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You are here : home > Child Development > Related Articles for Child Development > The First Haircut

The First Haircut

The First Haircut

Here is a first-hand experience of a parent on a baby's first haircut. In the following article you will also find the answers to the common concerns of parents related to haircut and tonsure or head shave of a baby.

Chaitanya Prakash tells us about the time he took his son for his first haircut.

When you are a father of a one-year-old, who is known for his boundless energy, restlessness and shrieks that rock neighbourhoods, taking him for a haircut is no mundane run. Just to imagine what it could turn out to be heightened my blood-pressure!

However, I mustered courage, thanks to continuous coaxing from my wife, and the fact that my son Ahan's hair had grown far too long. I noticed that he was not happy with his long hair. It disturbed him. He would scratch his head often, as if it was irritating him. When asleep, he would turn his head from side-to-side, as if his hair wasn't allowing him to sleep peacefully. And moreover, it looked very untidy.

I was careful to select where I took Ahan for a haircut. It's easy for a first-time father like myself to imagine horror stories about a haircut - 'what if' scenarios - that may never happen. I guess we are over cautious, or maybe it’s our excuse to show our love!

Not all barber shops have experts to handle a one-year-old customer. I checked a few shops in the neighbourhood. I looked for a hygienic place that had hairdressers who could cautiously handle this bundle of energy. Finally, I found a decent fit.

Ahan danced his way to the marketplace, he couldn't stop smiling at the idea of being taken for a walk on a winter morning when the sun shone bright. He didn't know what was in store for him. It was his first trip to a barber.

As soon as he stepped into the shop, the smile did a vanishing act. I settled in a seat, with Ahan on my lap, nervously praying that he calmly goes through this exercise, and that the sharp arms of the scissors only do their act on his hair.

Sometimes when you pray hard, you get what you wish.

Ahan was as quiet and calm as he could be. Like a sleepy kitten, he held my finger, paid heed to the barber's instructions and looked up or down on cue, and amused himself with the fascinating tools the barber showed him. Towards the end of the cut he started getting a little restless. He had already outperformed himself by keeping calm for over ten minutes. We decided to give him a breather, and so stopped for a few minutes. It was a good decision, as he reassured himself that nothing major was going on. He looked at my face and smiled, almost saying - "Good to see you again, Dad."

I ensured that he kept himself busy during the haircut. The television was a great help. He watched his favourite cartoon for a while. My wife kept him amused with the cell-phone, his all-time favourite. But most of it all, the barber himself was an expert. He would ensure that Ahan was calm enough before moving his scissors. He was very careful, and swift. He advised me to hold his hand, casually, and restrict any sudden movements.

The trick is simple. Keep your kids busy, keep them amused, and don't worry. Children know how to surprise their parents!

It took 20 minutes in all, and we were done. No shrieks, not much restlessness, and my boy was looking so handsome!

Take a quick look at some common questions that parents have related to the baby's first haircut.

When is the right time for taking babies for their first haircut?

Although there is no specific age for getting a baby's first haircut, it is advisable to take babies for the first haircut after they complete one year of their age. In many Indian households the tradition of Mundan is followed which is about taking the baby's first hair completely off his head. Some religious practices are also followed during the ceremony of Mundan. During this ceremony, the presence of the maternal uncle of the baby is considered very important. In some Indian households this tonsure ceremony is also performed when babies complete 6-months of their age.

What kind of hairstyle should be preferred while getting the first haircut done for the babies?

A simple hairstyle should be preferred while getting the first haircut done for a baby. You can also ask the barber about the hairstyle that would suit your child’s face the best. He would be the better person to tell you about the style of haircut that would suit your baby.

How to prepare for a baby's first haircut?

While taking your baby for a haircut make sure that he or she is well fed. Ensure that your baby is in good health and cheerful before taking him or her to the salon. Carry your baby’s favourite toy, book or pacifier to keep your baby occupied as well as to provide comfort to him or her. Dress him or her up in a comfortable dress. Choose a hairdresser who is experienced in cutting hair of small babies. You can ask your neighbours and friends in your neighbourhood about the hairdresser who is good at cutting hair of small children.

What precautions should be taken while taking the baby for the first haircut?

Make sure that the salon that you are visiting is clean and hygienic as well as the hairdresser is experienced. Check that the hairdresser is using clean equipment for cutting your baby’s hair. Ensure that the sitting arrangement is good. Carry an extra pair of dress.

What is the significance of Mundan in Indian culture?

Mundan is carried out to do the tonsure of the baby. As per the Hindu customs and tradition the first hair of the baby is known to have connection with the baby's past life pain and sufferings. Therefore, tonsure is done in order to free the baby from these past life pain and sufferings.

Can tonsuring baby’s first hair help to grow thicker hair?

Whatever is done to the surface of the hair does not affect its thickness because the hair grows from the follicles beneath the scalp. Therefore, tonsuring a baby's first hair may not affect its thickness. As the ends of the hair are all of the same length it may appear thicker when it regrows.

Is it necessary to tonsure a baby's hair or just a haircut is fine?

