What to Do When Your Child Hates Getting Their Hair Cut
Lets face it, we’ve all been there. We have brought our child in to the salon to get a haircut. Now im unsure about you, but as a stylist I have been kicked punched and screamed at over a child getting a haircut. NOT FUN!
“Ouch! You are hurting me!! Stop!!”
Does it seem like your child has tender nerve endings on each strand of hair when you comb or cut it? Well…
I am here to tell you it does NOT hurt them. There is something about haircuts and grooming which can trigger anxiety and resistance in some children — followed by frustration and exasperation in their parents. It’s especially hard to understand when, as an adult, you may love your time at the hairdresser and think its a total treat!
So what’s the deal? Why doesn’t it work to say, “You are fine. This does not hurt! I am being as gentle as I can be. We have done this a million times!” Although totally understandable, this response just heightens the frustration on both sides.
Give your child words to identify their feelings, and let them know you want to help.
A major challenge for both parent and child is the sitting still. As if that isn’t bad enough, if they don’t sit still, they actually could get an injury. Have you ever said, “If you don’t sit still I might hurt you?” Now your child is thinking: I must sit still. I might get hurt. Tense Mama. Cue the dramatics. This potentially nice little quiet time is now filled with a screaming, squirming child, and it's taking 10 times as long to finish. Not a good beginning.
TIP ONE:
Name the sensitivity for your child. Give them words to identify their feelings, and let them know you notice and acknowledge the sensitivity. And not only do you notice, but you want to help them find ways to deal with their sensitivities.
TIP TWO:
Visit the salon.
Try finding a quiet salon, and then visit the salon first just to get used to the sound and smells before you have the “real” appointment (psst — if you need suggestions, Perhaps you can make their appointment when there are fewer people there. You could ask the stylist to just comb their hair for the first visit or give a partial trim.
TIP THREE:
Take the child shopping. Go to the store or salon and let them pick out their own grooming tools. Shampoos Conditioners and other hair accesories. Allow them to take their favorite hairbrush or comb to the appointment.
TIP FOUR:
Try mirrors. Letting them look in a mirror may reduce anxiety.
TIP FIVE:
Add music.
Give your child headphones to block the noise and even deliver some soothing music while they are getting groomed. This may take the edge off of their anxiety. They can wear the headphones “upside-down” or use earbuds if noise cancellation is not as important.
These are just little tips of the trade that I have either used or read about during my career. Not each one will work for each child. Hey, its worth a try tho!
