3 Tips for Finding the Right Barber or Stylist for Your Child’s First Haircut

Finding the right barber or stylist can make all the difference in ensuring a fun, stress-free experience for both kids and parents. A kid-friendly professional knows how to keep young clients comfortable, engaged, and excited for their haircut, turning a scary and unfamiliar moment into a positive memory!

Here are three key tips to help you choose the best barber or stylist for your child’s first haircut.

1. Look for a Barber or Stylist with Kid-Friendly Experience

Not all barbers and stylists specialize in cutting children’s hair, so it’s important to find one who has the patience, skills, and setup to create a positive experience. Look for:

• A welcoming, child-friendly environment with bright decor or entertainment.

• Experience working with young kids, especially first-timers.

• Gentle and patient communication to keep your child at ease.

• Professionals with a Kids Haircut Specialist Certification

💡 Pro Tip: Ask other parents for recommendations or check online reviews to see how local barbers interact with children.

2. Visit the Shop Before the First Haircut

A quick pre-haircut visit can help your child feel more comfortable on the big day. Use this visit to:

• Bring your child during a parent, sibling, or guardian’s haircut appointment for them to observe and become more familiar with the barbershop or salon environment

• Observe how barbers interact with kids. Are they patient and engaging?

• Check if the shop has kid-friendly features like booster seats or fun capes (like the Imagination Booster and Fire Chief Hair Cape)

• Talk to the barber and ask about their approach to first haircuts.

Getting familiar with the space beforehand reduces anxiety and makes the experience feel more fun and exciting!

3. Use the Haircut Heroes App to Find a Kid-Friendly Barber Near You

Searching for a barber who truly understands kids? The Haircut Heroes App makes it easy!

• Find kid-friendly barbershops in your area from our growing database.

• Read kids haircut preparation tips for parents

• Play the matching game and read along to “I Was Brave for My First Haircut”

💡Barbers & Stylists: Want to be listed in our kid-friendly database? Click here to become a Kids Haircut Specialist and register in our kid-friendly database for free!

Choosing the right barber or stylist can turn first-haircut meltdowns into confidence and excitement. With a kid-friendly expert, a welcoming shop, and a little preparation, you can help make this milestone fun, exciting, and stress-free!

4 Fun & Unique Ways to Celebrate a Child’s First Haircut Milestone

Your child’s first haircut is a special moment— one that marks growth, courage, and a new experience! For some kids, it’s an exciting adventure, while for others, it may take a little extra encouragement. No matter how the experience goes, celebrating this milestone can make it even more meaningful.

At Imagination Booster, we love helping families create positive and enjoyable haircut experiences. Here are four fun and unique ways to celebrate your child’s first haircut!

1. Capture the Moment with a First Haircut Certificate

Make the occasion extra special with our I Was Brave for My First Haircut Certificate! This keepsake includes:

• A dedicated spot for a photo of your child’s fresh first haircut

• An adhesive baggie to save a small lock of hair from their first cut

• A personalized section to add their name, the barbershop/salon they visited, and the date

This certificate turns their first haircut into a lasting memory that you can look back on for years to come!

2. Throw a “Big Kid” Celebration at Home

After their haircut, make your child feel extra special with a fun celebration:

• Take a “Big Kid” photo with their new haircut and a big smile!

• Enjoy a post-haircut treat like their favorite snack or a small ice cream outing.

• Give them a small reward like a sticker, toy, or their very own hairbrush to encourage excitement for haircare.

A little praise goes a long way in making this milestone feel exciting and positive!

3. Read & Play with a First Haircut Activity Book

Ease first haircut nerves and keep the excitement going afterward with our I Was Brave for My First Haircut Board/Activity Book! Designed to prepare and celebrate little ones, this interactive book:

• Introduces them to the haircut experience through fun illustrations and simple explanations

• Shows common barber tools like clippers, combs, and hairdryers to help them feel more familiar

• Includes engaging activities that help kids feel proud of their bravery

Reading this book before their first haircut helps them feel more comfortable, and revisiting it afterward reinforces confidence for future visits!

4. Share the Moment with Loved Ones

Let family and friends celebrate this big moment with you!

