Baby's First Haircut - I Feel So Stupid.

A.-

It is hard. When I finally cut my baby boy's hair he definitely looked a bit more grown up, but he also looked sooo cute!!! It is sad when the "baby" goes away, but each phase is wonderful in it's own right. I still miss "my baby" and mine are now 7 and 4 1/2yrs. BUT, my boy is still a cuddle bug and an absolutel joy!

Enjoy every single moment. You will love him more and more as he grows and you have so much to look forward to and share with him.

You will be fine and so will he!

Many blessings -
C.

I did't cut mine until more like one year. then, both had such little hair, I only cut the "duck tail" of the back. Then closer to one, I got a clipper called a Peanut by Wahl. I used the largest 4 on top sort of clipping up andpulling it away at the crown so that remained longer. Then a 2 on the sides. then he got too wiggly and I nicked him. So I took him to Silly Scissors (Lolilocks is up in Loeland and boulder...I think). I did that until now when he is about 3. I have now watched them do it for a while so I get it and he sits still for me. So we do it outside on the deck at the end of the day before bath. his sister and dad entertain him and route hime on...it is great and we save $20 a month. When it is cold, we might go back to the salon. i think now he is older, he actualy looks younger with a buzz. Most of my friends let theirs grow it out and I think onboys it looks messy and un kept. I love the tight cut as it is so easy, dries fast, and there is no combing involved...I have a daughter too to struggle with that mess.

You're not the only one. I know someone who also did this. But really--give the kid a haircut! Her boys both had really awesome mullets by the time she gave up and cut their hair. Not the look she was going for when she was being sentimental about their hair.

You shouldn't feel stupid. Just like every mom, you cry at every big milestone because it means they are growing up. Sadly, there isn't anything you can do about it. So cry if you want to, it's completely normal.

I've never done anything with my children's hair other than a minor trim of a long strand or stray hair. I've always taken them into a salon. You might want to see if you can find a childrens salon like Cookie Cutters in your area where they have fun seats and are trained with working with kids.

Try not to worry about it so much. He will still look like a baby no matter what you do to his hair. It's all in his adorable face. I cut my infants hair when he was only 2 months old and he still looks like an infant- even with his cool little 'faux' hawk do (the faux hawk was totally unintentional- i just can't get his hair to stay down!). I just had to- he was born with a head full of hair and it was getting so long! But trust me- he'll still look like your baby and still look like a baby and not like he grew up overnight. As for how to go about it- i just laid him on his back to do around his ears and his top. Then held him upright and did his back real quick. Don't expect perfection- but it works ;). Don't know if this helps you out any. We all have our soft spots that we feel will rush them through babyhood faster than we'd like. Mine is jeans- i can't put jeans on my 3 1/2 month old... So i feel your pain. But at the same time- try not to stress it too much. Have a great day!

You could try just doing a little trim. You don't have to have such a dramatic difference for the first hair cut. That way it's not such a big change for you, but your son is a little cooler and looks more even (I don't know if your son's hair is uneven, but having had three boys myself who look pretty silly when their uneven newborn hair gets longer I'm assuming your son's hair looks similar).
It's hard to let go of each stage as they grow. It's nice to hear that you're really enjoying him as a baby. But the next stages are just as fun, even better. You guys will make it:)
Good luck!

Well I remember my son's first hair cut and we have yet to do my daughters. I was really nervous and didn't want my husband to do it incase he accidently hurt him. We went to a place like great clips. It was great the lady was really nice and patient with him. We got a certificate and the first little curl that she cut off they have little baggies for the occation. It made it really easy to do a scrap booking page of it. We will do the same thing with my daughter when the time comes. They do look so different and it is hard, you will know when you are ready.

Good luck.

N.

You're ok. I remember the first time I had my hair cut short. I balled. For some reason, we women get easily attached to things like that. If you want to wait longer, set a date with your husband, like the first birthday or something. Also, enjoy every moment of your son's progress. Be excited for his developments, and be proud of him. When the time comes to cut his hair, look at it as an accomplishment in his growth, and know his hair will grow back. You might cry then too, but that's ok. Tell your husband to give you loves and comfort, and enjoy the moment.

