Cutting young children's hair professionally can be difficult and requires a combination of technical skill, patience, and an understanding of children's specific needs. Anthony Copeland @Masterbarberuk offers some tips for achieving professional haircuts for young children.
1. Communication is key. Before starting the haircut, have a conversation with the child and their parent or guardian. Understand their expectations, preferences, and specific concerns. This will help guide you in tailoring the haircut to their preferences and ensure they have a positive experience.
2. Create a comfortable environment: Create a welcoming, child-friendly atmosphere in your salon or workspace to help children feel safe. I always acknowledge the kids the moment they walk into the store and offer distractions like high fives, fist pumps, toys, and even TV shows to keep them focused during the haircut. I try to relax.
3. Choose the right tools: Invest in high-quality hair cutting tools, such as scissors, clippers, combs, and a quiet hair dryer designed specifically for children's hair. Make sure your tools are clean, sharp, and well-maintained for accurate and professional results.
4. Start with clean, damp hair. Wet hair is easier to manage and gives you more control and precision when cutting. Watch out for knots, as pulling can draw children's attention in the opposite direction. You can even pretend to be yourself or their parents to show them what you are doing and put them at ease.
5. Use proper techniques: Use a combination of scissor-over-comb, clipper cuts, and blending techniques, depending on your desired style. Keep your child's comfort in mind and adjust your technique accordingly. Use slow, gentle, and controlled movements to avoid accidental pulling or cutting.
6. Be patient and flexible. Children have short attention spans and may become restless during haircuts. Take breaks as needed and be patient with your child's movement and fidgeting. Tailor your approach to their comfort level and work at a pace that suits them.
7. Pay attention to detail: Focus on achieving clean lines, uniform length, and a well-blended finish. Take your time to ensure symmetry and accuracy of your haircut. Use a mirror to check your haircut from different angles and make any necessary adjustments. Children's hair may be very light blonde and cut marks can be noticeable if not layered correctly. Avoid thinning scissors as they are more likely to pull.
8. Provide styling advice: Once the haircut is complete, provide styling advice to the child and their parent or guardian. We will recommend appropriate hair products and demonstrate how to style your hair to maintain the desired look.
9. Maintain professionalism and hygiene: Maintain a professional demeanor during your haircut and keep your work space clean and tidy. Follow good hygiene practices, including using clean equipment, disinfecting surfaces, and providing each customer with a clean cape or towel.
10. Build rapport and rapport: Building good relationships with children and their families is very important for repeat business and referrals. Make it a fun experience for your child by having friendly conversations, offering praise and encouragement.
Remember that each child is unique and their hair may have different textures, thickness, and growth patterns. Tailor techniques and approaches to individual needs. With practice, patience, and a child-friendly approach, you can provide a professional haircut that both children and parents will be happy with. These children are your future customers. If you take care of it now, you may be able to receive a customization that will last a lifetime in the future.