A mother lovingly and willingly plays many roles: teacher, chef, nurse, counselor, housekeeper, and party planner, among many others. And because of the strict quarantine guidelines since last year, the wonder woman of the family has accepted yet another role: a haircutter and stylist.
While it’s best to leave the kiddie haircut to professionals, times like this (when children are not even allowed at certain establishments) call for mama to take on the challenge when the little ones badly need a trim.
There are a lot of videos that can guide you through the step-by-step procedures of cutting your child's hair. But before you whip out the scissors and start snipping, here are some must-know information and reminders from hairdressing pros from Cuts 4 Tots Hair Salon:
1. How to know it’s time to cut your kid's hair
When her hair is already obstructing her vision or if her head is often sweating profusely even in a moderate or cool climate
2. When to do a baby’s first haircut
First haircuts usually happen when the baby is between 8 months old to 2 years old. It’s a matter of preference as some parents want it done by the time the baby turns 1 because of cultural beliefs, while others just consider the little one’s hair thickness and texture when deciding when to have that first haircut.
3. How to prepare the child for a haircut
- It’s better if the little one has seen you get your haircut done so she has an idea how it goes.
- Talk to your child in a fun and excited tone of voice, telling her how nice she will look after the haircut.
- Don’t use the word “cut” so as not to scare her. Children usually relate this word with pain. Instead, you may use the word "trim."
4. The best time of day to cut her hair at home
Choose a time when she is calm and happy—after a meal or after a good nap. Mornings are recommended, as the child isn’t too fussy or sleepy yet.
5. Which part of your home to do this
Choose a quiet, comfortable, and relaxed corner that has good lighting and proper ventilation.
6. Important safety precautions
- Use a blunt-edged pair of scissors.
- For boys, it’s safer to use a clipper instead of purely scissors.
- Have someone else hold the child’s head steady.
- Don’t rush, do it slowly.
- Always pull hair away from the head when cutting.
- Put your fingers between your child’s head and the scissors.
7. How long it usually takes to cut a kid’s hair
Kiddie haircuts done by professionals take around 15 to 20 minutes depending on the hair thickness. Home haircuts may take longer—from 30 to 60 minutes depending on the child.
8. How to keep an active toddler seated during the haircut
The key is to keep her busy and distracted—either someone is talking to her or allow the child to play with a favorite toy or watch her favorite TV show.
9. Reminders after the haircutting session
- Keep a lock of hair as your souvenir, especially if it’s the first cut.
- Compliment your child for good behavior. You may reward her with a treat like a toy or a favorite snack.
- Bathe your kid and shampoo her hair to remove leftover hair from her scalp and body. This will make your little one feel fresh and clean.
10. Hair care tips for children
- Toddlers’ hair need not be shampooed daily unless sweaty, oily, or dirty. Otherwise, 3 to 4 times a week is fine to preserve the hair’s natural oil.
- Use fingertips (not fingernails) to massage the scalp and wash the hair with a gentle, tear-free shampoo and a separate conditioner.
- For longer hair that tangles easily, a gentle detangler may be used after washing.
- Comb through the hair gently in a downward motion, starting at the ends, working your way up.
- A 20-minute hot oil treatment may be used once or twice a month to condition the hair.
Home service haircut
If you are still not too confident about being the one to cut your child’s hair and your local quarantine guidelines will allow your child to visit a salon, you may bring her to Cuts 4 Tots Hair Salon. They offer specialized services for children ages 0 to 10. Aside from its fun interiors and play area filled with educational toys and books, their branches also have a television set in front of every booth constantly showing educational videos for children. They have branches in Metro Manila and Pampanga, but only the SM Aura branch is open as Taguig City already allows kids to enter the mall for essential services such as haircuts.
If you are not anywhere near SM Aura though, you can book a home service haircut. Their team—composed of a hairdresser, an assistant, and a driver—will be bringing with them the following: kiddie high chair with seat belt, folding table, portable TV for cartoon viewing, a disposable cape per person, and a comb per household. They properly sanitize all equipment used before and after every haircut service. You can book your home service haircut or check if the service is available in your area in this link.
