Things to consider

At Junior Cuts, we take a child’s first haircut just as seriously as you do. We are honored each time we are a part of this important event.

When to Cut

Every child’s head of hair – and every parent’s emotional connection to those locks – is different. Some babies come in for a first cut before they’re even able to sit. Other kids don’t visit the salon until they’re 2 or 3 years old (or older).  There is no certain age at which a child needs that first cut. But, here are some signs it may be time:

• Hair is getting in your baby’s eyes or growing down his or her neck, making them uncomfortable
• Those adorable “fly-a-ways” on the sides of the head start to look like wings
• It bothers you that people aren’t sure whether your sweetie pie is a little boy or girl 

Preparing for the First Haircut

A haircut is a new experience for your child, so you should prepare yourself for any tears or fears that might arise. In fact, sometimes it’s the parents who are more scared or uncertain than their children! So, follow these tips to help make this important milestone as calm and as easy as possible.  Who knows…you might even have some fun!

• Pick a salon or stylist which is comfortable and experienced working with young children.  At Junior Cuts, our team has over 30 years of experience in the industry, with the majority of those years focused on serving children of all ages, including children with special needs and/or sensory challenges.
• Specify that you are scheduling a “first haircut” appointment.  At Junior Cuts, you can select “First Haircut” when booking online, calling ahead, or requesting a walk-in appointment. If new places or new people make your little one nervous, consider bringing your child by the salon a few days early to preview an actual haircut so they know what to expect.
• You can also walk them through online photos to help familiarize them with the space, the stylists, the tools, and the process.
• Bring an extra shirt in case they don’t want to wear the cape. (Sometimes it helps to remind them that super heroes and princesses typically wear capes!)
• Pick a time that is good for your child when they are not too tired or hungry (e.g., not nap time, not snack/meal time, or other "cranky" times.)
• Talk with your child about getting a haircut ahead of time and make it sound fun and exciting.  Consider using the words “trim” or “style” rather than “cut,” which may be scary for some kids.
• If there is a particular book, toy, “woobie,” or snack that helps your child remain happy and calm, feel free to bring it with you.

During the First Haircut

Even the most prepared children can get the “first haircut jitters” when the time comes. Follow these tips to help create a positive salon experience:

• Consider describing the noises and sensations associated with tools like the blow dryer or clippers as buzzing insects, miniature airplane or helicopter engines, a visit from “Mr. or Ms. Tickle,” etc. You know what words or creative ideas might work best with your child. (If you feel any tools will be particularly concerning for your child, simply let your Junior Cuts stylist know and they’ll be happy to complete the cut or style without them.)
• If your little one is overly fussy or having a hard time sitting in the styling chair, consider switching chairs or letting him or her sit on your lap during the haircut. At Junior Cuts, children can sit in a race car, or fire truck, or a parent’s lap (while the parent sits in an adult size salon chair.)  They can play with our toys, read our books, or watch a TV or movie of their choice. We can also use suckers, bubbles, silly faces, or songs…whatever might help keep your little one happily distracted.

Making Memories

As a parent, you want to remember all the important “firsts” for your child, and their first haircut should be no different.

Assuming you and your child are comfortable, remember to bring your camera and/or video camera to capture this special moment to share with family and friends.  If your child will be sitting in your lap for the cut, either bring a friend or family member or let one of our Junior Cuts team members know and, assuming we’re not busy with other clients, we’ll be happy to capture a few shots for you. Remember to save the first lock of hair for your baby book, scrapbook, memory box, or the like. At Junior Cuts, we commemorate the occasion with a personalized “First Haircut Certificate” complete with a snippet of the child’s hair (enclosed in a protective plastic pocket) at no additional cost to you. At Junior Cuts, we also help you and your child celebrate with a complimentary post-cut prize, including your choice of suckers, rubber bracelets or popular character stickers from TV, movies and books.

In the end, the more fun you can make the trip to the salon, the better.  We hope you find these tips helpful.  If there is anything else we can do or questions we can answer to help you and your child feel comfortable, please don’t hesitate to ask.  We look forward to celebrating this important moment with you both!

