How To Help Toddler Overcome Fear Of The Barber

Persuade toddler to have his hair cut is never an easy job. It is very normal for a toddler to feel nervous when going to the barber. Strange environment, dangerous-looking stranger who hold scissor in his hands and other unfamiliarity can be traumatic for your toddler. Here are some tips to make hair-cutting experience less frustrating for you and more comfortable for your toddler.

Prepare your kid. Explain to your kid what the barber does. About how important it is to get his hair trimmed and that it doesn’t hurt. Tell him that hair does grow back, so he doesn’t

have to worry about losing part of his body. Ask your child to pretend as if he is a barber and you are his customer. Let her play with comb, spray bottle, and child-safe plastic scissor. Dress your toddler in comfortable cloths to make him feel relaxed.

Right timing. The right time to take your toddler to the barber is when he is not hungry, not sleepy and is in a good health and good mood. So, make sure that your toddler has taken his nap or lunch before going.  Also make sure that he doesn’t have upset stomach or runny nose. It is important to make an appointment with the barber so your toddler wouldn’t have to wait too long for his turn.

Right hairstylist. Look for barber who is friendly and has much experience in cutting children’s hair. This kind of barber usually can put your toddler at ease. There are some barbers who specialize in cutting young children’s hair. Ask for other parent’s recommendation. 

Right barbershop. Choose a not-to-busy barbershop.  A situation where everyone is running and hurried can create tension and anxiety in your child. If possible look for barber shop that is decorated with young children customers in mind. This kind of barbershop usually provides toys, videos, fun-shaped chairs, exiting-looking boosters, or silly-shaped mirrors to please children and create distraction.

Skip the hair-washing procedure. Your toddler is maybe afraid to lean back into the sink. He probably dosn’t like to have shampoo and water all

over his head. He might throw a tantrum due to his fear and frustration over this shampooing thing. It is better to wash your child’s hair before you go. Spritzes of water would be enough to dampen the hair and enable the stylist to cut your child’s hair.

Let your toddler sit on your lap. Sitting on mommy’s or daddy’s lap makes a child feels secure. Make sure that your seating position is comfortable for both your toddler and the barber who is about to cut your toddler’s hair.

Distraction rules.  Distract your toddler’s attention from the procedure. You can talk to him, sing him happy tunes, make silly faces, tell stories and put stickers on his hands or cloth. Holding your toddler’s hands can also make him feel comfortable. Alternatively, bring his favorite toy, doll or stuffed animal and let him play with it while his hair is cut. However, make sure that your toddler can sit still while playing his toy.

Praise and reward. Praise him as a way to reward his good behavior. Spare the criticism if he is still clingy or cranky. Tell him how good he looks now with his new hair cut. You can go further by offering him reasonable reward such as a day in a park, special visit to grandma’s house, trip to the museum, lunch at his favorite restaurant, etc.

Give example. Get yourself or older sibling to get the haircut first. Let your toddler watch to convince him that there is nothing to worry about. After finis washing he might want to have a cut himself.