• Post a before and after photo of your child’s first haircut with a big smile and First Haircut Certificate in hand

• Send a cute update to grandparents, aunts, and uncles— they’ll love seeing the milestone!

• Create a mini scrapbook or memory box with their certificate, a photo, and a snippet of their first haircut experience.

Sharing the joy makes this milestone even more special and creates a keepsake they’ll appreciate as they grow!

Your child’s first haircut is more than just a trim— it’s a milestone worth celebrating! With a keepsake certificate, activity book, and a little extra fun, you can turn their experience into a positive and lasting memory that will keep them excited for more haircuts to come.

Photo Credits: Corona Barbershop Plus on Facebook

3 Easy Ways to Help Children Overcome Haircut Anxiety

For some kids, getting a haircut can feel like an overwhelming experience— new sounds, unfamiliar tools, and the challenge of sitting still can create stress and anxiety. At Imagination Booster, we believe that every child deserves a positive and comfortable haircut experience. Whether you’re a parent, barber, or stylist, here are three effective ways to help kids feel more at ease during haircuts.

1. Create a Comforting Pre-Haircut Routine

A little preparation can go a long way in easing nerves before a haircut:

1. Talk about it ahead of time. Preferably the day before their appointment, explain the process in simple, positive terms so they know what to expect.

2. Show them what to expect. Read books or watch videos of other kids getting haircuts to make the experience feel familiar. Our I Was Brave For My First Haircut Board Book is a great way to introduce children to the process, featuring common tools like clippers, hair dryers, and combs in a fun and engaging way.

3. Visit the barbershop or salon before haircut day. A quick stop to say hello to the barber or stylist can help them feel more comfortable in the environment. Try bringing them along when a sibling, parent, or other familiar person is getting a haircut. Watching someone they trust go through the process can help them feel more comfortable and even excited about their own turn in the chair.

2. Use Distractions & Engaging Activities

Keeping a child entertained during a haircut helps shift their focus away from any anxiety they may be feeling:

1. Bring their favorite toy, book, snack, or tablet. A familiar object can provide comfort and keep them engaged.

2. Play their favorite music or show. Some barbershops and salons even offer kid-friendly entertainment options.

3. Encourage a fun conversation. A friendly chat with the barber or stylist about their favorite superhero, cartoon, or hobby can make the experience feel less intimidating.

3. Reinforce Positivity & Rewards

Creating a positive association with haircuts makes future visits easier:

1. Praise their bravery. Even small words of encouragement like “you’re doing a great job!” can boost their confidence.

2. Offer a fun reward. A sticker, a lollipop, or a special outing afterward can make haircuts something to look forward to.

3. Be patient and understanding. If they feel nervous, taking a short break or reassuring them with a calm and gentle approach makes all the difference!

At Imagination Booster, we know that helping kids feel comfortable with haircuts is a team effort. By making the experience smooth, familiar, and rewarding, we can help kids overcome their fears and turn haircuts into fun, memorable experiences!

How to Prepare Parents & Kids For Their First Haircut — FREE Text Template Below!

A child’s first haircut is a milestone moment— one that can be exciting, nerve-wracking, and even a little emotional for both parents and kids. At Imagination Booster, we want to make this experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. With a little preparation, you can help set the stage for an stress-free, fun, and memorable first haircut experience! Here are 4 ways to help parents prepare for their child’s first haircut:

1. Best Time to Bring Your Child In

   Timing is everything when it comes to a successful first haircut. We recommend scheduling your child’s appointment during:

   Early Morning: Kids are typically well-rested and in the best mood.

   Playtime Hours: When they’re naturally active and engaged, making them less likely to feel fussy or overwhelmed.

   Avoid booking before or directly after nap times or mealtimes, as a sleepy or hungry child may be more irritable and have a harder time sitting still.

2. Bring Comfort Items

   A familiar toy, snack, or even a tablet with their favorite show can work wonders in keeping your child occupied and comfortable. These small comforts help create a sense of security, making the experience feel less intimidating.

3. Comb Out Knots Before the Appointment

   One of the best ways to prevent discomfort is to gently detangle your child’s hair before the appointment. Knots and tangles can make the haircut process uncomfortable, so taking a few minutes to comb through their hair at home ensures a smoother and pain-free experience.

