Parents: Here’s How To Prepare For Your Child’s First Haircut

Your child’s first haircut is a big milestone—and for many parents, it can also feel a little intimidating. Will they cry? Will they sit still? What if it turns into a meltdown?

Parents—take a deep breath 💛

The truth is, a stress-free first haircut starts before you ever walk into the barbershop or salon.

With the right preparation, tools, and expectations, you can help your child feel calm, confident, and ready. Here’s your complete parent’s checklist for a smooth first haircut experience.

1. What to Bring to the Appointment

Having familiar items from home can make a huge difference for your child.

Pack these essentials:

• Favorite snacks: something easy and comforting

• A comfort item: a favorite toy, stuffed animal, or blanket

• Entertainment: a fully charged tablet, favorite show, book, or small toy

These familiar distractions help kids feel safe and relaxed, especially if they start to feel overwhelmed.

2. How to Prepare at Home (This Is the Most Important Step)

Preparation is key—and it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Practice Through Play

Before the appointment, try:

• Pretend haircuts on stuffed animals or dolls

• Letting your child “cut” or comb your hair

• Talking about the haircut in a fun, positive way

Play helps kids understand what’s coming in a fun and interactive way.

Read About Haircuts Together

Reading a book like “I Was Brave For My First Haircut” Board Book helps children visualize and understand the experience in a fun, simple, and educational way. When kids know what to expect, fear and anxiety are greatly reduced.

Comb Through Knots Ahead of Time

If your child has longer hair, gently comb through any knots before the appointment. Pulling or tugging during the haircut can cause discomfort, which may lead to tears—even if your child was calm at first.

These simple preparation steps can help set the tone for their first haircut, and future haircuts to come.

3. What to Expect at the Barbershop or Salon

Here’s what a typical first haircut looks like:

• The barber or stylist will greet you and your child and help them get comfortable

• Your child may sit in the Fire Chief Booster Seat or regular chair, depending on the shop

• Haircuts for young kids usually take 20–30 minutes

• Some crying at first is normal—especially during first haircuts

💡 Important reminder:

Kids feel your energy. If you stay calm and reassuring, they’re more likely to feel relaxed and safe—even if they cry at first.

A Few Extra Tips for Success

• Keep your expectations realistic—perfection isn’t the goal

• Avoid rushing the appointment

• Praise your child often (“You’re doing great!”)

• Celebrate the experience afterward with a fun treat or playtime to associate the haircut with rewarding, positive experiences

Final Thoughts

A stress-free first haircut happens with preparation, patience, and the right mindset.

By bringing familiar comforts, preparing at home, and knowing what to expect, you’re giving your child the confidence they need to succeed—not just for this haircut, but for every one after it.

And remember: even small wins count 💛

Need Extra Help Preparing For Your Child’s First Haircut?

Check out our First Haircut Training Kit, which includes:

• Fire Chief Hair Cape for dress-up play

• Colorful comb for pretend practice

• Sticker badge + coloring pages

• “I Was Brave for My First Haircut” board book

• First Haircut Certificate to keep the memory forever