Kids' Haircut Tips for Parents
By Bella Garcia · · 4 min read
A haircut can be exciting for one kid and a little scary for another. Either way, a bit of preparation usually makes the whole visit smoother for everyone. These kids haircut tips come from what we have seen work for families in the chair, from first trims to back-to-school refreshes.
Kids haircut tips for before the appointment
Most of the success of a kids haircut happens before you ever walk in. A calm, well-rested child is usually a happier one.
- Talk about it ahead of time. Explain what will happen in simple words: they will sit in a chair, get a cape on, and the stylist will use a comb and scissors.
- Pick a good time of day. Avoid nap time or right before a meal. Morning appointments often work well for younger kids.
- Bring a comfort item. A favorite toy, book, or show on a device can help them stay still.
- Dress for it. A shirt without a hood or a high collar makes it easier to keep little hairs off their neck.
- Feed them first. A snack before the visit can head off a lot of wiggles.
Choosing a style that fits their life
For kids, the best haircut is usually the one that is easy to live with. Before the appointment, think about:
- Their daily routine. Are mornings rushed? A shorter or simpler shape may save time.
- Their activities. Kids who swim or play sports often do well with styles that can go into a ponytail or dry quickly.
- Their hair texture. Curly, thick, fine, and straight hair all behave differently. A stylist can suggest a cut that works with it instead of against it.
- What they want. Letting older kids have a say, within reason, often makes them more excited and cooperative.
Bringing a photo or two is helpful, as long as everyone knows the result may look a little different on their hair. If you are curious how shape and features factor in, how face shape and texture guide a cut covers the basics, and many of the ideas apply to kids too.
Making the visit go smoothly
Once you are at the salon, a few small things can keep the mood relaxed:
- Stay close. Younger kids often feel better when a parent is within sight.
- Stay positive. Avoid words like "it won't hurt," which can plant the idea that it might. Try "this tickles a little" instead.
- Let the stylist lead. Stylists are used to working around wiggles, and quiet confidence from you helps your child trust them.
- Celebrate afterward. A little praise or a small treat makes the next haircut something to look forward to.
It is completely normal if a child gets upset. Taking a short break or finishing on another day is usually okay. A good experience matters more than a perfect cut on the first try.
How often kids need a haircut
There is no single rule, but a few general patterns are common:
- Short styles often look best with a trim every four to six weeks.
- Medium or long hair can often go eight to twelve weeks between cuts.
- Bangs usually need a quick touch-up more often so they stay out of the eyes.
Kids’ hair grows on roughly the same clock as adults’, so these trim intervals by length work for them too.
Keeping their hair easy at home
A good cut is easier to keep tidy with a simple routine:
- Use a detangling spray and a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends and working up.
- Wash only as often as needed. Many kids do not need daily shampoo.
- Rinse hair with clean water after swimming to cut down on chlorine dryness.
- Use soft hair ties without metal pieces to prevent snagging.
- Braid long hair loosely at night to wake up with fewer knots.
Kids' services at our salon
Both of our kids’ services are for children 10 and under:
- Kid haircut ($50, about 40 mins): a wash and cut, with styling or a blowdry included, so they leave looking finished.
- Kid styling ($45, about 40 mins): a wash plus any style of choice, which is a fun option for picture day, a birthday, or a family event. Hollywood waves and updo styling are an additional charge.
For kids 11 and up, book one of our regular haircuts. You can compare those on our haircut and kids’ menu.
If you have questions before booking, such as whether a certain style will work for your child's hair, get in touch by phone, text, or message.
FAQ
What age is right for a first salon haircut?
There is no set age. Some kids get their first trim as toddlers, while others wait until their hair starts getting in their eyes. The best time is usually when hair is getting hard to manage and your child is calm enough to sit for a few minutes.
Should I wash my child's hair before their appointment?
You don't need to, since a wash is included in both our kid haircut and kid styling. Brushing out big knots at home first helps, especially if your child is sensitive to brushing, and skip heavy products that day.
What if my child will not sit still?
That is very common. Bringing a distraction, staying close, and keeping the mood upbeat all help. If it is not working, a short break or trying again another day is perfectly fine.
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