Apparently, I have neglected my blog for a very long time. It is amazing as it doesn’t feel like it has been but a few months. Time seems to travel so quickly.
My little boy is now a sophomore, and my baby girl is in 6th grade. This brings us to the fact that school is starting all over the nation, and it is time for those back to school do’s. Little boys and girls, all freshly scrubbed in their new clothes, with bright shining eyes, and those adorable haircuts, will be filling the hallways soon.
Do you like cutting children’s hair? I say, it depends on the child. lol Some sit quietly, others cry gently, still others scream, kick, and act like they are terrified. It also depends on how you, the stylist, handle the situation. Why is this? It has been my experience that having a stranger come at you with sharp objects and noisy loud clippers can be a little terrifying.
In order to cut back on everyone’s stress, here are few ideas that may help.
Have the child accompany the mother to the salon for her appointment first, in order to aquaint the child with the surroundings. If your salon has a no visitor policy, or a no children unless receiving services policy, perhaps the child could come in with the parent in order to make the appointment or to receive a consultation.
During this time, talk directly to the child. Show them around the salon. Show them how the chairs go up and down. Explain why we do not sit and spin around in the chairs. Show them the equipment that you will be using. Turn the clippers on and let the child feel how they vibrate. Ask if they would be more comfortable sitting in a booster seat or on a pillow. Show them how a cape feels around their neck. A lot of children do not like to feel confined by a plastic cape, and will much better with a small nylon cape made for children. These are normally covered in bright, interesting colors and shapes that you can discuss during the actual appointment.
During the apointment, it can usually be beneficial to have the parent in a nearby chair. Only twice has the presence of a parent caused a child to act worse in my chair. Very small children sometimes actually prefer for the parent to hold them. I simply put an extra cape on Mom or Dad. It is all about making the child feel comfortable and safe.
Use directions the child will understand. Instead of saying, “Please look down.”, say “Please look at your shoes for me.” Asking a child to hold a roller under the chin also works. Instead of saying “Hold Still.”, try saying “How does a Mouse sit? Really still and quiet? See if you can sit as quiet and still as a mouse.” Talk to them the entire time you are performing the service about things that would interest them and keep their mind off of the “itchy haircut.” One of my friends, who is the absolute best with children, actually uses cartoon character voices. It is a little scary how well she can do those voices! Ask the children about their favorite tv shows, what they like doing with their family, how they spent their summer, what kind of cell phone they have, anything that will help make them feel at ease.
Try not to discuss subjects that might cause emotional conflict, like if they think they will have any friends at school, or whether they like school, or whether they like the new teacher, etc.
In my years of hair dressing, I have done many children. Most are very well behaved as long as they are prepared correctly. You would not take your child to receive a shot without explaining what is going to happen, in order to keep them from being scared. It is the same with getting a hair cut or trim. The word trim seems to be more “kid friendly.” I have one client who has very long hair. He will allow me to “trim” it, but told his Mom that he didn’t want it “cut” because it would hurt. I personally don’t think they make ”hair” band-aides. lol
In any case, enjoy your young clients, they will grow up soon and bring their own children to you. However, (only with the parent’s permission,) no matter what you do, or how perfect you can get the hairline on a squirming little boy, if you offer a piece of candy or a lollipop as a reward for sitting still, never, I repeat, never, give it to them until you are finished. Avoid the stickiness! Hair belongs in the wastebasket, not in their mouths!
Have a great school year! Remember, you are never too old to learn!