Our stylists have specific training (from Applied Behavioral Services Learning Center and Autism Speaks) as well as many years of experience serving children with special needs and/or sensory processing challenges. The entire Junior Cuts team is committed to helping make your and your child’s experience at our salon as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.  Please note, our salon, as well as the main ​building, Recreations Outlet, and its restrooms are all wheelchair friendly. 

Preparing for the Haircut

• Specify your child’s special needs or related concerns when scheduling his or her appointment.  If booking online, you can include this information in the “Special requests” box on the booking form.  If calling ahead or requesting a walk-in appointment, simply share ​the information at that time.
• If new places or new people can be particularly challenging for your child, consider bringing them by the salon a few days early to preview an actual haircut so they know what to expect. You can also walk them through our haircut social story or show them our online photo albums to help familiarize them with the space, the stylists, the tools, and the process. If there are any special items that your child would find comforting to hold during the cut and/or value as a reward after the cut, feel free to bring it with you.

During the Haircut

To help your child feel calm and in control, the stylist will explain exactly what she is planning to do during his or her haircut. If your child is particularly anxious sitting in a specific chair, consider switching chairs or letting him or her sit on your lap during the haircut.  If they would prefer to remain in their wheelchair, we can accommodate that as well, taking extra precautions to keep the chair as clean and free of hair as possible. During the cut, he or she can use their comfort items, play with toys, read books, or watch a TV or movie of their choice. ​Where appropriate, we can also use suckers, bubbles, silly faces, or songs…whatever might help keep your child entertained and happily distracted.

Sensory issues or related sensitivities will be handled with great care.  Where appropriate, we will forego clippers, trimmers, and/or blow dryers, and spray our hands or combs with water to avoid spraying directly on your child’s hair or skin. We can take a break if it would help your child regroup and compose themselves.  If that break requires you and your child to leave the salon, you are welcome to return later that day or another day to finish the haircut at no additional charge. Remind your child that they get a free prize following their cut when they can choose between suckers, rubber bracelets or popular character stickers from TV, movies and books

Additional Resources

Autism Speaks’ special section with tips and videos about getting a successful haircut

HIEHelpCenter has an article on the sensory overload of haircuts for children on the spectrum

An Anxious or Fearful Child

Do you have a child who is nervous or afraid about having his or her hair cut?  Don’t worry… you have come to the right place. The entire Junior Cuts team is committed to helping make your and your child’s experience at our salon as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Our stylists have training and years of experience working with nervous, fussy, and even crying children. They consider it part of their job to do everything they can to reassure your child and help them feel better. 

Preparing for the Haircut

• Specify your child’s fears or related concerns when scheduling his or her appointment. If booking online, you can include this information in the “Special requests” box on the booking form. If calling ahead or requesting a walk-in appointment, simply share the information at that time.
• Pick a time that is good for your child when they are not too tired or hungry (e.g., not nap time, snack/meal time, or those cranky hours in between.)
• If new places or new people contribute to your child’s fears, consider bringing them by the salon a few days early to preview an actual haircut, so they know what to expect. You can also walk them through our online photo albums to help familiarize them with the space, the stylists, the tools, and the process.
• Talk with your child about getting a haircut ahead of time and make it sound fun and exciting. Consider using the words “trim” or “style” rather than “cut,” which may be scary for some kids.
• If there are any special items that your child would find comforting to hold during the cut and/or value as a reward after the cut, feel free to bring it with you.

During the Haircut

• If your child is particularly anxious sitting in a specific chair, consider switching chairs or letting him or her sit on your lap during the haircut.
• During the cut, he or she can use their comfort items, play with toys, read books, or watch a TV or movie of their choice. We can also use suckers, bubbles, silly faces, or songs…whatever might help keep your child entertained and happily distracted.
• Share positive encouragement without hovering or crowding. Provide your child and the stylist adequate space (both figuratively and literally) to work and build rapport.
• Consider taking a break if it would help your child regroup and compose themselves. If that break requires you and your child to leave the salon, you are welcome to return later that day or another day to finish the haircut at no additional charge.
• Remind your child that they get a free prize following their cut when they can choose between suckers, rubber bracelets or popular character stickers from TV, movies and books.