Many parents treat their children’s hair like the Holy Grail, which means not just anyone can touch it! We’re moms too, so we get it! Those precious locks are like soft strands of solid gold to us.
However, there comes a time when your baby needs to take a step into the toddler world and get a haircut, and we’re here to help you prepare for the big moment.
We’ve spoken with our favorite stylists to get the best advice and to answer all your questions about your baby’s first haircut — whether you plan on taking them to a salon or cutting their hair at home.
Key Takeaways
- There’s no specific age for a baby’s first haircut; it depends on hair growth and parents’ preferences.
- Prepare your child for the experience by talking to them, using gentle words like “snip” or “trim,” and keeping them entertained during the process.
- Choose a child-friendly salon or cut your child’s hair at home using proper tools and taking small snips at a time.
- Explore various haircut ideas for boys and girls, such as bobs, pixie cuts, bangs, layers, and side-swept styles.
When Should Your Baby Have Their First Haircut?
There is no right or wrong time. Some babies have lots of hair that grows super fast. They might be ready for a cut as early as eight months — or even sooner.
Other kids may not be ready until they are well into their toddler years, and that’s fine. In fact, it’s one less thing for you to think about.
It comes down to the parent’s preference as well. Some parents prefer “baby locks,” while others like a more trimmed look.
Remember that once the baby hair is gone, it most likely won’t grow out the same. After the first cut, fine hair often grows thicker. And those cute baby curls you cut off may not grow back.
Make Sure Your Child Is Ready
Your baby or toddler most likely won’t like a surprise cut.
Think about what goes into the process of a haircut. Your little one has to sit still in a chair, wear a plastic cape, and have a stranger touch their hair.
Try to prepare your child as much as possible. With a toddler, talk with them about it and explain how and why we get our hair cut. An even better idea is to bring your child to watch you get a haircut.
You might want to avoid using the word “cut.” Toddlers may get scared by the sound of it. Instead, you can use “snip” or “trim.”
Plan and Prepare
Keeping your child distracted and entertained can make the first haircut easier. Bring along their favorite toy or book — or let them watch a show on your phone during the process.
Make sure your child is not hungry or tired. A “hangry” or tired child is more likely to throw a tantrum, which is the last thing you need during a haircut.
It’s best to plan a morning appointment. At this time of the day, your baby will be fresh from a full night’s rest.
It’s also a good idea to bring another person along to help.
Be Ready
Keep the Mood Light
If you are feeling worried, your child is sure to feel your vibes. This can make them feel scared and unsafe.
Get yourself and your child psyched for the haircut. Keep talking to your little one, telling them how much fun it will be and how nice they will look afterward!
Find the Right Place
If you choose a salon for your baby’s first haircut, it is crucial to find the right one. This could make or break the experience and future haircuts to come.
Make sure the salon is child-friendly. Your toddler may let out a scream or two, and you don’t want any judgmental looks. Ask other moms in your area for recommendations.
Many child-friendly salons will have first-cut packages that include before and after photos. Some might even do the haircut for free. Other salons have books and videos to entertain your child.
How to Cut Your Baby’s Hair
The first cut, or snip, doesn’t have to be that big of a deal. You might find it emotional, but the cut doesn’t have to be all that fancy. Maybe your little one just needs a quick trim or easy bangs that you can do at home.
Before you cut your child’s hair, here are a few things you’ll need:
- A chair, preferably one that sits high.
- A comb and a brush.
- Hair clips.
- Spray bottle with water.
- Two towels.
- Barber shears — these are sharper and more precise for a quick cut.
1. Set up the Salon
Find the best location for your at-home salon. Many parents prefer to do the cut in front of the TV to keep their little one entertained (and hopefully as still as possible). Or give them a toy to keep their hands busy.
Put a towel or newspaper on the floor where you’ll be working. Use a high chair for your child — this will make it easier for you and your back!
2. Get Your Tot Ready
Once your little one is in the chair, place a towel around their shoulders and use a hair clip to secure it. If your toddler sees the towel as a deal-breaker, put on an old T-shirt instead.
Use the spray bottle to dampen your child’s hair. You could also wash and shampoo their hair before the trim, but I find it easier to bathe them afterward. Then it’s easier to get all the loose hair off their body.
