By Sonakshi Kandhari
20 October, 2022
It's best to aim for a child-friendly salon to make the experience comfortable. If you are unable to find one, check and book an appointment with a stylist who is good with children.
Avoid squeezing in a haircut between other routine tasks. It should be a leisurely affair, not a rushed one. Bring their favourite treats, play their preferred song on the drive, and follow it up with the ice cream of their choice.
A role play activity depicting a salon scenario could ease their worries. You could cut a lock of your own hair to demonstrate what happens. Using appropriate words like "We are going to style you'' will help.
Children get cranky if they are not well-rested or well-fed, so ensure that everything is sorted out before the haircut. Arrive at the salon earlier than the scheduled time to give your child a chance to notice others getting haircuts.
Your toddler might get agitated at the time of their haircut. You could explain to them that the hair will obscure their vision. Having a sibling, friend, or favourite soft toy can help them get through it.
To induce calm and security, show your child videos of children getting their haircuts. Record a video when your child is pleasantly calm during their haircut. It will come in handy for the next appointment.
Explaining to your child what each item is used for—sprays, combs, cape, hair dryer - will not catch them off guard or stress them out.
Getting those first few haircuts is a milestone. If your child manages to sit without squirming for the haircut, make sure to acknowledge it. And finally, once the haircut is done, praise them for their patience.