How to Give a Toddler a Haircut

Toddlerhood is often the time when a little one̵7;s hair finally grows to the point where it̵7;s time for a haircut. When that little bundle of energy you call your toddler needs a haircut, you may need to pull out all the stops to encourage a cooperative attitude. Creative ideas for distraction and a fast-clipping, steady hand should get the job done successfully.

Things You'll Need

  • Toys, books and snacks
  • Music, television or electronic device
  • Bath towel
  • Clothespin
  • Spray bottle (filled with warm water)
  • Comb
  • Hair shears

Instructions

    • 1

      Set up your distractions to keep your toddler busy during the cut. Pull out a few favorite toys and books. Play some music, turn on one of his favorite educational shows or start an entertaining app on an electronic device.

    • 2

      Ask a family member or friend for assistance. Your helper might talk to your little one and read a book, or if it helps, hold him on her lap, helping keep his head still and allowing you to concentrate on the cutting.

    • 3

      Wrap the bath towel around your toddler and secure it with a clothespin.

    • 4

      Spritz your toddler̵7;s hair with the warm water in the spray bottle. Toddlers often object to having water poured over their heads, so spritzing with the spray bottle should suffice. The warm water will make the spraying less of a shock to your little one.

    • 5

      Snip your toddler̵7;s hair as carefully and quickly as you can. Cut small amounts of hair at a time rather than large amounts to avoid big mistakes, advise the authors of ̶0;What to Expect the Toddler Years.̶1; Realize that your little one may decide to stop cooperating at any time, so complete the cut as fast as possible. Start the cut over the forehead, then move to around the ears and along the neck for a little boy. For a girl, you might trim around her face and then trim the ends. At your toddler̵7;s young age, a perfect haircut probably isn̵7;t possible, so aim for the best you can do.

    • 6

      Talk to your toddler as you cut his hair to encourage cooperation. Praise your toddler when he sits still. Reassure your little one that the haircut is almost over.

    • 7

      Finish the cut by brushing the loose hair off your little one̵7;s face and clothing. Remove the towel and give him a big hug to tell him how well he did with the haircut.

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