How to Cut a Small Child's Hair

When your young child's hair starts looking straggly, it's time for a hair cut. Unfortunately, your son or daughter is probably highly mobile and most likely resists requests to sit still for any period of time. Therefore, if you plan to cut your kid's hair, arm yourself with these good strategies.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scissors
• Towel
• Hand mirror
• Spray bottle
• Comb
• Clips or ties

1. Play pretend with your child days before you plan to give a haircut. Set up a special chair that is only used for doing hair. Allow your child to brush and comb your hair while you sit in the special seat. Then reverse roles.

2. Create an appointment for your child to get her haircut. Put the appointment on a refrigerator calendar. Remind your child daily about the upcoming appointment.

3. Prepare for the haircut by placing the special chair in front of a TV or large mirror. Lay out the following materials: scissors, hand mirror, towel, spray bottle and comb.

4. Place your child in the chair and wrap a towel around his neck. Use a barber drape if available.

5. Use the spray bottle to wet your child's hair with water, and run a comb through the hair to work out any tangles.

6. Tell your child that your are going to start cutting her hair. Start trimming the bangs or around the front of the child's face. This is typically the most difficult area to cut. Trim the bangs by cutting from the outside of one eyebrow to the outside of the other eyebrow.

7. Cut the remainder of your child's hair. Start by dividing the hair into four parts. Hold the separate parts with clips or ties. Place the first section of hair between your index finger and forefinger and then slide your fingers down until you reach the desired length. Cut the hair below your fingers. Repeat with the remaining three sections.

8. Comb out the hair and trim any remaining areas that don't look even.

Tips & Warnings

• Cutting a child's hair in the tub can make clean up easier.
• Use a chair that sits high to save your back from any pain and make it easier to see what you're cutting.
• When you cut around your child's eyes and ears, use one hand to hold the head and the other to cut.
• Don't use the word "cut" when talking about the hair appointment. Use less scary words, such as "trim" or "style."

[smartdads]

on 7/29/2009 How nice of you to just take my article and use it for your own promotions