Tips For A Stress Free Toddler Haircut

Our last haircut was a disaster…

Before school started, I took the boys to get their haircut at a normal hair salon and it was a complete disaster. My umbrella stroller broke in the parking lot, walking into the salon like a crazy woman carrying two toddlers and a huge bag stuffed with snacks, tablets, an toys. Thankfully we were the only customers at the time. I sat with one in the chair trying to calm them down while the receptionist played with other twin. Trying to hold one toddler while also handing out snacks and getting the tablet to play a show was quite a scene. It’s not hard to believe that the boys’ hair came out so crooked [insert hand to face emoji]. Bless the women who worked at the salon, they were so understanding and helpful because it was a stressful experience for everyone.

Since the boys didn’t have enough hair to get a haircut until they were almost two, sitting down and getting a hair cut is still a pretty new experience for them. Haircuts can be difficult for children (especially if your kiddos are like mine and sensory sensitive). With many new sounds and sensations they may feel uneasy with hair products, clippers, scissors, hair dryers, smocks, and itchy hair falling on their necks. Unfortunately, haircuts are something that we will always have to deal with so I’ve put a few tips together to make it easier on everyone.

6 Tips For A Stress Free Toddler Haircut:

Pick the best time for your child to go. This may be in the morning or after a nap. Call the salon and schedule an appointment during a non peak time. If your child really struggles with new places, it may be a good idea to visit the salon before their haircut to help get them familiar with the space.
Role play and be intentional with words. Talk about what to expect at the salon. Pretend to give each other haircuts or practice on stuffed animals. Explain that they will be wearing a “cape” and talk about spraying their hair. The word “cut” may cause confusion or make them nervous, try to use words like trim or “get cool hair”.
Bring comfort items from home. A familiar towel with clothes pins may be more comforting that the salon cape. Pack their favorite stuffed animal or lovey to help them feel safe. The boys do have these tablets that are reserved for appointments and traveling.
Offer snacks before and during. For the most part if the boys are offered a snack they will sit still enough for the hairdresser to finish cutting their hair.
Ask for help. This one is super hard for me, often my husband and family are working and unable to help but scheduling a time where I have an extra set of hands is important. Talk with the hairdresser before so they are aware that certain things may really bother them, ie: the sound of clippers or spraying their hair with water. Come prepared with the look you’re wanting so the hairstylist can get started right away.
Praise your child. It can be a stressful time for you, but also for them. During difficult times our children turn to us to gage how they should respond. Did they move around the whole time and end up with a lop sided haircut? Praise them for sitting through it. Did they cry the whole time? Praise them for sticking through something hard. Offer them a reward when finished, and acknowledge that you all did your best.

Determined to not have a horrible haircut experience for my sister’s wedding, I decided to try out Pigtails and Crewcuts in Southlake.

Making sure I arrived extra prepared with my husband there to help, appointments during non peak times, both tablets charged, a bag of snacks, and we left right after nap time. Honestly, I didn’t even need to bring all of that. They have an amazing playroom to play in before your appointment. Fun cars for your child to sit in keep them occupied. TVs at each station playing a kids movie, gluten free snacks, and the stylist are so quick! We were done with each kiddo in 5 minutes! I was amazed at how seamless it was compared to our last haircut. Their hair turned out so cute, I didn’t even have that expectation (I just wanted it out of their face) so it was definitely the cherry on top!! We had the best experience at Pigtails and Crewcuts. It may not seam like a huge thing to some, but for our family a stress free haircut is not always in the cards. I hope these tips for a stress free toddler haircut help you and your family, if you’re local try out Pigtails and Crewcuts in Southlake I can’t recommend them enough. They were generous enough to give my followers a discount code for 20% off a full priced haircut! Use code raisingtinytexans at checkout!

A few extras Pigtails and Crewcuts Southlake offers:

Organic Hair Care Products: I had been on the hunt for an organic gel for their hair and they had a great and affordable selection. We ended up getting the classic styling balm, it has enough hold without being crunchy or super sticky.
First Haircut Package: A souvenir card with your child’s name, the date of the haircut, a lock of hair and a photo to take home!
Ear Piercing: If you’re looking for a place to get your little ones ear’s pierced, but want to avoid the mall they have the sweetest selection of stainless steel and gold plated earrings.
Hair Accessories: The girly girl in me was dying over their selection of big hair bows!
Gifts: Pigtails & Crewcuts salons are stocked with fun toys, colorful lip glosses, nail polish, and accessories– perfect for stocking stuffers!

I hope these tips for a stress free toddler haircut help you and your little ones! I know how hard and exhausting these things can be especially when people don’t understand why your little one is struggling so much. I’d love to know the tips that work for y’all!