It is not necessary to tonsure baby’s hair, but tonsuring can help to grow nicer and cleaner hair on baby’s head. Good hair will help you to enhance your baby’s looks.

Which days are good for getting a baby's haircut done?

Sunday is the best day for getting the haircut done for babies as well as for adults. Apart from Sunday, days like Wednesday as well as Friday are also considered to be auspicious days for getting a haircut.

On which days should one avoid getting a haircut done for babies?

Parents should avoid getting the haircut done for their babies on days like Saturday, Monday and Thursday.

Which hair is best for baby’s hair?

Coconut oil is best for baby’s hair. It can help you to not only condition your baby’s hair but also deal with problems like dandruff and frizz. Coconut oil is also very useful for dealing with cradle caps in babies.

Can I cut my baby’s hair at home?

If you are an experienced professional and have experience in cutting hair of little children, you can surely cut your baby’s hair at home. If you do not have any experience of hair cutting, do not take the risk of cutting your baby’s hair at home.

Can a baby's hair grow faster if it is trimmed frequently?

There is no scientific evidence proving that hair trimming can result in faster hair growth. But a lot of experienced hairdressers say that it can help to grow a baby’s hair faster.

Can including carrots in the diet of babies help to grow curly hair?

Including foods rich in various nutrients in the diet of babies can help to grow better hair but the kind of hair that will grow on a baby’s hair depends on the genetics.

Is it safe to use a baby shampoo for washing a baby’s hair?

It is safe to use baby shampoos which are clinically tested or herbal shampoos for washing baby’s hair. But parents should make sure that they consult a doctor before using any kind of shampoo for washing their baby’s hair.

Is it good to wash baby’s hair until all the oil is washed off completely from the baby’s hair?

It is not good to wash a child's hair vigorously until the oil is completely washed off as too much washing can also wash away the natural oils in the baby's scalp. Too much shampooing and washing can weaken the hair and make it dry and frizzy.

Is it safe to use an electric clipper for trimming baby’s hair?

An electric clipper can be a good option for trimming baby’s hair as it provides an option to set the length. You can use an electric clipper for trimming your baby’s hair only if you have good experience with it. While using it on your baby’s head, make sure that you are not putting too much pressure. Ensure that your baby is not moving too much and sitting comfortably when you are clipping her hair.

What kind of safety precautions should be taken while getting the baby’s haircut done?

Take a quick look at the safety precautions that must be taken while getting a baby's haircut done.

1. Supervising the Baby

Supervision of the parents is necessary while the hairdresser is cutting the baby's hair. Parents must hold the baby’s hair properly as per the directions of the hairdresser so that the hairdresser finds it easy to cut the hair. These kinds of precautions are important especially when the baby is getting a haircut for the first time.

2) Razor Blades

It is necessary to avoid using razor blades at all costs as they can be too harsh on your baby’s scalp. They may also result in cuts as the babies are not mature enough to sit still at one place while the hairdresser is cutting baby’s hair.

3) Baby’s Mood

It is necessary to ensure that a baby is in a good mood when you are taking him or her for the haircut. If the baby is grumpy, you can postpone the haircut for another day.

4) Hair Cutting Equipment

It is necessary for parents to ensure that hair cutting equipment like scissors or clippers are kept away from the reach of the baby so that accidents are avoided.

5) Head Bath

When the baby is done with a haircut, give him or her a head bath with warm water as usual. Giving a bath to your baby will help to get rid of all the loose hair that has fallen on his or her body while getting the haircut done. If you don’t give your baby a head bath after the haircut, the loose hair on her body may cause irritation and discomfort to him or her.

What other precautions should be taken after the baby's first tonsure or head shave?

It is necessary to take good care of the baby's head after he or she undergoes tonsure or head shave for the first time. You must not expose your baby to the environment which is too hmdddot or too cold. Ensure that you are making your baby wear a proper headgear to ensure that his or her head is well protected.

It is ideal to get a first haircut or head shave done after the first birthday of the baby. But there is no right time as such for getting a baby's first haircut or head shave done. Parents can use their own judgement and common sense while sticking to family rituals of the first haircut or tonsure that is followed since ages.

Getting a first haircut or tonsure done is also one of the important parenting moments. So, make sure that you make these moments memorable by having a small celebration and a photo session after the baby is done with it.

When is the right age for taking a baby for a haircut? What precautions should parents take while taking a baby for a haircut? How to take care of a baby’s hair? Discuss here.



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Neha
Neha.15 years ago
this is cute. i am sure chaitanya has had many more good times with ahan
 
 
 
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Arogya
Arogya.15 years ago
i have a two-year old son. i never looked at this aspect of care or experience of life. interessting....
 
 
 
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Namitha
Namitha.15 years ago
we had asked the barbar to come home for our 1 1/2 yr daughter. she was in my husband's lap i was showing her toys attracting her attention towards me. initially she kep quiet but towards the end she started crying. but it was ok as she was at home.
we had bought new blade from the shop and sterilised it. we have also taken her photographs.
 
 
 
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