BARBERS & STYLISTS
KID'S HAIRCUT CERTIFICATION COURSE
TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
WATCH THE 1ST HAIRCUT INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO WITH ROBB FADES AND READ THE STEP BY STEP PROCEDURES BELOW. PASS THE QUIZ TO RECEIVE DISCOUNTS ON IMAGINATION BOOSTER PRODUCTS AND A FREE LISTING AS A KID'S HAIRCUT EXPERT IN OUR NATIONAL DATABASE FOR PARENT'S SEARCHING FOR KID-FRIENDLY BARBERS & STYLISTS IN THEIR AREA!
Guidelines for Scheduling a Child's Haircut
We recommend scheduling your child's haircut during a time that aligns with their usual playtime. It is important to avoid scheduling the appointment right before or after nap time or bedtime, as this is when children tend to be more tired and irritable.
For boys, we suggest their first haircut experience take place before the age of two, ideally between 12 and 18 months. At this age, children are generally more open to new experiences and eager to learn. After the age of two, unfamiliar situations may become more challenging or anxiety-inducing for them.
To ensure a smooth experience, please use the following text template when confirming haircut appointments with parents, providing them with helpful tips to prepare for their child’s visit.
Download the text msg template below:
Greet the child with a smile, introduce yourself, and ask for their name. A fun way to break the ice is by asking for a high-five—most kids love it, and it helps them feel more comfortable right away.
We recommend that parents bring their child to the barbershop or salon for a visit prior to their scheduled haircut. Additionally, allowing the child to observe a parent, sibling, or someone they know getting a haircut can help them become more familiar with the environment and the process. This can ease any anxiety and create a more positive and comfortable experience for the child during their own appointment.
Let the parent or guardian put the jacket on the child and secure them in the seat, as it's more comforting for the child to have someone familiar do it rather than the stylist.
Secure the adjustable safety strap to the chair.
Apply the neck strip and close the collar of the jacket to keep hair off of the child. Wash the cape regularly, and HANG DRY ONLY.
When selecting tablet content for a child, it's important to choose age-appropriate shows and games to maintain their attention. For children under 18 months, programs featuring familiar characters are often the most engaging, while older children may be more interested in interactive games. It's helpful to ask the parent or child about their preferred characters, shows, or games to ensure a personalized experience. Providing suitable tablet programming is key to keeping the child entertained and comfortable throughout the haircut.
Allow the child to see and touch the clipper or comb, as children are naturally curious. Allowing them to explore these tools helps ease the haircut process and reassures them that the tools are safe and non-threatening. This can reduce anxiety and make the experience more comfortable for the child.
Keep it Brief – While stylists and barbers aim to provide the highest quality haircut, it’s important to remember that children have limited attention spans. A quick haircut, ideally lasting 12-15 minutes, often ensures a more positive experience for the child. For their first few visits, it’s advisable to keep the haircut simple. As the child becomes more familiar with the environment and the haircut process, they will likely be more comfortable sitting for longer, more detailed cuts in the future.
Use "Baby Talk" – Research shows that infants and toddlers respond more effectively to short, simple sentences delivered with a higher pitch and clear, exaggerated pronunciation. Incorporating positive reinforcement, such as phrases like "good job" or "you're doing great," can help maintain a child's positive attitude and cooperation throughout the haircut experience.
Save the Back for Last – During a boys' haircut, the edging around the ears and neck area can be particularly sensitive and uncomfortable. To minimize any potential discomfort, it is advisable to perform these final touches at the end of the haircut. This approach helps reduce the child's discomfort and enhances their overall experience.
After the haircut is finished, clean off the child, remove the tray and have the parent safely remove the child.
Offer a Reward for Doing Well – Providing a small reward, such as a lollipop, sticker, or toy, after the haircut can enhance the child's overall experience and make it more memorable. This positive reinforcement not only makes the visit enjoyable but also helps foster a lasting, positive relationship with the child.
