Sometime childrens haircuts are the hardest haircuts to cut. When a child is getting his first haircut it can be quite a frightening experience for the child. If a child starts to hear a buzzing sound in and around his ear that can startle the child. God forbid the barber accidently cuts the child with the clippers, then that take the haircutting experience to a whole different level. Now the child is afraid, in pain, and probably will be shell shocked for a while.
Childrens haircuts can be very simple with a little cooperation from the parent and a little wisdom on the barbers behalf. Here are some tips for cutting childrens hair that have been very helpful for me.
1. Let the child touch and hold the tools that you will be using.
2. Turn on the clippers and let the child hold the clippers to make him comfortable.
3. Always compliment the child for doing a great job while getting a haircut.
4. CANDY, CANDY, CANDY!!!!!!!!!!! ALWAYS have some candy handy and offer the candy to the child if they sit still. (with the parents permission of course)
5. Let the child hold the mirror if possible.
6. Toys are good tools to use also.
7. BIG SECRET- Give the child a toy and candy when you finish the haircut and he will be your customer until he graduates from high school.
8. If all else fails, MAKE THE PARENT HOLD THE CHILD. If you have an unruly child that just won't sit still after trying everything possible, make the parent hold the child still or don't cut it. Sometimes parents know that they have unruly children and just throw you the child and sit back and watch while you struggle with THEIR child. So get them involved so that they will respect and understand what the barber goes through.
I have been using these tips for years and they work great. Hopefully they will work as well for you too. Good Luck
Master Barber
Alex Campbell