Kids’ First Haircut: How to Make It a Great Experience

By Stacey Simmons, Owner & Barber at Clyde's Barbershop, Onarga, IL

There are parenting moments that feel sacred: baby’s first steps, first words, the first time they sleep through the night (hallelujah). Then, there’s the first haircut.

Sounds adorable, right? Like something out of a Pampers commercial?

Wrong.

It’s chaos. It’s tears. It’s snack bribery, last-minute negotiations, and you second-guessing every life choice that led to this moment while silently praying your child doesn’t smack me. (Spoiler: Some of them do. I’ve got quick reflexes.)

But I’ve got your back. As someone who has been behind the chair for years, clipped curls from wiggly toddlers, and witnessed more parental panic than I care to admit - I’m here to help.

Let’s get into it: here’s how to survive (and maybe even enjoy) your kid’s very first haircut.

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1. Pick the Right Time (and No, "Nap Time" Isn’t It)

You know your kid best, which means you know when they are least likely to scream like they're being abducted by aliens. Aim for a time when they’re fed, rested, and emotionally stable - aka the magic window that lasts about 15 minutes per day.

Don’t roll in when they’re tired, hungry, overstimulated, or fresh off a meltdown about the color of their sippy cup. I love a challenge, but not when it comes with a side of emotional whiplash.

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2. Build the Hype Like It’s a Trip to Disneyland

This haircut? It’s a Big Deal. Sell it like you’re heading to the world’s greatest adventure.

“We’re going to the barbershop! You’ll get a cape, sit in a big chair, and leave looking like a rockstar!”

What you don’t say:
❌ “They’re going to cut your hair.”
❌ “It won’t hurt.”
❌ “Don’t cry.”

Toddlers speak in fear-based riddles. The word “cut” might send them into panic. Instead, say we’re getting your hair styled or trimmed or made awesome. Jedi mind tricks are fair game.

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3. Skip the Parenting Books - Just Bring Snacks & Entertainment

Let’s not overthink this. Pack a bag like you’re going on a road trip:

• Crackers

• Applesauce pouches

• Something that dings, flashes, or sings Baby Shark on repeat

• Backup snacks in case the first snacks don’t pass the vibe check

I also recommend an emotional support item: a favorite toy, blankie, or that one stuffed animal they have to sleep with every night.

Your kid might not love getting a haircut, but they will love goldfish crackers and screen time. We work with what we’ve got.

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4. Manage Your Expectations: We're Not Shooting a Magazine Cover

Let’s be honest. You’re not walking out of here with a flawless photo shoot look on the first go.

Your goal: child in chair, haircut achieved, no blood.
My goal: make sure your child doesn’t end up with a mullet - unless that's your thing.

The first haircut is like a training session. The end result may include an uneven bang or a slight zig where there should’ve been a zag, but guess what? Your kid is still cute. They’ll survive. And I promise the next cut will be better. Unless they throw a shoe at me - then we’ll renegotiate.

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5. We’re Going to Make a Mess, and That’s Okay

There will be hair. Everywhere. There will be crying (hopefully not yours). There might even be a tiny human crawling under the chair mid-cut. I once had a kid jump out of the chair before we were finished. (They’re fine. I recovered.)

Point is: don’t stress the mess. This isn’t a five-star dining experience - it’s a toddler with a hair crisis. We’ll clean it up. We always do.

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6. Let Go of Control (You’re Not Driving This Bus)

Some parents want to micromanage the entire experience: “Can you just trim the sides, take a little off the back, leave the front long, and make it look like that Pinterest photo I saved from 2017?”

Ma’am.
Sir.

Your child is spinning in circles while singing the Paw Patrol theme song at full volume. I’m just trying to get the hair off their ears without taking off an ear.

Let’s keep it simple. Tell me if you want it shorter, neater, cleaned up, or “just enough to say we did it.” We’ll get there. Someday. Eventually. I promise.

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7. Take the Picture Anyway

Even if their face is sad, their hair’s half-wet, and he's got applesauce on his shirt - take the photo anyway. Trust me. You'll be glad you did.

Years from now, when that baby-face is rocking a teenager attitude and asking for $200 sneakers, you’ll look back and say, “Remember this day? When all you needed to be happy was a sucker and a mustache sticker?”

It’s a milestone, even if it’s not perfect.

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8. Don’t Apologize for Your Kid Being a Kid

Listen, your child is not the first one to cry, kick, wiggle, or shout “NO!” like they’re being chased by a zombie barber. I promise I’m not judging you.

I've seen it all. Screaming toddlers, haircuts done entirely on the floor, kids who try to make a break for it mid-trim. I once had a kid bark at me for five straight minutes. (Not even mad. That kid committed to the role.)

I’m here for it. I’ve got patience, experience, and backup lollipops for days.

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9. Book with a Barber Who Gets It (That’s Me, By the Way)

You want someone who knows what they're doing, stays calm under pressure, and doesn’t flinch when a rogue animal cracker flies past their head. 

I know what it takes to keep kids calm, parents sane, and haircuts... mostly straight. I’ll talk them through it, go at their pace, and stop when we need to. No pressure, no shame, just good vibes and safe shears.

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Ready to do this thing?

📅 Book your appointment now: ClydesBarbershop1.Booksy.com
📲 Call/Text 779-229-6400

Clyde’s Barbershop – Where kids get their first cut, parents get a moment of peace, and we all leave with a little more respect for anyone who’s ever trimmed a toddler.