You are totally NORMAL! I cry at every milestone, honestly not just milestones but daily in amazement of them just being them. You do what you feel comfortable with! I took my son at 8 months old to get a hair cut because I realized (after several comments) that he looked a little like a punk rocker with really long bangs and short everywhere else. :-) I feel silly looking back on the pictures with the punk rock hair that I could have cut it earlier and he would have looked better but he's my baby and I wasn't ready. And he was my second child! I took both my kids to Jack n Jills Childrens salon in Lone Tree and they got a certificate with a picture and some of the hair. I am so happy I have that too. Also, they have a slide and movies to entertain the kids. My kids ask for a hair cut almost weekly. My son really did look much better after his cut and I let my husband decide what kind of cut since I don't know boy hair. :-)
This is your baby so do what you feel comfortable with, however if you do decide to get it cut I would suggest going with a great children's salon. It can be a little expensive if you are on a budget but they cut and your not the bad guy if he doesn't like it and you're also free to take many, many pictures. Just keep reminding yourself that this is only the first in countless milestones that will touch your heart.

We cut our kid's hair with a trimmer. It is safe and very quick. We trimmed our baby's hair when she was 2 months (she is 3 months now) and we cut our son's hair when he was 6 months old. He is now 2 years old and he cries a lot, but we have learned how to help him get through it. One of us distracts him while the other one cuts his hair. I cut my husband's hair too, and we explain to him that it is O.K. for him to have his haircut.
I must confess I feel sad every time I realize my little ones are growing so fast, but at the same time, I must be thankful that they are happy and healthy and growing to become the best they can be (as the TV spot says).

Don't even feel stupid, I BAWLED during my sons 1st THREE haircuts. You're right, it makes them look older and it's sad to see them growing up so quick. I just kept putting it off because I didnt want to do it and I didnt get his hair cut until he was like one and a half!! He looked like a little surfer boy but I finally reached a point that I knew it had to be cut. I took him to Kiddie Kutters and he loved all the toys to play with, I just had them cut it to around his ears so it wasnt super short and he just looked like the cutest little man, a couple months later I got it shorter to look just like my husbands and I cried for a day but it was worth it, he looked really cute!! So Good Luck and just wait until you are ready!!!

You're not silly or stupid! These milestones can be hard to get through. My husband has given both of my boys all of their haircuts including the first with his clippers. Both had their first haircut after their 2nd birthday, so I had put it off for quite a while! :)

A., You're fine!! Let your cute little guy go a little longer if that's what you want and hopefully your hubby will understand. Our youngest was bald when he was born and as his hair came in it had this really long patch on top. It was --I swear--5 inches long and when we were outside in a breeze it would sway in the air. It was soooo cute and we called him dandelion head because all of his hair was that cute, really fine baby fuzz. It was darling and everyone commented. It killed me to finally cut it! But we have our pictures and our memories. I will tell you that I learned the hard way to take my little guys to a person who cut hair out of her home and had experience with children. Their first haircuts were done by the lady who had done my hair for 17 years. It was awesome and no problems at all. They both just flirted with her for the start. When we tried to go the the places for children--with the cars that double as chairs, etc.--it was a disaster because all the other kids were distracting. It didn't matter if the other kids were crying or playing, my guys would look all over. The girls were generally young that cut their hair and they would get frustrated because it was challenging to deal with the wiggles. They also weren't there the next time we went--high turnover. So, we stuck with the more personal route and never had problems. Wait 'til you're ready and make it a positive experience. You'll be fine!

I think your husband is in for a huge shock!! :0) When he turns those clippers on your son will totally freak!! Trust me. When you both are ready, take him to a hairdresser. I took my son to a salon in Olde Town Arvada (Called Hethers gift and beauty) and had Amber cut it. She's great with kids and the haircut is only $10. Seriously, don't even try the clippers...unless you want it to be an even bigger fiasco than it should be. Take your camera and enjoy the fact that your son is ready for a haircut. Maybe even have your husband take a picture of you tearing up. Your scrapbook will thank you later!! Good luck!

