Hi there!
My almost 3 year old son is scared to death to get his haircut. We've been taking him since he was 11 months (he has VERY thick hair), however, each haircut he seems to get worse. I believe it's the buzzer that he's mostly afraid of, but isn't fond of the scissors either. You name it, we've tried it: barber shops, Cookie Cutters, salons, at home. He has sat in cars, on our laps, watched tv, offered snacks, matchbox cars. We've taken him after naps, before naps, after breakfast, after lunch. Grandma has taken him, Dad, Mom. He's watched other little kids. To make a long story short, this poor kid is deathly afraid. He has even vomited on a couple occasions, not to mentioned, peed his pants also. I don't think there is a stylist/barber within a 30 mile radius that is willing to cut his hair anymore. Is there anyone that has had a similar experience?? Or does anyone have any other suggestions?? It makes me sick to think I'm letting him down or in some way, torturing him to get this done. He just doesn't have the kind of hair I can let grow out.... way too much! Any help is GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!
I would see if he is more comfortable with you, his dad or one of his grandparents trying to cut it. You can get clippers that are quiet and maybe being at home (watching a tv show he likes?) would work? It may take some time to get used to how to do it, but if it works that way - it is better than the hassle of taking him and cheaper! :)
Please tell me your son loves the sound of a vaccum cleaner? If he is okay with the noise I would try a flobee. Seriously, it is an attachment that you put on I think a shopvac and it cuts hair with no visible scissors or buzzing razors. My son has very thick hair and has had some amazingly good haircuts with this gizmo. You can google it, they have moved beyond just selling it on tv. I felt very odd having my friend flobee my kid's hair, but he has had several tear-free good haircuts with the thing. Oh, and on another plus side, you will save a bunch of money by owning your own mini barbershop. I hope this provides another option for you. Good luck!
have you tried offering him to cut his own hair? Can he give himself a pretend haircut of do some dolls hair and so he gets a feeling for what the hairdresser is doing to him and that itis not "dangerous". Don't use the clippers on him, they are scary. Or...can he use them on his own hair and buzz cut it for the summer...less future haircuts, very cool in hot weather...
otherwise, drop it. Take the pressure off him and tell him you get that he is scared and you aren't going to cut his hair until he asks. and keep that promise. He may get too hot or frustrated and after some very badhair days ask you to trim it.
Hi S.:
You've probably tried this already, but my toddler gets a sucker or two while she gets her haircut. We started with snacks but that didn't do it. We had to get sugar involved. She's got very thick hair too and we need to go at least once every 3 weeks. Now, anytime I even say the word haircut, she lights up and says SUCKER! Still, our stylist said that a lot of toddlers have an overwhelming fear of haircuts because they think that cutting off their hair is like cutting off a finger or a toe, even if it doesn't hurt. I wish I had more advice on how to overcome that!
Good luck...
Hi S.,
I think I remember seeing some hair shavers in my One Step Ahead magazine that I get.
They are supposed to be quieter than the ones at the barber shop.
Their website is www.onestepahead.com they have some good products. (800-274-8440)
Then, when your little one is a little older they have a good magazine called Leaps and Bounds their website is
www.leapsandbounds.com
Look on one of these websites and see if you can find them.
I hope this helps! :)
T.
