There comes a moment with every toddler when the hair starts falling into their eyes, getting tangled at the back, or just looking a bit wild. That's usually the signal: it's time for a first haircut. And for plenty of parents, that thought comes with a wave of anxiety that rivals the child's own.
The good news is that children's first haircuts are something we do regularly at Barbers Penrith, and they almost always go better than parents expect. Here's everything you need to know.
There's no magic age. Some children need a trim before their first birthday because they were born with a full head of hair. Others don't need much done until they're two or even three. The right time is when the hair is long enough to bother them or you, not when a calendar says so.
We welcome children from around age one upwards. At that age, it's usually a quick tidy rather than a full restyle, but it gets them used to the experience early, which makes every future visit easier.
A little preparation goes a long way. You don't need a military-grade plan, but a few simple things can make the visit much smoother.
When you arrive, your child will either sit in the barber's chair on their own (with a booster if needed) or on your lap. Sitting on a parent's lap is completely normal for very young children, and it often provides enough comfort to keep them settled.
We'll start gently. For a first haircut, speed matters more than perfection. A quick, tidy job that keeps the child comfortable is always better than an elaborate style that involves twenty minutes of sitting still. Most children's first haircuts take five to ten minutes.
Clippers can be a bit alarming for small children because of the buzzing sound. If your child is sensitive to noise, let us know and we can use scissors instead, or start with scissors and introduce clippers gradually if needed. Some children are fascinated by the clippers and want to hold them (turned off, obviously). Every child is different.
Let's be honest: some children cry. It's completely normal, and we've seen it hundreds of times. A barbershop is an unfamiliar environment with unfamiliar sounds and a stranger wielding scissors near their head. A bit of tears is a perfectly reasonable response.
Here's what helps:
As one of our regulars, Ana S., put it in her Google review: the barbers here are genuinely good with children and know how to put them at ease. It's something we take pride in.
Lots of parents like to keep a lock of hair from the first cut. If that's something you'd like, just mention it before we start. We're happy to snip a small piece and pop it in an envelope for you. It takes two seconds and it's a nice memento.
The first haircut sets the tone for every visit that follows. If the experience is positive, your child will associate the barbershop with something normal and even enjoyable. That's why we never rush a nervous child or force anything. A positive first experience is worth more than a perfect haircut.
After the first visit, try to keep a fairly regular schedule. Children's hair grows quickly, and regular visits (every four to six weeks) help them stay comfortable with the routine. By the third or fourth visit, most children are sitting happily in the chair on their own.
Children's cuts start at just £10 at our shop in Eamont Bridge, near Penrith. We're experienced with children of all ages, from first-timers to regulars, and we'll always work at your child's pace.
You can book an appointment online or check out our full services and pricing page for details. If you'd rather call ahead with any questions, we're on 01768 866472.