A. - It is perfectly normal to have anxiety about your childs first hair cut. It does signify a major step in your childs life, however, it is indeed an important one. Remember,your child will always be your baby!
I think cutting his hair yourself would make it a little bit easier because you know him best,talk like its a good thing,and reward him every so often with a favorite toy or treat,and remember,if you are having problems dont be afraid to call in a profesional.
Best of luck!

Awwww...your reaction is totally normal. I felt the same way with our first baby. He didn't actually get a haircut until he was closer to 2! By the time child #3 was ready for her first haircut, I didn't bat an eye, just took her to the kids' hair salon and had them chop off those baby curls. My husband was a bit traumatized when he got home from work and his little baby girl had shorter hair. So, don't feel bad about wanting to prolong his babyhood longer...it goes so fast! When you are ready for that first haircut, you might want to consider taking him to a kid's salon. It will be more expensive, but they have many ways to distract the kids during the haircut. Most of them also give you a little certificate (BABY'S FIRST HAIRCUT!!!,etc) and a lock of the hair to keep (if you scrapbook, this will be priceless). I took my kids to a kids' salon for the first few times, just until they got used to the whole "getting their hair cut" thing. Now they go to GreatClips with their dad for a much cheaper cut. I'd cut it at home, but I'm useless with a pair of clippers and/or scissors. If your husband is confident in his clipper use, he could do it at home instead of paying for it, once your little guy is used to the whole process. I would say that unless the hair is getting in his eyes and affecting his vision, there's no real hurry to get it cut, it's totally up to you. That being said, there's nothing cuter than a little guy with a fresh haircut. Even now, when my 10yr old comes home with a haircut, I just want to kiss him all over, he's so cute!!

Hey A.,

I felt the same way and my husband made fun of me for it. My son was born with a head full of hair and by 8 months it was long on the sides and on the top. I kept putting it off or telling my husband lets just wait one more week. But I gave in, and I am glad I did. I actually wanted to make a big deal of it- since it was his first hair cut and I took him to the salon and gave him the works. They had a booster seat for him and put the cape on him and sprayed his hair and then just trimmed it. I kept some of his hair and took plenty of pictures and even brought my husband with. It was fun and I am glad I decided on giving in. Now a month later, he needs another haircut already.
But dont worry for feeling sad about cutting his hair, I was saying teh exact thing-- he's just a baby. After the haircut he did look like a little boy all grown up, but it fades and he becomes your little baby again.
Hope this helps, and good luck!!!

I wanted to wait till my son was 1 year to cut his hair. I was sure that I had heard that, that was the tradition, but by the time he was 10 months old his hair was looking kinda ragged. I went ahead and made an appointment at LolliLocks. http://www.lollilocks.com/contact/colorado.html I made a big deal about it and brought my camcorder. They are so good with kids and they put him in a fun chair. We got this certificate with his picture and a clear envelope was attached with his first lock of hair. After he was done he was sooooo handsome that I wondered what took me so long to do it! You will just have to do it in your own time. . .hopefully you hubby will understand. Good luck!

It's OK to cry. But perhaps it's better to do a hair cut sooner rather than later so you don't have the situation I had with my son's first haircut.

He was about 18 months old and truly needed it cut, so I took him to a barber shop and I had his big sister get her hair cut first so he could see what would happen and that it would not hurt a bit. Nevertheless, when it was his turn he cried hysterically and kept batting his hand at the clippers. It was horrible and I could not get him to calm down. After the barber was done, the little guy sweetly hugged the barber, who hugged him back and said, "I guess now I don't need a Valium."

I trimmed by boy's hair for the first time when he was about 7 months old because it was always in his eyes and bothered him. It only took about 1/4 inch to get it back above his eyelashes so I just did it myself.

If your son's hair will be quite long before his first cut, I would go ahead and take him someplace like Jack and Jills. They'll make a big deal about the "first haircut" -- probably take a picture for you and everything. I would just be afraid the little guy's do might look hacked up if you try it yourself.

