How do you prepare your child for their first haircut?

A child's first haircut is one of those small milestones that feels bigger than it is — partly because it is a genuine change in how your child looks, and partly because you are not sure how they will react to scissors near their head for the first time. The good news is that the right preparation makes it a pleasant experience for most kids, even toddlers.

Most children are ready for their first haircut between 12 and 24 months — whenever their hair has grown long enough to get in their eyes or ears, or when you want to tidy up an uneven growth pattern. There is no medical or developmental rule about when to cut — it is entirely your preference. Some parents wait until age two or three, especially if they want to preserve curls or keep the baby hair longer.

Choose a walk-in salon that has experience with young children. A relaxed, non-precious environment — where noise, wiggling, and the occasional cry are not a crisis — makes a real difference. Supercuts locations have patient stylists trained to work quickly with fidgety kids. Book a weekday morning slot when the salon is quieter, or use online check-in so you arrive without waiting. Bring a snack, a favorite small toy, or a tablet with their favorite video — something to hold their attention for the 10 minutes the cut takes.

During the cut, keep your energy calm and upbeat. Kids read parental anxiety quickly. Sit facing your child if possible, maintain eye contact, and narrate what the stylist is doing in a matter-of-fact way: 'She's just trimming the back — doesn't that feel cool?' Avoid saying 'it won't hurt' before anything has happened — this introduces the idea of pain unprompted. If your child cries, that is fine. The stylist has seen it before. A crying child can still get a good haircut.

Keep the first haircut simple — a trim, a shape-up, or a basic length reduction. Save the fade or the textured style for a later visit when your child is more comfortable in the chair. Ask the stylist to save a lock of hair if you want a keepsake. Many parents tuck it into a baby book or small envelope with the date. Supercuts kids' cuts start at $22 and take about 20 minutes — a reasonable investment for what is often a surprisingly smooth experience.