4. Send a Preparation Text the Day Before

   A little reminder goes a long way! Sending parents a preparation text the day before their child’s haircut helps ensure they come prepared. Feel free to use our free text template below. (Check out the Kids Haircut Tips —> Barbers & Stylists tab for the link to the PDF file to copy and paste).

With these simple tips, parents can help set their child up for a fun, smooth, and tear-free first haircut experience. Share your first haircut memories with us on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok at @imaginationbooster!

3 Reasons To Keep Kids Haircuts Short and Simple

When it comes to first haircuts and baby haircuts (especially for kids under 3 years old), less is definitely more. Keeping haircuts short and simple isn’t just a time-saver—it’s the key to a smoother, stress-free experience for both you and your kid clients. Whether you’re a parent or a barber/stylist, here are three reasons why short and simple is the way to go for toddlers and young children.

1. Short Attention Spans Call for Quick Sessions

Young children, especially toddlers, are curious, energetic, and have notoriously short attention spans. A 15 to 20 minute haircut window is ideal to avoid fidgeting, frustration, and/or meltdowns. Keeping the haircut quick means you’re working within their comfort zone. A simple trim or style helps keep them engaged, entertained, and cooperative.

Pro Tip: Use distractions like a favorite toy, bubbles, or a video in conjunction with the Imagination Booster Seat & Fire Chief/Princess Hair Cape to keep them engaged and happy during their haircut appointment.

2. Simple Styles Are Easier to Maintain

For kids under 3, simple haircuts are practical for both parents and stylists. Short and simple haircuts are easier to manage and require less maintenance at home. This is especially important for busy parents who don’t have the time to manage high maintenance haircuts like skin fades or frequent trims.

For stylists, shorter cuts ensure you’re delivering a manageable style that aligns with the child’s activity-filled lifestyle. Plus, short and simple styles reduce the likelihood of kids becoming overwhelmed during the process—no complex techniques or extra time needed!

Pro Tip: Simple haircuts also help avoid tangles, which can be a major pain point for toddlers who aren’t fans of combs or brushes.

3. It’s a Win-Win for Everyone

Kids’ first haircuts are often accompanied by anxiety—for both the child and the adults involved! A short, straightforward haircut keeps the experience low-pressure. Stylists can work efficiently, while parents and kids can leave feeling happy and stress-free.

Additionally, shorter sessions help barbers and stylists avoid the dreaded meltdowns and tantrums that sometimes happens during longer appointments. A calm, quick haircut leaves kids with a positive experience that makes them more likely to happily return for their next appointment.

Keeping kids’ haircuts short and simple is the best way to make first haircuts memorable for all the right reasons. By focusing on quick, low-maintenance haircuts, you’re helping ensure a smooth experience for your young clients, their parents, and yourself.

At the end of the day, haircuts for toddlers and babies should be about creating positive memories, keeping things practical, and making life easier for everyone involved.

Got tips or experiences you’d like to share? Join the discussion in the Imagination Booster Kids Cut Forum and let us know your thoughts!

Photo Credits: @whosyabarbernewzealand on Instagram

Imagination Booster Featured in Barber Evo Magazine!

We are thrilled to announce that Imagination Booster is featured in the December-January issue of Barber Evo Magazine! This is an incredible milestone for us, and we are so honored to share our story with the Barber Evo community.

In this feature, we dive into how Imagination Booster got started and the mission that drives everything we do: keeping kids’ haircuts fun, stress-free, and memorable for everyone involved. From our commitment to creating a positive experience for young clients to tips for stylists and parents, we’re excited to share how we’re reimagining the kids’ haircut experience.

We’ve always believed that kids’ haircuts should be more than a chore—they should be an opportunity for creativity, connection, and comfort. Barber Evo’s platform gives us the chance to spread that message further and inspire others in the barber/stylist community to embrace this mission.

Read the full article below and learn more about the mission and heart behind Imagination Booster. Thank you for being part of this journey with us!

The Best Age For Your Child’s First Haircut

As parents, you want to give your little ones the best start in life—whether it’s their first steps, first words, or even their first haircut. If you’re wondering when to schedule that milestone appointment, experts agree that the ideal time is between 12 to 18 months. Let’s explore the benefits of starting early and how it can set your child up for a lifetime of stress-free haircuts.