Good luck!

If your son is ready for a haircut at 8 months concrats. My children didnt have hair until they were almost 2 years old. My idea is to talk to your husband let him know how you feel. Then both of you deside a date put it on the calander and DO it then. Make a big deal out of it. Take pictures. You will always remember thi day but it wont be such a sad thing. It will be a stepping stone of your childs life.

I have a little boy who is fourteen months old. My husband was more against the first haircut than i was. (i do hair) i waited til my little boy was two months old and then i cut it/ I think it is so cute when they have little spikes or whatever. But i would recommend when you decide its right then introduce the clippers for a few days and let him touch them on his hand and he will be more used of it and freak out less. good luck

Let me just tell you how lucky you are. None of my son's needed haircuts until they were 3! I didn't have a chance to be sad about my daughter because she gave herself a haircut the first time and I was too upset to be sad. I agree with other posters that buzzers is not a good idea. Maybe agree to just even it out with a few snips of the scissors and then wait. He will look different but I think you'll like it. I always wanted my boys to grow out their hair as two have curls but none of them will and all keep their hair high and tight. It's actually really cute.

First, I had a friend who never cut her babies' hair until their first birthday. It was a family tradition, and was kinda cute. Maybe you could start that in your family! Then you wouldn't have to keep worrying about when you'll be ready, and you will have a date set so you can prepare yourself.
As far as how to cut his hair, I've always cut both my boys' hair. They've never had anyone else do it. Clippers work fine, but beware that on baby-fine hair, you'll want to leave it longish. Don't go any shorter than 1/2" for sure. Their hair just isn't very thick, so cutting it really short makes it almost disappear.
Some tricks I've learned over the years include:
*strip him down to his diaper
*sit him in the bathroom sink (can't run away)
*turn on the clippers and let him get used to the sound
*touch the back of the clippers (not anywhere near the blades) to his shoulders, back, etc. where he can't grab them but can get used to the feeling
*give him a board book to look at
*work quickly and be patient
*scissors work best for trimming up the nape of the neck. Wiggly kids will move and get a jaggedy line with clippers. With scissors, you can wait until they're still and only snip at the right moment.

Another thing that was very useful is one of those personal trimmers. They're about $8 at WalMart. They advertise that they can't cut your skin, and they really don't. I have used that to trim the nape (if they let me) and sideburns, and around the ears. I use it on my husband, too (I cut his hair).

And don't forget to take before and after pictures!

You are NOT stupid! I completely understand! He is your baby!! Soak it in while you can! When your heart changes about his hair, I suggest taking him to Kiddie cuts! Especially if you are emotional about it! It was a great experience for my son, they allowed him to pick a movie, he sat in an airplane chair they took a picture allowed him to have his favorite snack and had a little baggie for us to keep his first locks for the scrap book! Then go get ice cream or something fun for YOU! :) Good luck and enjoy your baby!

You're not stupid at all for feeling that way. I was holding off transitioning my son to certain things too because I didn't want him to "grow" up just yet. It's still hard for certain things, because you're so protective as a mother...

Anyway, I wish I would've known about Cookie Cutters for my son's first hair cut. It's so child friendly with their cool vehicle seats and TVs for each child to watch while their hair is being cut. And after each cut, the child gets a balloon and lollipop. They have a few locations you can see at http://www.haircutsarefun.com. I took my son there for an appointment not too long ago. He still freaked out, but I didn't feel so weird in a place like that.

You can definitely do your son's haircuts at home, but I like the Cookie Cutters' option for a first hair cut. You get a picture certificate thing and a lock of hair to keep. I guess that is easily done at home as well, but I'm not handy with a pair of scissors.

Sorry for rambling, but good luck with the haircut. You aren't freaking out at all. It's completely understandable what you are going through.

Hi A.,

Our oldest also needed a hair cut around seven months. At first I thought the cut would be odd and make him look older. Instead, it just made him look even cuter (in my biased opinion). I know it seems as though the kids grow up at lightning speed, but as parents we have to enjoy each stage as they come. Otherwise if we try to hold our kids back, it just might come back to haunt us.

