Preparing Young Children for a Haircut (or any new experience!)

As adults, we forget how long it takes to get used to doing some of the things we do with ease now:

• getting a haircut
• visiting the dentist
• going on a plane

It’s important for young children to feel supported when doing something for the first time and that it’s okay to be nervous. 

Think about getting a haircut. 

For some, it’s sensory overload - lights, sounds, water, tools…most of which are held very close to your face. 

If your child is hesitant to get their haircut or shows some fear while getting their haircut, it’s helpful to consider why this might be so that you can try to make that part easier for them.

For example, if your child really doesn’t like clippers, can the barber use scissors instead? 

Rather than thinking "they shouldn’t be afraid of the clippers", consider they will likely grow comfortable with the clippers, just not yet and that’s okay. 

How You Respond (As a Parent) Makes a BIG Difference

Children notice your calm and confident presence, as well as your belief that they can handle new experiences.

Being patient, encouraging, and supportive helps them feel safe, which builds confidence for future new experiences.

How To Prepare For Haircuts

These three steps work well in the preparation of all new experiences:

1. View Photos or Read Books

In preparation for haircuts, or any new experience, reading books on the subject can be very helpful. For haircuts specifically, books like Going to Get a Haircut are excellent because they use real photographs rather than illustrations.

Photographs give children a realistic idea of what the environment, tools, and people might look like.

Seeing real images helps children start to familiarize themselves with what to expect, which can reduce anxiety and make the experience feel more predictable.

Read the book together, point out the chair, scissors, or clippers, and talk about what each step might feel like. This allows them to discuss their feelings, answer questions, and reassure them that haircuts are safe and routine.

2. Pretend Play

Another great way to prepare for haircuts is pretend play.

Hair Dresser Play Kits or simply exploring real haircare tools during play gives children a chance to explore the sights, sounds, and movements of a haircut in a safe and familiar setting. 

Invite your child "cut" or style a doll’s or stuffed animal’s hair, or take turns pretending to be the hairdresser and the customer.

Pretend play also gives children a sense of control over an experience that might otherwise feel unfamiliar or intimidating.

3. Watching Someone Else Get A Haircut

Finally, bring your child along when you or another family member gets a haircut.

I would suggest bringing another adult along to supervise your child and field any questions :)

The key to helping your child adjust to any new experience is believing in them, trusting that they are capable of handling something new, while offering support, reassurance, and patience as they learn.