Many parents have received strong advice about their baby’s first haircut. That advice is often delivered with seeming authority, but oddly enough it contradicts the next thing you’ll hear, which is expressed with an equally strong sense of conviction.
Surprised that this is such a hot topic? There are many theories about when and why a baby should or should not have her first haircut. Some theories seem to make no sense, others seem somewhat credible, while still others are based on cultural traditions or even religious beliefs.
One admittedly extreme approach is to shave your baby’s head in the first few days of life.
Shave a baby’s head?
Shaving a baby’s head is a ritual in several cultures: Hindu babies, for example, are shaved to remove undesirable traits associated with past lives. Muslims will shave the infant’s head on the seventh day after a ritual sacrifice. Shaving a baby’s head is traditional in Korean and Thai families, and surely in other lesser-known cultures as well. Curiously, I have also read that it is a tradition in the Hispanic culture. However, I am from Spain and had never heard of it. Internet, are you lying to me? Well, maybe not, maybe it’s a very old tradition, maybe not in Spain. Who knows? Did you know?
Others do it for apparently scientific reasons. A widely held belief is that shaving a baby’s head will make her hair grow thicker and stronger (or faster). However, the truth is that because hair grows from follicles below the surface of the skin on the head, cutting or shaving it will have no effect on hair follicle development. It may seem that way initially, but it’s not actually growing faster or stronger.
That’s not the only seemingly scientific reason to shave a baby’s head. Another theory states that this should be done for… cleaning? According to this theory, cutting a baby’s hair helps to cleanse the head of any dirt or oil left on the head after birth. Honestly, how about a shampoo instead? That sounds much less traumatic. I think it’s safe to say that you can ignore another “scientific” claim that the baby is at risk of speech delay if their hair is cut before the age of two. Those two issues could not be less interrelated.
In conclusion, there are no scientific reasons to shave your baby’s head. However, you may have other motivations, such as following religious or cultural traditions.
So if you don’t shave your baby’s head, when will he get his first haircut?
In some cultures the answer is clear. For example, if you are an Orthodox Jew, you will wait until the male child is three years old and have his hair cut in a ceremony called Upsherinish.
Another milestone frequently referred to as an appropriate age for a haircut is the one year mark. Although considered by many to be a mandatory rule, it is as arbitrary as many others. We’ve heard that salon insurance in the US doesn’t cover children until they are one year old, so that may be one reason; If you cut your baby’s hair during the first year, you’ll probably have to do it yourself. On the other hand, you should be able to do it just fine, and unless you have money to spare, you might as well.
We offer a different approach; Unless you are following a religious or cultural tradition, first cut your baby’s hair based on hair length, not the baby’s age. Basically when she needs it, no matter how old she is. Doesn’t it seem logical? Ask yourself questions like: Does it look really bad? Does long hair get into your eyes?
You’ve probably made it this far in the article because you’ve decided it’s time to give your baby a haircut for the first time. It’s also the first time you’ve cut a baby’s hair. How do you do it?
Let’s start with two tips:
- Keep the tech bowl away, please. Bowls should not be used for this haircut. That’s cruel. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, I’m referring to the technique of putting a bowl on your child’s head and cutting off the edges. Please do not subject your child to this haircut!
- Timing is critical. Wait for your window of opportunity. If your baby fell asleep sitting upright, you’d be in luck! It will never be easier than that. If you’re not so lucky, find a time when she’s more relaxed, perhaps watching a cartoon or quietly eating her favorite cookie.
You will not need many tools for this operation. Arm yourself with:
- Small hair scissors. The bigger the scissors, the more dangerous…
- Spray bottle with water. Hair cuts more easily when it is wet and heavier.
- Hair comb
Start by stroking your baby’s head and patting her hair as you moisten it with the spray bottle (or your wet hand if that works better). After that, everything will be ready for the cutting operation. The goal is to finish the actual cut in less than two minutes. With any luck, he’ll think you’re still stroking his hair.
Focus on the strands that have grown too long. Pull sections of hair between your fingers or comb and cut. Putting the comb or fingers between the scissors and the skin will prevent uneven cuts and, very importantly, cuts in the skin. Remember that you can always cut it shorter later. Too aggressive a haircut and you’ll have to wait months before you like it again.
Good luck parents!