As for the first hair cut, if your husband is up to the challenge, I say go for it. My husband cuts both of our boys and they all love it. It really gives them just one more thing to bond over. I hope this helps a little.

Lollilocks (in Longmont I think?) specializes in kids. Or, just dare yourself: a few innocent snips- see if that satisifes everyone. Go conservitively, ease in to it. U can always snip a few more later. (I'll agree, the clippers are a bit too strong for now)

IF you don't agree it's time have hubby do it, or ask for a few more months.

But it's going to have to happen. He's still your sweet baby. He'll be gorgeous no matter what U do. Take a deep breath. It's a right of passage for U both. It's small enough. U can do it!

I didn't read your other responses so I may repeat. It is so normal and natural for us 1st time mommies to feel this way and we want to seriously remember every phase and stage of their lives and "hold on" to it as long as we can. However this being said if you have a baby book put some of his locks of hair in it to save, because as you may or may not know. Their hair changes again and isn't the sweet soft baby hair but big boy hair and then you will lose out completely on the baby's first haircut hair. Another thing, the sooner you do this (I think) the sooner he will get used to it and not be bothered by it. I know the style for boys hair is long right now which if that is what you want then keep it that way and explain it to your husband. My son who is now almost 3 hates, getting his hair cut, I believe because his second haircut was done at a kiddie place and he saw other kids crying and screaming, needless to say he is a screaming bawling horrible nightmare when going to get his haircut and it is the most embarrassing thing ever. Horrible, for me and for him. I do not want this for you. I would say let your husband do it. It is someone who is familiar to him, whom he trusts and loves. Good luck. I cried through every phase.
L.

I don't think it's stupid, either- I think it's sweet. My advice is to deal with it now, because you are dreading it, your anxiety/upset will only keep increasing. Don't fight the feelings of sadness that he is growing, let yourself feel them and express them. Make sure you keep a lock of the hair, and maybe write your son a letter about this experience for you to keep with it. That might help. My daughter didn't have enough hair to cut until she was almost 3, so I had time to prepare. 8 months old probably came too soon for you. I just know that trying to rid yourself of anxiety and upset only increases it. Let yourself feel it and sit with it, that will help you move past it. Good luck.

I totally feel your pain! I had the same dilemma with my son. He was born needing a hair cut! He had the most beautiful locks. He was dressed in blue from head to toe, car seat and all but people would still call him a "she" so we started calling him Matilda! Since I thought it was important to keep the hair out of his eyes I started trimming his bangs at 4 months but agreed that by 2 he would have a "real" hair cut. At 18 months I caved... We went to Lolilocks (as a family), they sit on animal chairs and give you a lock of hair and a framed picture at the end. It was a fun experience. Am I sorry I cut it? YES! Baby hair is so soft and beautiful, now he "looks like a boy"! If I had it to do all over again, I would let it go until he was at least 2. Those locks streaming down his back were incredible and irreplaceable!
I found it wasn't worth fighting over but explained to my husband that he is still a "baby" and we'll let him be a toddler when he turns 2... He's now 3 and has thick course hair kept best SHORT... we also have a 5 month old girl who has only peach fuzz! Now I really regret caving at 18 months!
Good luck to you - hope my situation helps you make a comfortable decision. In the end, It's just hair....

I waited until he was 1 year old. It is hard to see the baby hair leave but just do a "trim" and overall he will look great and the hair will seem thicker and healthier and grow more evenly. I was so engrossed in him getting his first hair cut, taking pics, etc...that I forgot to get that first lock of hair! sigh....
I took him into a hair stylist and he sat on my lap. They were great and took their time and he sat pretty still on my lap and we talked about what was happining. He now and always loves getting his hair cut and is 3.5 yrs now :) Good luck! He will always be your baby!

Please don't feel stupid, being a mother of a growing kid is not easy. With my two kids my husband and I waited until they were one and had a party. My husband is Bolivian and they wait until the child is one to five years old to cut their hair, basically to make sure the child is going to live, kind of morbid, but we translated it into a reason to have a party and introduce the kids to the family's friends. Each participant got a small pair of scissors and cut a small amount of hair, which they gave back to us to put in a keepsake box. We had a great time and the first hair cut was memorable.