Why 12-18 Months Is the Sweet Spot

Between 12 and 18 months, most children are developing a sense of curiosity and comfort with new experiences. This makes it an excellent time to introduce them to haircuts. Here are some reasons why this age range is perfect:

1. Easier Transition into a New Routine

Just like potty training, getting a haircut can be intimidating for kids if introduced too late. By starting early, your child becomes familiar with the sights, sounds, and sensations of the process, making future visits much less stressful.

2. Building Positive Associations

At this age, children are still highly adaptable. A fun and gentle first haircut experience can create positive associations with the barber or stylist’s equipment and personality, turning it into an exciting event rather than something to fear.

3. Hair Health and Maintenance

While babies’ hair can be soft and wispy, regular trims after their first haircut can encourage healthier hair growth and keep their locks looking tidy as they grow.

4. Avoiding Fear of the Unknown

Waiting until your child is older might make them more apprehensive, as they become more aware of unfamiliar environments. Early exposure to the haircutting process helps normalize it, making the experience routine instead of a big event.

Long-Term Benefits of Early Haircuts

Introducing haircuts early in your child’s life has long-term advantages. Much like potty training, starting the routine early makes it a natural part of life. Kids who are accustomed to haircuts from a young age are less likely to develop a fear of the process as they grow older.

Final Thoughts

Your child’s first haircut is a memorable milestone and an opportunity to instill positive habits for the future. By scheduling that first visit between 12 and 18 months, you’re giving them a head start in building confidence and comfort with this essential grooming routine.

At Imagination Booster, we’re here to make that first haircut an exciting and joyful experience for both you and your little one. Ready to book your child’s first haircut? Let us help you turn it into a cherished memory! Check out the “Products For Parents” tab on our website to explore the products we offer, such as the “Fire Chief First Haircut Kit” to help introduce and familiarize your child with the haircut experience.

How to Build Trust with Your Young Clients: A Barber’s Guide to Stress-Free Kids’ Haircuts

Building trust with your youngest clients is key to creating a smooth, enjoyable haircut experience—for both the child and their parents. Kids’ haircuts can often feel like a challenge, but with the right techniques and mindset, you can turn a potentially stressful situation into a memorable and fun visit. Whether you’re working with first-time clients or regulars, these strategies will help you win over even the most hesitant kids in your chair.

1. Start Them Young

The earlier kids are introduced to haircuts, the easier it is to build trust and familiarity. Encourage parents to bring their children in for their first haircut as toddlers, between 12-18 months. This helps kids associate the experience with fun and comfort right from the start. Early visits also give you, as the barber, a chance to create a positive impression that can last a lifetime!

2. Use the Imagination Booster Seat and Fun Props

The Imagination Booster Seat is a game-changer for kids. It makes them feel grown-up while ensuring they’re seated comfortably and safely at the right height, with an angled tabletop to support tablets coloring books, and other toys to serve as a distraction. Pair the seat with a fun, kid-friendly hair cape designed to keep itchy hair off of them—like the Fire Chief Hair Cape— to transform the haircut into an exciting experience, while ensuring they are comfortable and having fun!

3. Build a Friendly Rapport

Kids respond well to warm, genuine interactions. Greet them with a smile and make an effort to connect on their level. Ask about their favorite cartoons, superheroes, or toys. For younger children, simple questions like, “What’s your favorite color?” or “Who’s your favorite superhero?” can break the ice. This kind of friendly rapport helps kids feel understood and valued, reducing any initial anxiety while building a relationship with them.

4. Make High Fives Your Best Friend

All kids love high-fives! Celebrating small wins with high fives can go a long way in building trust. Whether they’ve just hopped into the booster seat or sat still for the haircut, giving a high five makes them feel accomplished, reinforces positive behavior, and builds a positive relationship between you and your kid client.

5. Take It Slow and Stay Patient

Patience is key when working with kids. Explain what you’re doing in simple, reassuring terms. For example, instead of saying, “I’m going to use the clippers,” say, “I’m going to use my magic buzzer—it tickles a little, but it’s fun!” This helps kids feel safe and involved in the process.

