Finally, the time has come for your tiny tot’s first-ever haircut. The days of bowl cuts and do-it-yourself shaving are behind you both. Your son now needs an expert to trim his growing locks and advise him on how to take care of his hair just right.

So how do you handle this monumental moment without them crying, screaming, or squirming on for their appointment? This article is just for you dads, as we’ve noted five tips to getting your son’s first haircut at a barber shop right like a pro!

Pick a Shop That Caters to Kids

It all starts here. A barber shop that knows how to handle kids will make it a less stressful and more enjoyable experience for both kids and their parents. You’ll know if the shop is kid-friendly if they have colorful decorations of toys, books, and even kiddie-themed chairs that look like cars or other toys!

On the other hand, you can also go to a regular barber who offers haircuts for adults and kids! They may have a budget-friendly package (discounted for both) and promote bonding moments between father and son!

Determine the Haircut’s Purpose

Is the trip to the barber for a regular trim to get the hair out of his eyes or to achieve a particular look because your little man is part of a wedding entourage? Knowing what the cut is for makes it easier for your kid to understand why they must visit a barber shop.

For instance, if their hair needs to be parted to the side for a formal wedding look, you can explain to your child that only a professional barber can create that particular hairstyle. 

Determine the Style

If it’s not for an]special occasion, sit down with your wife and finalize what you both want your son’s hair to look like. Do you want to keep his long locks with a simple trim or shorten his hair altogether? Like the previous tip, this makes it easier for the barber shop to execute the style you’re going for.

Pro tip: If you and your wife are at a loss for which hairdo your son can pull off, just style your hair, go to the barber, and request him to “Give him a cut that looks like his dad’s.”

Timing Is of the Essence

No, we’re not talking about the right age or moment to get the haircut (though those are important, too). We’re talking about picking the right time of the day to go to the barber shop! 

For kids, the same rule applies when cutting babies’ and toddlers’ hair: the morning after breakfast is the best time. They’re fed, rested, and just about to start their day. They’re not hyper or cranky due to fatigue.

Make It a Bonding Experience by Participating

They say children follow by example, which also applies to getting haircuts. Kids are often scared of the unknown, which is why participating in their first trim is a huge comfort. Whether by offering to seat them on your lap or getting a haircut alongside them (remember the father-son package), you being there with them reassures the experience is not as scary as they imagine it to be.

The Final Cut

A first haircut is a child’s rite of passage like a beer is to an adult. The commonality between both is that they have to happen at the right moment. For beer, it’s when they hit 21. For haircuts, that depends on the moment. Remember these six tips the next time you consider a haircut for your little prince so, when the time comes, it’ll be perfect.

Need a barber shop in Denver, Colorado, that can easily handle both adult and children’s haircuts? Set an appointment with the professionals at Wise Guys Barber Shop today! We give children a magical, fancy look just like their dads and moms. Our facilities are COVID-safe, so visit us now!