The baby is growing, their features are changing, and their hair is starting to change in color and texture. As the months go by, it’s time to trim the locks and give your baby their first haircut.
It’s normal to feel unsure about how they’ll react. Will they cry? Will they have fun? But you have to face one of the baby and parents’ first adventures.
Saving the First Lock of Hair
A very old custom that still continues today is the habit of keeping baby memorabilia as keepsakes. And one of the items in parents’ treasure boxes is the baby’s first lock of hair, as a memento of the first haircut.
When to Give Your Baby Their First Haircut?
If you’re wondering what the right age is to start cutting your child’s hair, the answer is: there isn’t a specific age, since it all depends on the thickness and amount of the baby’s hair. Of course, it will also depend on need and if it’s becoming bothersome, for example when the hair gets in the way of their eyes.
Where to Take the Baby for a Haircut?
Another common question for parents is, where to go? Let’s agree, it’s a tough decision even for adults to choose the best place to trust with our hair, right? Imagine being responsible for your child’s first haircut?
Ideally, take your baby to a trusted salon, preferably where you already know the stylist and are sure they have patience and care, as well as plenty of affection for such an important milestone. There are also salons specially designed and equipped for children’s haircuts.
These places usually offer very attractive options to make sure the child has fun, without any stress. Airplane-shaped, car-shaped chairs, or even just a very colorful and relaxed setting, complete with a certificate and the first lock of hair framed.
If you choose your regular salon and stylist, book an appointment beforehand, ideally when everything is calm and quiet and the professional has more time to do everything with great care.
To make things easier and help keep your baby calm, bring your baby’s favorite toy or doll to play with and distract them during the process. When the baby feels safe, there’s less pressure on everyone, it’s easier to get the haircut done, and it can be finished quickly.
An important point to consider when choosing the place for your baby’s first haircut is the cleanliness of the salon and of the tools used for cutting. If the salon isn’t clean and well maintained, your baby could be exposed to fungi and might even develop something like dermatitis.
When to Cut Again?
How often you cut depends a lot on how fast your child’s hair grows and the chosen style. Professionals recommend a haircut every 3 months to shape, help grow, and strengthen the hair.
It’s worth noting that right after your baby’s first haircut, the hair can start to change. Curly hair might lose its curl pattern, lighter hair could begin to darken, and these are all part of your baby’s changes and growth transitions.
Gel and Hairstyles for Babies
In addition to cutting, modern hairstyles delight parents of babies with lots of hair. Nowadays, we can use many products and gels for baby hairstyles to make them look even cuter.
Here are some tips for using gel on children’s hair:
Is It Bad to Use Gel on Babies?
There’s nothing wrong with using pomade or gel on your baby’s hair as long as the products are suitable for babies and children. You can use gel to style cute or even apply temporary colored spray if your child is going to a little party.
Never forget to remove the gel and ideally use it only for special occasions. The best thing is to wash it out the same day, before bedtime, to avoid leaving residue on your baby’s scalp that could cause flaking or irritation.
How Should Gel Be Applied?
The best way to apply gel is to put it on the comb, not directly on the baby’s scalp. Gel will make the hair really stiff, so use only a very small amount, just enough to style the hair.
How to Remove the Gel?
Whenever you remove gel, try to use warm water. Some babies have very sensitive scalps and very hot water can cause flaking. If possible, wash with a neutral shampoo or one appropriate for babies.
See also: How to Tell If Your Baby’s Hair Will Be Straight, Wavy or Curly?
Photo: pxhere