Building trust with your young clients is about more than just cutting hair—it’s about creating an experience that feels special, safe, and even fun. From using the Imagination Booster Seat and Fire Chief Hair Cape to giving high fives and taking a patient, playful approach, these small efforts can make a big difference. Over time, these positive interactions will help you build a reputation as the go-to barber for kids’ haircuts!

Why Timing Matters: 3 Reasons to Avoid Haircuts When Your Child is Tired

Parents often juggle busy schedules, and as a parent of 3 myself, I totally understand. However, when it comes to kids haircut appointments (especially children under 2-3 years old), timing is everything. Bringing a tired child to the salon can turn a routine trim into a challenging experience for kids, parents, and stylists. Here’s why it’s best to avoid haircut appointments when your little one is running on empty:

1. Increased Irritability

Tired kids are more likely to be cranky, making them less cooperative during the haircut. This can lead to delays and frustration for everyone involved. A well-rested child is calmer and more willing to sit still in the chair, making the process smooth and stress-free.

2. Heightened Sensitivity to Sounds and Stimuli

Hair salons can be noisy with buzzing clippers and lively conversations. For tired kids, these sounds can feel overwhelming, increasing their stress levels and resistance. A well-rested child is better equipped to handle the high sensory environment of a salon or barbershop.

3. More Prone to Stress and Meltdowns

Just like us adults, fatigue often reduces a child’s ability to manage stress. What might be a minor inconvenience when they’re well-rested—like wearing a cape or sitting still—can feel unbearable when they’re tired. This can lead to meltdowns, making the experience challenging for both the child, parent, and stylist.

Tips for a Successful Haircut Appointment:

• Schedule appointments in the morning, during playtime, or after a nap when your child is well-rested.

• Bring along their favorite toy or snack to keep them comfortable and engaged.

• Choose a kid-friendly salon with experienced stylists who know how to work with little ones and use elements from the Imagination Booster system in their shop.

By keeping your child’s energy levels in mind, you can make haircut day a positive experience that leaves everyone happy and excited for their next haircut appointment!

5 Ways to Bring Old Clients Back to Your Barbershop

As a master barber with over 20 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of building strong relationships with my clients. But sometimes, life (or genetics) takes them on a different path. Some of my clients eventually go bald and, understandably, stop coming in for regular cuts. But I’ve found a unique way to reconnect with these clients – through their children.

One of the best ways to keep these loyal clients in our barbershop is by welcoming their kids as clients. Here’s how cutting kids’ hair can lead to lasting relationships with past clients:

1. Invite Old Clients to Bring Their Kids for a Cut

Life gets busy, and sometimes clients forget that their barber offers services beyond just adult haircuts. When past clients stop coming in, reach out personally and invite them to bring their kids for a haircut. It’s an easy way to remind them of your services and show that you value their ongoing connection, even if they’re not the ones in the chair.

2. Create a Comfortable Environment for Kids

The barbershop can be an intimidating place for kids, especially if it’s their first haircut. By creating a kid-friendly, welcoming atmosphere, you’ll make the experience positive for them—and their parents will appreciate it. By using our Imagination Booster Seat System, offer distractions like toys or video clips on a tablet, and talk parents and their child through each step, especially if their child is anxious. This builds trust with the family and strengthens your connection with your former clients.

3. Build Relationships with the Next Generation

When clients bring their kids in, it’s a chance to create new connections. Treat their children with the same care and attention you’ve always shown to their parents. Over time, those kids may grow up to become your next generation of clients, ensuring your chair stays filled and your clients stay happy. Even when they’re grown, many parents stay loyal to the barbers who first cut their kids’ hair.

4. Stay Connected with Clients Through Social Media

Post highlights from kid haircuts, your “No Cry Challenge” success stories, and tips for parents on how they can help to make kids’ haircuts smoother. By staying active online, you remind past clients of the service you provide and encourage them to keep your barbershop in mind to meet their kids’ needs.

5. Nurture Long-Term Relationships

Each time a former client brings in their kids, you’re creating new memories. Keep these relationships warm by remembering their kids’ names, hair preferences, and even milestones. Small touches like these make families feel valued and keep them coming back for years!

