Kids Haircuts: Tips for Parents

Taking your child for a haircut can be a breeze—or a battle. The difference usually comes down to preparation and finding the right barber. At Traditions Pilsen, we've given countless first haircuts and helped nervous kids become confident barbershop regulars. Here's what we've learned.

Before the First Haircut

Talk About It

A few days before the appointment, start talking about what will happen. Explain that a nice person will trim their hair to make it look neat. Use positive language—"You'll look so cool!" rather than "It won't hurt." Avoid making it sound like a big deal or something to be scared of.

Watch Videos

There are tons of kid-friendly videos showing children getting haircuts. Watching another child have a positive experience can help your kid understand what to expect.

Practice at Home

Get your child used to the sensations involved. Run a comb through their hair. Let them hear the sound of clippers (even if you're not cutting). Drape a towel around their shoulders like a cape. The more familiar these elements are, the less scary they'll be.

Bring a Distraction

A favorite toy, tablet, or snack can work wonders. Having something familiar to hold or watch keeps kids calm and still. Just make sure whatever you bring doesn't need two hands!

Choosing the Right Time

Timing matters more than you might think:

• Avoid nap time: A tired kid is a cranky kid. Schedule around their usual sleep schedule.
• Not when hungry: Feed them before the appointment, or bring a snack.
• Morning tends to work best: Kids are usually more cooperative and alert in the morning.
• Allow plenty of time: Don't rush. If you're stressed about being late to something else, your child will pick up on that energy.

At the Barbershop

Stay Calm

Kids are incredibly perceptive. If you're anxious, they'll feel it. Act confident and relaxed, even if you're not entirely sure how it will go. Your calm energy helps them feel safe.

Stay Close

For younger kids, staying within sight (or having them sit on your lap) provides comfort. Our barbers are used to working around parents—we'll make it work.

Let the Barber Lead

Experienced barbers know how to work with kids. We use distraction, conversation, and pacing to keep children calm. Trust us to handle it, and try not to hover or over-direct.

It's Okay to Take Breaks

If your child gets overwhelmed, it's perfectly fine to pause. A short break to calm down is better than forcing through tears. We'd rather take our time and have a positive experience than rush and create a negative association.

If Things Go Wrong

Sometimes, despite best efforts, kids have meltdowns. It happens. Here's what to do:

• Don't force it: If your child is truly terrified, it might not be the right day. There's no shame in rescheduling.
• Stay positive: Don't punish or shame them for being scared. Fear is natural, especially for new experiences.
• Try again later: Give it some time, then try again. Most kids eventually grow comfortable with haircuts.
• Consider small steps: Maybe just sit in the chair this time. Or watch another child get a cut. Build up gradually.

Building Good Habits

The goal is to make haircuts a normal, even enjoyable part of life. Here's how to set that foundation:

Same Barber

When possible, book with the same barber each time. Kids feel more comfortable with familiar faces, and the barber learns your child's temperament and preferences.

Consistent Schedule

Regular haircuts (every 4-6 weeks for most kids) make the experience routine. The more familiar it becomes, the easier it gets.

Celebrate the Win

After the haircut, make a small celebration. An ice cream cone, a trip to the park, or just lots of compliments about how great they look. Positive associations build positive expectations for next time.

Kids Haircuts at Traditions Pilsen

We love cutting kids' hair at Traditions Pilsen. Our barbers are patient, friendly, and experienced with children of all ages—from first haircuts to regular clients who've been coming since they were toddlers.

We offer kids haircuts for $30, and we never rush. We understand that a positive early experience with barbershops sets the tone for years to come. Whether your child needs a simple trim or wants to look like their favorite athlete, we've got them covered.