Make it a milestone. Take him to some place like Cool Cuts for kids, where they put him in a cool car, then they take pictures of his first hair cut and then keep the curl or part of the hair in a bag for you and you can put it in a baby book.
My son had to do this at about 14 mos, I was sad too, it is normal, he had these beautiful curls.
However, I do agree with your husband if it is getting unruly or too long then it probably needs a trim, nothing more.

I suggest you take him to a proper kids haircut place, especially for the first one. They are experienced with wiggly kids. And you are right they look like big boys once it happens, hee hee. Take lot's of pictures and put them in his baby book.

If it isn't that long, tell your husband to chill out, that he will be spending every five weeks running your son to get a haircut (I know this personally as my son is four and his hair grows fast).

I totally feel the same way!!! I put off my son's first hair cut for the longest time because I felt it would make him look too old. And when I finally started cutting his hair, i'm very specific about how I get it cut so that it doesn't make him look too much like a big boy. You are not alone! Haha. I ended up taking him to Cookie Cutters. Its this wonderful place that does kids haircuts. They took the stress out of it for me. The have these adorable little chairs for them to sit in (they have one made especially for the smaller kids) and they know how to make it fun and you can be there to help comfort them and hold them still but they know how to do it to not cause any cuts or anything, cause I was worried about that too! My son has had 2 or 3 haircuts there now and its great. Probably more money than doing it with your own clippers but to my its with the less stress! But they do use clippers with the plastic guards to do my sons hair, so if you want to do it yourself that is a good way to do it. Good luck!

Don't feel bad - I cried at my daughter's first birthday party, I cried when I stopped nursing, and I cried tonight...her first night in her big girl bed (25 months old). Don't ever feel bad about that, but know that the day comes for us to let go - little by little each day. It IS sad! Let yourself feel those emotions.

My daughter just had her first haircut last week - she has hardly any hair until the last few months and it finally started growing. Though she is far older than I ever thought she'd be for her first one, it was still emotional for me.

We took her to Lollilocks - but she is far older than your son. Keep a lock of her hair and take a lot of pictures...it's a right of passage.

A., I feel how you feel!!!
I never cut my sons' hair ~ I just could not, just like you! My first son's hair was very thick and curling into beautiful big locks, he was walking around like a little angel and everybody loved it. So, his hair finally grew into a braid and that's what we were doing: braiding his hair. The second son liked Anton's braid and got one for himself also. Thus, they grew up. Anton NEVER cut his hair, you can see his braid even now.
Ivan decided in the 10th grade, and came to me: "Mom, please cut OFF my hair." I gave him a week for thinking, as long hair does not grow back fast,but he was positive he wants it cut.
Look at them now, there are notes on the Image:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/niravameen/2123158474/in/set...
and this is their decision, as this is their hair, their heads, their life.
Before they were old enough to make their decision,
I enjoyed seeing their happy childhood, and braiding their hair :)
when they were little,
neither one of them allowed anybody touching their head: only for me to brush and braid, it was allowed :). They just liked their space being safe.

so, while they were little, I let them BE naturally as they are, and when they grew elder, they made the decision. Our lucky part was that nobody interfered into it, their dad was absolutely fine with seeing his sons with long hair.

I know, I did not add any joy to your situation, A., I only want to tell you that YOU ARE a MOM and you feel right about your son's hair: he, personally, absolutely does not need a haircut, the one who needs it, seems to be your husband only, and it is definitely hard to convince him otherwise.
You can try to ask him to wait until your son will turn one year old, as his skin (and aura) is very sensitive, and you do not want to wave any metal objects around his head, and maybe by then your husband will be accustomed to seeing one curly boy... who knows? I wish you success, A.!

I believe it's the Navajo who believe that the child,s hair is their special dream hair, and you shouldn't cut it till their 3. Easy for a girl, not so easy for a boy. I say go with your gut, if you're not ready to cut it, don't.