How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Haircut (Stress-Free Guide for Parents)
Your Child’s First Haircut Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful
A child’s first haircut is one of those sweet little milestones parents remember forever.
But let’s be honest — it can also be a moment filled with:
Wiggling
Tears
Anxiety
Sensory overload
The good news? With the right preparation, your child’s first haircut can be calm, positive, and even fun.
At Costello’s Barber Collective in Henderson, we help parents through this milestone every week. This guide breaks down exactly how to prepare your child so their first haircut is smooth, safe, and stress-free.
1. Talk About the Haircut Early — and Keep It Simple
Kids do best when they know what’s coming, but they don’t need a long explanation.
Try something like:
“We’re going to the barber so your hair can look nice!”
“The barber is going to give you a trim, like daddy’s haircut.”
“You’ll sit in a special chair!”
Avoid using words like cut, sharp, or scissors, which can sound scary.
2. Show Them Pictures or Videos of Haircuts
This helps little kids visualize the experience.
You can show:
Photos of the shop
Pictures of kids getting haircuts
A short video of a barber gently trimming a child’s hair
This builds familiarity so the actual visit feels less overwhelming.
3. Pick the Right Time of Day
The single biggest mistake parents make?
Booking a haircut during nap time, meal time, or meltdown hour.
For best results:
Choose a morning appointment
Avoid right before nap time
Make sure your child has recently eaten
Bring snacks just in case
A well-rested, happy kid = a great first haircut.
4. Bring Their Comfort Items
Kids relax faster when they have something familiar with them.
Great options include:
A small toy
A favorite stuffed animal
A blanket
A tablet (shows calming cartoons)
Headphones if they’re sensitive to sound
These items help make the barbershop feel safe and familiar.
5. Sit With Them During the Haircut
At Costello’s, parents are always welcome to sit close to their child.
Your presence helps them feel grounded and supported.
You can:
Hold their hand
Cheer them on
Offer reassurance
Help distract them when needed
Calm parent = calm child.
6. Expect Movement — and Don’t Stress About It
Kids wiggle. Toddlers turn their heads. Babies grab for the cape.
That’s normal.
Professional barbers (especially those who work with kids often) are trained to:
Adjust techniques
Move with the child
Keep things safe
Work quickly and efficiently
At Costello’s, we handle these situations daily. We never rush kids — we work at their pace.
7. Celebrate the Experience
Make the first haircut feel like a big win.
Ideas parents love:
Take a “before and after” photo
Compliment them on how brave they were
Celebrate with a treat afterward
Keep a small lock of hair as a keepsake
Positive reinforcement makes future haircuts easier and more enjoyable.
Why Costello’s Barber Collective Is a Great Choice for Your Child’s First Haircut
Parents in Henderson love bringing their kids to Costello’s because we provide:
A calm, welcoming environment
Gentle barbers experienced with children
Patience and communication every step of the way
Clean tools and a safe setup
A modern, comfortable shop that feels friendly — not overwhelming
Our goal is simple:
Make your child’s first haircut a memory you’ll both smile about.
Book Your Child’s First Haircut in Henderson
We’ll make your child’s first haircut an easy, positive, confidence-boosting experience.
