Bringing your child to the barbershop, especially for their first time, can be a nerve-wracking experience. Here at Neighborhood Cut and Shave in New York City, we specialize in professional children’s haircuts, and in this blog post, we’re here to provide some essential tips to make your child’s barbershop visit smoother and stress-free.
As a mom with a young boy who might be unfamiliar with barbershops and grooming services, it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed. Many moms find themselves uncertain about what to do or expect during their child’s barbershop visit. To help you navigate this experience, consider the following tips:
Start with Clean Hair
Before the barbershop visit, ensure that your child’s hair is thoroughly washed, free of dirt, oil, and dandruff. Dandruff can sometimes be a persistent scalp issue, but it’s essential to make an effort to clear the flakes from their hair before the haircut. Clean hair provides the best canvas for a precise cut.
Boys, especially teenagers, can face challenges when it comes to hair cleanliness. Many young men might not be well-versed in proper hair-washing techniques and can sometimes use styling products like pomade or hair gel that can leave their hair feeling heavy or greasy. To address this, it’s crucial for moms to ensure that their sons are washing their hair correctly, including behind their ears.
Active kids tend to sweat a lot, and frequent outdoor activities can lead to a build-up of sweat and styling products in their hair. To make things simpler, encourage your child to wash their hair and brush it while it’s wet. This routine can be conveniently incorporated into their post-shower grooming.
Prepare Your Child
It’s important to ensure your child feels comfortable before visiting the barbershop, particularly if it’s their first professional haircut. You should explain to your child that you’ll be taking them to a barbershop for a haircut.
You can even playfully mimic the process by having them sit in a chair and pretending to give them a haircut using scissors or clippers.
This role-play can help ease their anxiety and reduce stress. Young children can become easily frightened or anxious if they’re uncertain about what will occur during their visit to the barbershop.
Be Clear When Choosing a Haircut
Young boys often struggle with determining the best haircut for themselves. Parents, particularly mothers, can seek advice from the barber on suitable haircuts for their sons. It’s essential to be clear about your preferences as once the hair is cut, there’s no turning back.
Communicate your desired haircut and ensure the barber understands your instructions. Clipper guard sizes are used to specify how long or short you want the barber to cut the hair.
If you’re uncertain about barbershop terminologies and styles, online research can familiarize you with various hairstyles. For instance, many mothers opt for a low Caesar cut for their sons. You can browse online to find appropriate hairstyles for young boys.
Your Request Must be Respected
When taking your son to the barbershop, it’s crucial that the barber respects the parent’s wishes. If you’ve requested a low Caesar cut and the barber provides a different haircut, you are not obligated to pay for the service. Professional barbers understand the importance of adhering to the mother’s request, as they are the ones compensating for the service.
Bring Healthy Snacks
When visiting the barbershop with your child, consider bringing along healthy snacks. These can help keep your child calm, relaxed, and occupied. Well-behaved children are less likely to act out or cause disruptions during haircuts. A misbehaving child can make the experience uncomfortable for everyone, so maintaining good behavior is key.
Plan the Encounter With the Barber
If your child feels nervous or anxious about getting a haircut, inform the barber ahead of time. Barbers are experienced in dealing with a diverse range of customers, including children. They can assist you in planning the encounter by suggesting strategies to distract and reassure your child, making the haircut a more successful and comfortable experience.
Distract Your Child
If your child feels nervous about getting a haircut, providing activities to distract them can be helpful. Consider allowing them to use a smartphone or tablet to play their favorite game or watch their beloved cartoons while at the barbershop.
If you feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to leave – Bringing your son to the barbershop should be a positive and enjoyable experience. However, if you sense unprofessionalism or feel uncomfortable due to certain conversations or behaviors, it’s completely within your rights to leave.
Barbershops are often seen as masculine spaces, but this doesn’t mean you should endure a situation that makes you uncomfortable, especially with your child present. Politely inform the barber that you’ll be leaving and won’t be using their services any longer. Your priority is to create a safe and comfortable environment for both you and your child.
If the barbershop doesn’t meet these standards, consider seeking out one that aligns better with your expectations. In New York City, Neighborhood Cut and Shave is a reliable professional barbershop offering kid’s haircuts.
Tip Your Barber
After your son receives a haircut, if you’re satisfied with the style, the barber’s hair-cutting skills, and their overall professionalism, consider giving them a tip. Tipping is a customary practice that expresses your appreciation as a customer.
It’s a way to show respect and acknowledgment for a job well done. Additionally, it can serve as an incentive for the barber to continue providing excellent service to your son on future visits.
Professional barbers aim to customize each client’s experience, adapt to different situations, and utilize their expertise to offer top-notch services. Tipping reinforces this positive interaction and encourages a high level of service quality during future appointments.
Reward Good Behavior With a Treat
If your son displays good behavior while at the barbershop, it’s a great idea to reward him for his cooperation. Consider taking him to a candy shop to get some chocolates or candies, buying him his favorite milkshake, or visiting his preferred ice cream shop as a special treat.
If you’re in search of a professional barbershop in New York City that provides kid’s haircuts, make sure to explore Neighborhood Cut and Shave. We’ve been delivering professional barbershop services since 2010. Our services encompass haircuts, shaves, beard trimming, buzz cuts, hair trims, and kid’s cuts.
For any questions or inquiries regarding our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. To schedule an appointment, contact us at (212) 929-5555. Get in touch with us today, and we’ll be delighted to ensure your kid receives a great haircut without you having to do it yourself.
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