

References/Resources:

1. DEBUNKING OLD WIVES’ TALES: BABY’S HAIR; University of Utah Health; https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/kids-zone/all/2021/04/debunking-old-wives-tales-babys-hair

Also Read:

Hair Loss in Infants
Baby Hair Growth Tips
Mundan Ceremony for Babies
How to Wash Your Baby’s Hair?

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