My Child Hates Haircuts—What Should I Do?
Robb Hanlon
If your toddler completely melts down at the barbershop, and even the thought of getting a haircut causes meltdowns… you’re not alone.
Many parents assume their child “just hates haircuts.” In reality, most toddlers aren’t afraid of the haircut itself—they’re afraid because the experience feels unfamiliar and unsafe.
💡 Think about it this way:
We don’t expect children to magically know how to use the potty. We train them, normalize it, practice, and build confidence over time.
Haircuts are no different.
Just like potty training, kids learning to sit calmly for a haircut is a skill—and it starts at home. The earlier you begin introducing the experience (ideally between 12–18 months), the easier haircuts become.
If your toddler hates haircuts, here’s what to do next.
1. Visit the Barbershop Before the Appointment
Bring your child to the barbershop when dad or a sibling is getting their haircut, or on a day you’re simply passing by.
Let them:
Watch from a distance
Say hi to the barbers
Grab a lollipop
💡 Bonus Tip: Speak about the haircut in an upbeat, positive tone like:
“Look how nice Daddy’s haircut looks!”
or
“The barber is making their hair so neat!”
This helps your child’s brain associate the barbershop with something fun and normal, not something scary or stressful.
The more familiar the environment becomes, the less intimidating it feels.
2. Prepare Them at Home
Start normalizing the experience at home by:
Gently combing through their hair regularly
Encouraging them to hold a comb and “pretend cut” on themselves or a stuffed toy
Letting them watch Dad trim his beard
Reading books about haircuts, like our “I Was Brave For My First Haircut” Board Book
When children are exposed to tools, sounds, and the idea of a haircut in a calm, playful setting, their brain learns haircuts are normal and can be fun, not scary.
3. Keep Haircuts Simple (Especially Ages 1–5)
Young children have short attention spans. Sitting still for extended periods—especially during skin fades or designs—can feel overwhelming for young kids, making the haircut experience harder than it needs to be.
Longer, more complicated haircuts:
Take more time
Require more stillness
Increase sensory discomfort
Raise the chances of meltdowns
Instead, ask for simple, clean, and easy maintenance cuts.
💡 For Example: A #2 on the sides with a trim off the top
As your child becomes more comfortable with the process, you can gradually introduce more detailed styles later on.
Once your child gets used to the haircut experience, you can start exploring more detailed haircuts like skin fades and designs.
Start simple and build confidence first.
4. Find A Kids Haircut Specialist Near You
Our Kids’ Haircut Specialists are trained hair professionals with the necessary skills, techniques, and patience to help your child work through their haircut fears.
You can search through our free database of Kids’ Haircut Specialists at our Tips For Parents page!
Make Preparation Easier at Home
If you’re not sure where to start, our First Haircut Training Kit is designed to help parents prepare their child in a fun, simple, and confidence-building way—even if it’s not their first haircut.
The kit includes:
✔ Fire Chief Hair Cape for dress-up play
✔ “I Was Brave For My First Haircut” board book
✔ Colorful play comb
✔ “I Was Brave” First Haircut Certificate
✔ Coloring pages with crayons
✔ Fire Chief sticker badge
👉 Shop the First Haircut Training Kit and start building haircut confidence today!
