Tips on Taking the Hairiness out of a Haircut!

So it’s time for a haircut … You have a lot of questions going through your mind … Will my child be frightened? Where should I go? Will the stylist understand our needs?”

1.  There is no specific age in which a child should get their first haircut. My middle son was born with a full head of hair and so at 3 days old, he got his first haircut. Uncommon yes, but neither right or wrong.
2. Don’t make a “big deal” about this event. Often parents are telling me as I walk through the door that “Johnny hates to get his haircut” while Johnny stands beside them clutching at their pants and listening to every word. Children are constantly changing, so give your child a chance to like getting their haircut this time.
3. If you act like it is a non-event, it will be!
4.  Timing is crucial. Make sure that your child is not tired or hungry. Make an appointment at their “happiest” time of day.
5. Be friendly to the stylist, this is comforting for your child and then ease your way out of site! Yes, out of site. You are their safety net and there’s a good chance that if they don’t see you, things will run smoothly.
6. Have a couple tricks up your sleeve. Bring a favorite toy or gadget, something that is comforting to your child and pull it out when you need it but not until then.
7. Have a favorite snack or treat handy. Preferably dry treats such as crackers, so the hair won’t stick to them.
8.  If you are going out to a salon, find out when their busy times are and avoid this time of day. Too much noise and chaos may be upsetting.
9. Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment so you are not rushed. This will give your child time to get comfortable. Make sure that you are relaxed. If you are anxious your child will be too.
10. If all else fails, have the stylist cut your hair first while your child watches - even if it is a “pretend cut”.
11. Ask your friends to recommend a stylist that is great with kids.
12. Another option is to have an in-home haircut. Companies such as Haircuts on Wheels will come to you in the comfort of your home. Having a haircut at home eliminates many of the issues that arise when going to a salon.  Your home is a comfortable and safe environment, less noise, convenient and there is no preparation before the haircut.

The Power of an Exercise

One weekend last spring I read a story about Kensington Hospice. It was beautiful and touched me deeply. I decided that I wanted to become part of what they were doing and for me, this would mean "making people look and feel beautiful" by doing their hair.

This month I am enrolled in the Toronto Hospice course. We are learning a lot and I am experiencing feelings I never knew I had. It's a journey. The course is 35 hours and is completed over about 5 weeks. It is mandatory for all hospice volunteers. I want to tell you about an exercise we did in class last week.  The topic was Grief and Bereavement. You can do it yourself if you want...

Start with a piece of paper and cut it into 12 small pieces. Take the small pieces of paper and make three rows of four squares each on a table in front of you. That is the easy part.

Next on the first row choose 4 people you love most in the world - write their names down on the first 4 squares of paper ... of course you love more but you must choose only 4. On the second row pretend your house was on fire and you could safely run in and grab 4 things that mean the most to you - write those 4 things down. On the last row - write down 4 of your biggest dreams or goals in your life.

Now imagine you've not been feeling well and have had some medical tests done. The doctors office calls you to come in. Take 1 square from each row away.

You meet the doctor and he tells you that the prognosis isn't good and that you have 4 months to live.
Take 1 more square from each row away.

I don't really have to finish this exercise because I'm already crying. I have only a glimpse of what my client is thinking and feeling. As a volunteer at the hospice I will be offering clients a shampoo, scalp massage, haircut and styling and a chance to relax for a few moments and feel beautiful inside and out.