When Should My Baby Get Their First Haircut? (And Why Sooner Is Better!)

The ideal time to schedule your child’s first haircut is before the age of 2 — typically between 12–18 months. At this stage, your child is curious, observant, and open to new experiences, which makes it the perfect window to start introducing them to the haircut process.

Why This Age Range Works Best

You might wonder if 12–18 months is too young—but it’s actually the most natural time for them to adapt!

Children at this age are still developing their understanding of the world and haven’t yet formed strong fears or associations. By gently introducing haircuts early, you’re helping them build familiarity and trust with both the haircut process and the barbershop/salon environment.

Waiting until they’re older can make the experience harder, since toddlers and preschoolers tend to develop more fears of the unknown and may resist anything unfamiliar—especially loud clippers, new faces, and busy environments.

The Benefits of Early Haircuts

Starting early doesn’t just make that first haircut easier—it sets the tone for every haircut after.

Here’s why:

✅ Builds familiarity: Your child learns that haircuts are normal, not scary.

✅ Boosts confidence: Being introduced early helps them feel comfortable and proud after each visit.

✅ Reduces future fear: Familiarity with barbershop sounds, tools, and routines prevents future meltdowns.

✅ Creates positive memories: With the right barber and environment, your child begins to associate haircuts with fun, comfort, and family time.

Early exposure to haircuts builds confidence, comfort, and cooperation—turning what could be a stressful milestone into a positive one.

If you’re getting ready for your child’s first haircut, look for a Kids’ Haircut Certified barber or stylist that uses the Imagination Booster System to make haircuts easy, comfortable, and fun.

💛 Bonus Tip: You can use our Free App Haircut Heroes to find certified Kids’ Haircut Specialists near you, read along to “I Was Brave For My First Haircut”, play fun memory games, and more!

How to Make Haircuts Less Scary for Kids: 3 Easy Calming Techniques Every Barber Should Know

Every barber knows that cutting kids’ hair can be unpredictable. One moment they’re smiling in the mirror — the next, they’re squirming, crying, or refusing to sit down at all.

The truth is, most kids aren’t difficult — they’re scared. Loud clippers, unfamiliar tools, and sitting still for too long can be intimidating. That’s why building trust and comfort from the very start is key to every successful kids’ haircut.

Here are 3 effective and simple calming techniques to help you keep your kid clients comfortable and happy during their haircut.

1. Start Slow: Comb First, Clippers Later

Going straight in with clippers — especially from the back or the front of their head — can feel invasive and scary for a child who doesn’t yet trust you. Instead, begin every kids’ haircut by gently combing through their hair, starting from the sides where they can see what you’re doing.

This helps the child feel safe and aware of your movements. It’s a soft, non-threatening way to introduce the haircut process, build familiarity, and show your kid client that you’re someone they can trust.

Once they’re calm and relaxed, you can slowly introduce clippers or scissors without startling them.

2. Don’t Force The Process

When a child starts crying or panicking mid-haircut, your first instinct might be to push through quickly — but that almost always backfires. Forcing the process can break their trust and create lasting fear around future haircuts.

Instead, take a step back, pause the haircut, and let the parents step in to comfort them.

Use that moment to offer gentle reassurance — reassuring words or a quick distraction like their favorite toy or a lollipop can help reset their nerves. Giving them a short break not only helps them calm down, it teaches them that your chair is a safe space, not something to fear.

3. Provide Comfort Items and Distractions

Haircuts can feel long, boring, and overwhelming for young kids — a little distraction and entertainment goes a long way. Encourage parents to bring their child’s favorite toy, snack, or show to keep their child entertained while you work.

Distractions keep their hands busy, their mind engaged, and their body still. If your shop uses the Fire Chief Booster Seat, you can use the built-in tray to hold tablets, coloring pages, or snacks so your kid clients stay comfortable and occupied.

When kids are distracted and happy, you can work more efficiently, and parents will remember the positive, calm experience you created.

Every child is different, but every successful kid’s haircut starts with the same foundation: patience, empathy, and trust.

By applying these calming techniques, you can transform kids’ haircut fears into confidence — and turn even your most nervous little clients into happy and excited ones.

✨ Want to take your skills even further?

Get Kids’ Haircut Certified for FREE and get listed in our Haircut Heroes app so parents can easily locate your kid-friendly shop!

📸: @inthecutbarbershopny, @daviddavinchi_barber10468