Your Child and the Hairdresser (2)

A little girl getting her hair cut — Photo: Africa Studio/Shutterstock

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To avoid disappointment, make sure to take note of the time of day for your next visit with your child. A child who often takes a nap in the afternoon will not be pleased if they have to go to the hairdresser at 3:00 p.m.

Also, an appointment that takes place around a time when your child usually has a meal will not be appreciated. And of course, an appointment during the hour when your child is usually more active will not be successful either. This will only increase the chances of a bad experience.

You can prepare your child for a visit to the hairdresser by taking them with you when you go for a haircut yourself, of course not during a long visit. Or just have a look and then make an appointment while you're there. Another good thing to do is to take a favorite drink and snack with you when you visit. Maybe your child disapproves of the drinks and snacks at the salon and then gets disappointed when they see other children enjoying everything.

When looking for a good children's hairdresser or a kid friendly hair salon, don't hesitate to ask around. Other parents may be able to advise you as to which hairdresser is especially good at working with children and who provides good results with the cut. Don't hesitate to pay a little more for a good experience instead of paying less for a good haircut with a hairdresser where your child doesn't feel comfortable. When your child has had good experiences with a certain hairdresser at a salon, stay there and keep making appointments with this person; this will add to your child's sense of security and provide stability.

If all else fails, don't worry; there are hairdressers nowadays that make house calls. Your child can get a haircut in a secure environment of their own. When searching the web for "children's hairdresser" and then "housecall," you may be able to find one in your area.

Young boy at the hairdresser — Photo: Pixelshot/Canva

When you notice your child is frightened and nervous, comfort them and guide them calmly through everything. Explain in positive and understandable terms what is happening or will happen and how long it will last. But certainly do not do so if it is not called for. When your child is distracted and at ease while being cut, please do not interfere.

Be patient and have a lot of understanding if everything does not work out as it should, but don't be stingy with compliments either when, even small, things go well to motivate the child. Haste and an irritable attitude of the parent will certainly not add to a secure feeling now or the next time a haircut is necessary.

If everything went well, especially the first time, or did you find your child was very brave, then, of course, a small reward is in order. But do not grumble if this was not the case; it will only add to a negative feeling concerning hairdressing.

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See also: Haircut phobias