Getting old clients back into the barbershop can sometimes be as simple as bringing the next generation in. By turning these opportunities into long-lasting relationships, you’re ensuring the loyalty of the whole family—and making sure your barbershop remains a welcoming spot for everyone.

Understanding Kids’ Haircut Pricing: A Professional Guide for Barbers and Stylists

One question that often comes up in the barber and salon industry is, “Should kids’ haircuts be priced lower, and if so, by how much?”

When determining kids’ haircut pricing, one essential tip we practice is: keep the initial haircut experience short and simple. Due to young children’s short attention spans, first-time haircuts should ideally take no longer than 12-15 minutes. We recommend that baby and toddler haircuts be quick and straightforward to make the experience positive and stress-free.

Recommended Styles for Baby Haircuts

Here are some haircut recommendations based on hair type and desired style:

For Straight Hair:

• Longer Styles: Use scissors for a basic trim, or clipper length of 3/4” to 1” on the sides with a 1/4” taper, and scissors on top.

• Shorter Styles: We suggest no less than a 1/4” clipper length on the sides with either clipper or short scissor work on top.

For Curly or Coily Hair:

• Short Length: A Caesar cut (one length all around) with a light edge-up.

• Longer Length: One length all around with a slight taper at the edges.

Once young children become comfortable with haircuts, they can transition to more complex styles, such as skin fades or faux hawks.

Pricing Recommendations for Kids’ Cuts

Since kids’ haircuts can often be done faster (12-15 minutes versus 20-30 minutes for adults), consider pricing them 10-15% lower than your standard adult rate. For example:

• If your adult haircut price is $30, kids’ cuts would be $27.

• If adult haircuts are $40, kids’ cuts might be $35.

For more advanced “big kid” styles, like skin fades, which require the same time and skill level as an adult cut, charging the full adult rate is fair and reflects the value of your expertise.

By thoughtfully setting prices for kids’ haircuts, you can create a positive experience for young clients while ensuring your services are valued.

Transformation Tuesday

@whosyabarbernewzealand BEFORE & AFTER

Kids Haircut Tip- Children should watch a parent or sibling get their haircut before it is their turn.

Parents should bring their child to the barbershop or hair salon before their first haircut to watch a parent or sibling get a haircut. This gives them a chance to get familiar with the place and the idea of getting a haircut so they’ll feel more comfortable when it’s their turn.

Kids Haircut Tips- Want to be a celebrity Barber? BE PREPARED!

Many barbers are seeking high profile clientele and claim that they don’t cut kids hair. So i ask, what would you do when your NFL superstar client asks you to do the honors of performing his child’s first haircut? Will you tell them to take their business elsewhere? @patty_cuts knows it is best to be prepared with the proper tools and knowledge for the job!

1st haircut fire from @pattycuts on NFL running back @markingram21 ‘s son

FIRE CHIEF PACKAGE - BOOSTER SEAT, HAIR CAPE, STORYBOOK, FIRST HAIRCUT CERTIFICATES (10 PACK)

$259.99

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NEW PRODUCT! First Haircut Certificates w/ Stickers (10 pack)

Commemorate a child’s first haircut experience. The 8.5” x 11’ certificates on 14 pt card stock have perforations to easily attach a 4x6” photo and includes a self adhesive bag for the lock of hair. Fill out the child’s name, date and barbershop or salon to create a great keepsake. The princess or fire badge stickers reward the child and make their first haircut experience more memorable. 

Adding these additional features to the service helps barbers and stylist upgrade the experience and increase the price of their first haircut packages. Creating loyal clients for years to come.

10x- First Haircut Certificates w/ perforations to attach 4x6 photo

10x- Self-adhesive First Lock of Hair Bags

10x- Fire badge or princess stickers, as a reward for being brave.

Making memories @thetrimlounge

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Fire Chief first haircut certificates w/ stickers (10 pack)

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Princess first haircut certificates w/ stickers (10 pack)

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BARBER/ STYLISTS KID'S HAIRCUT TIPS...

Barbers and stylists, do you have any additional kids haircut tips and techniques you would like to share that help make the experience more enjoyable? Please comment below...