Getting Your Child Ready For Their First Haircut: Tips and Tricks to Making the Milestone Stress-Free and Memorable

Whether your kid is months or years old when they get their first haircut, it's sure to evoke many emotions in you both. Sitting stone-still, mammoth bib wrapped firmly around the neck, and seeing a stranger coming toward their head with a pair of shears is enough to make any child anxious. To minimize the stress and guarantee a happy memory, there are steps you can take to prepare everyone involved for this milestone.

Role play. Kids love to pretend and imagine, especially if they get to be the grownup. Get out the plastic play scissors, or use your fingers to make a pair. Set up a makeshift salon in your home with your child's toys, shampoo and conditioner bottles, hairbrushes and combs. Be the client and the hairdresser, then switch roles. The more familiar your child is with what will be happening, the more comfortable they will be.

Assure your child that there is nothing to be afraid of. Depending on their age, this may include explaining that having their hair cut will not hurt because hair cannot feel. Comparing hair and fingernails is often helpful since your child is already familiar with the concept of cutting something that is "attached" and having it be pain free.

Choose a hairdresser/stylist that you know will be patient with your child if need be. Ideally, get a referral from a friend or other parents who've been in your shoes before. You stand to gain from their trial and error: not only will they be able to tell you who to go to (and where), but equally as important, where not to.

Scout a hairdresser or salon out during your own appointment. Through casual conversation and thoughtful questions, you may be able to gauge that your hair stylist has just the demeanor necessary to give your kid that all important first cut. If not, ask who they would recommend.

Opt for a salon or barbershop that is kid-friendly not only in terms staff, but also of space and product. Waiting areas can be enormously telling in this regard. Is there a small area with a few toys or children's magazines? Or are there shelves with expensive merchandise and glass bottles within arms reach on every side? Take into account your child's age and ability to sit still while they wait for their appointment. If you know in advance your child will wander after 5 minutes, it's best to go to a salon with a large, roomy waiting area.

Schedule the appointment just after a regular meal or naptime to reduce the likelihood of fussiness due to hunger or fatigue.

Cluster your appointments. If you have other, older children, or if you or your spouse, need a haircut, book them together so your younger child can watch someone else in the big, shiny chair first. This may be all it takes to completely alleviate the concerns of an anxious youngster. Sometimes, if a child cannot be calmed, a hairdresser may allow them to sit on a parents lap while they get a trim.

Bring a few essentials: Your camera, a few small baggies and your child's favorite treat or a token 'reward'.

Not only is getting a first haircut a true milestone, but it can yield fantastic pictures. Your child may show off completely new expressions (it is a completely new experience, after all!) and the setting, and props are exciting and original. Naturally, a good old fashioned 'before' and 'after' are excellent memories as well.

A few small zippered plastic baggies are a must to drop some of those precious first locks into immediately after they've been cut. Having a 'first lock' of hair can be an extremely meaningful keepsake for parents and grandparents (or other family members). Whether the hair is eventually preserved in something like a locket or simply stays securely in the baggie, it is sure to be cherished as your child grows up.

Your child's favorite treat or a token 'reward' for having had their first professional haircut (and doing so well) will wrap things up nicely. It could be a lollipop, or a sticker, a small toy or even a celebratory meal-anything to make your child feel important, wiser and more accomplished at having crossed into the world of salons and barbershops.

No matter your child's age, personality or gender, getting that first haircut is sure to be a big day—try to relax, be present and enjoy it!