3. Start with Small Snips
Comb the hair and focus on small sections at a time, smoothing down the hair first to make it straight.
Use two fingers to hold on to the hair you’re going to cut, similar to a hairdresser. Slide your fingers through the hair, moving it away from your baby’s head. When you reach the desired length, carefully cut right underneath, always keeping your fingers between the scissors and your baby.
Continue to take small sections and trim. Note how much hair you cut off so it ends up all the same length.
4. Be Prepared for Another Round
The first haircut might not be a one-time thing. I had to do a few touches the next day when I first cut my daughter’s hair. And that’s totally fine — we’re moms, not stylists (1).
Take Care
Be mindful of the scissors you use, especially if they are barber shears, as these are extremely sharp. If your child is old enough to understand, keep reminding them to sit still, and tell them where you’re going to cut next.
When you’re not holding the scissors, place them in a safe location out of your child’s reach.
First Haircut Ideas
Now that we know what we need to prepare our child for the first cut, we need some inspiration. What style should you choose? This can be a tricky question to answer.
Let’s take a look at some trendy toddler haircuts:
1. Classic Bob
A bob is always a popular choice for any toddler princess. They are easy to deal with and stay put throughout the day.
You can do this yourself, but it might be a good idea to get help from a professional. Take a look at this stylish bob:
2. Pixie Cut
Another popular choice for little girls is a pixie cut. Pixie cuts are super short. They are cute, spunky, and trendy and look especially unique on little ones.
You can use bows and clips to style a pixie cut in many cute ways. The style is easy to work with and doesn’t require much attention other than a quick comb. No more fighting the tangles!
Another plus is that your daughter won’t be aggravated by her hair constantly getting in her eyes.
Check out this cute look:
3. Rocking the Bangs
I’m sure every mom has considered cutting bangs on her daughter at some point. And why not? They are super stylish and always on trend.
Bangs are also very easy to do at home. Just take a look at this sweetie:
4. Long and Layered
If you love your girl’s long locks as much as I love my daughter’s, you might be resistant to cutting them. But long, unkempt hair can start to look thin and dull.
Adding layers is a way to give new life to your daughter’s hair without cutting too much off. Layers will provide new depth and dimension to the hair. Subtle changes can make a huge difference!
5. Sleek and Handsome
An excellent place to start for your baby boy’s first haircut is with something short and sleek.
A short haircut doesn’t require much maintenance, and your little guy is sure to look preschool-ready. Check out this simple and stylish look:
6. Clean Edges
Let your little man’s personality shine. Keep the edges clean, and let the top stay as rowdy as he is.
We love the shaved sides and volume of this adorable little guy’s cut:
7. Long Locks
It’s not only girls who can rock long hair. If your boy can manage it, leave it!
You can always cut a little side bang to keep the hair out of his eyes, like this handsome man:
8. Side Swept Sleek
This might be a significant change. But shaving off almost all the hair at the bottom, leaving the top long and swept to one side, can transform a little guy.
A style like this requires some help, depending on your boy’s hair type. It might need a little styling gel for special occasions. Take a look at this rock star:
FAQs
Why Is a Baby’s First Haircut Important?
It’s a milestone marking growth and change. While it doesn’t affect hair health, it helps manage tangles and keeps hair neat.
What to Do With a Baby’s First Lock of Hair?
Many parents keep it as a keepsake. Store it in a baby book, a special box, or make it part of a craft project to cherish the memory.
Why Do Babies Cry During Haircut?
Babies cry during haircuts due to fear or discomfort from the new experience. Keeping them distracted and comfortable and choosing a kid-friendly salon can help ease their anxiety.
What Happens If You Never Cut a Baby’s Hair?
Hair will continue to grow but may become tangled or uneven. Regular trims promote neat, healthy-looking hair and make it easier to manage.
The Final Cut
The first haircut is a milestone in your child’s life. Whether it happens at eight months or three years, it’s a moment to remember.
Choose a haircut that suits your fun-loving toddler’s personality. Don’t limit yourself to what everyone else is doing. Look around and take inspiration.
And whatever you do, don’t forget to keep a lock of that precious baby hair. You can put it in a scrapbook, a trinket box, or a locket. That sweet, soft hair is a keepsake moms always treasure.
