There’s no one right age for a son to get his first haircut. However, most kids tend to come in for that first cut between 12 months and 2 years. That’s when they have hair long enough to trim and can sit still for long enough without getting fidgety.
Focus on your kid’s hair and personality over age limits.
Between one and two is a guideline, not a rule. Some kids are calm at an earlier age, while others need more time to be able to settle. It all depends on your child’s personality and how much hair they have.
If you notice that your son tugs at his hair or brushes it away from his eyes, it’s long enough. And if he doesn’t mind sitting still for a short time (with or without distractions), he can probably handle taking a seat in the barber’s chair.
Let him watch you get a cut.
See how he reacts. If your son seems curious about what’s happening at the barbershop, that’s a sign he’s ready for his own visit.
It’s also a great prep: watching you get a haircut makes your son’s first haircut a lot more relaxed.
Think he’s ready? Here’s what we recommend to make sure the first cut is a chill experience for him and you.
The Classic is all about helping kids in the community, so we’re going to take extra steps to make sure your kid is comfortable.
That said, there are a few things you can do beforehand if you’re thinking about taking your son to the barber for the first time.
1. Do a test run at home.
Pretend to cut your child’s hair at home with a comb and toy scissors. Have him sit in a chair and clip around his ears to build his comfort before the real thing.
2. Schedule for the right time of day.
You know best when your son tends to be cranky or struggles to sit still. For most kids, that means avoiding a cut during nap time, meal time, or at the end of the day.
3. Bring snacks and distractions.
It’s totally fine to let your son watch a show or have a snack while getting a haircut. Feel relaxed and have a good time—that’s what we all like about The Classic, right?
4. Communicate with your barber.
Let us know if it’s your son’s first time. We take pride in making the experience positive for kids, and your information can help us tailor the experience.
We’re experts at making kids comfortable, so let your barber handle it.
Our barbers keep things light, offer breaks, and use simple language, but there’s no pressure. If you feel like it’s just not the right day, you’re welcome to come back when your child is ready.
Try these haircuts for kids’ first time in the chair.
To make your son’s first haircut a success, we suggest starting with a simple cut.
Check out the following five styles. They’re popular and easy to maintain, and they grow out well, so you can avoid awkward in-between stages.
1. The Crew Cut
Short on the sides and top, the crew cut doesn’t need styling, and it grows out evenly. Here’s a classic, low-maintenance option that’s a perfect first cut for toddlers with straight or fine hair.
2. The Caesar
The Caesar is short, with a straight fringe across the forehead. We suggest it for kids with thicker hair and those who don’t like having hair in their eyes.
3. The Scissor Cut
This one is done entirely with scissors and lets us keep more length on top while trimming the sides. A scissor cut is probably the best option if your son wants to keep his hair longer, or if he’s uncomfortable with an electric clipper.
4. The Buzz Cut
Here’s the lowest-maintenance option of them all. The buzz cut is a short style that keeps everything the same length all over. It also takes only a few minutes. It’s easy, stylish, and always popular. The buzz is ideal for kids with fine hair.
5. The Classic Side Part
Short on the sides with a bit more length on top, the side part will give your son a clean look without being too formal. It works well for straight or wavy hair. It’s also fairly low-maintenance. You should be able to manage it with just a quick comb in the morning.
How often should you bring your son to the barber?
The answer to that question depends on the cut. Shorter styles like buzzes need more maintenance: We recommend every three to four weeks.
If your son has a scissor cut or another style with a longer top, he can go around six weeks between appointments.
It also depends on how fast your child’s hair grows.
If his hair starts getting in his eyes or over his ears, it’s time for his first cut or fade.
Try not to wait too long.
Regular visits will help your son stay comfortable with the barbershop.
The Classic is always open to kids because we believe the barber shop is one of the first places boys start learning how gentlemen interact with each other.
Ready to take your son to the barber? We’ll walk you through the options, keep your kid calm and happy, and hook him up with a cut or fade that’s the cleanest in the schoolyard, guaranteed.
Book an appointment online today.
