Every child is unique, and some children encounter unique obstacles to overcome when getting their hair cut. These can range from general fear to sensory disorders. We believe every child deserves the very best. If your child struggles with getting their haircut, please read over our haircut tips and recommendations before your first visit at Rage & Mane to ensure your child receives the very best service possible:

1. Schedule a complementary meet and greet for your child. The stylist will give your child a tour of our salon in a one on one setting, answer any of their questions, and explain the process to them. Though it may seem redundant we do this for all ages. The stylist will then choose an age appropriate activity to do with your child. This can be done as a stand alone visit or prior to your child’s hair service.

2. It is important to prepare them for their visit. If possible, try to begin talking about their appointment a few days in advance, explain to them that they will be going to see a friend who will trim their hair.

3. Vocabulary is important, try to remember to use positive words when visiting the salon, we recommend these terms specifically: saying “we are going to see your stylist”, replace the word cut with “trim”, instead of saying “fix your hair” a good alternative would be “style your hair” etc. Making these slight changes are less threatening to children.

4. Always remember this is your child’s appointment. We do our best to focus primarily on the child during their service, we will often avoid conversing with the parents during the appointment so that the focus remains solely on them. You should not be surprised if the stylist talks, remains silent, or sings to your child (please forgive our terrible singing). It is their time and we do our best to let them direct their experience as we would with any adult client.

5. We NEVER recommend holding a child down. You should always encourage your child to sit in the chair at least once before the service begins. It is ok if they need to sit on your lap, but allowing them to try helps them build up to an independent haircut. Holding down your child’s arms, legs and head maybe tempting and seem necessary, but it also makes the experience traumatic for the parent and child. Please allow the stylist to attempt to navigate and work through these obstacles with your child before intervening. They will ask for assistance when required.

6. Sometimes space is necessary. This is not always the case but sometimes we find children will do better when their parents stand at a distance. Please do not leave your child unsupervised, but we may turn your child away and ask you sit in a chair that is out of their view.

7. Remove the word “No”. We do not tell children no in the salon, instead we explain which a choice or action may not be safe for them to engage in and ask them to do something safer instead.

8. Give them time. You may watch us pause multiple times through a haircut to give them a “break”. Remember that we would not offer if we were not willing. Giving them a break gives them some control during the service and helps them build trust in their stylist. If they are taking a “break” try to allow them a moment to decompress by remaining quiet or coming over to comfort them (as the case may require).

9. Trust your stylist. We are on your side always, and working on developing an individualized system that helps your child to navigate their haircut. We need you on our team! We will help you to know when to step in or when to step back. Every child is different, and we have learned to recognize which is necessary. Our goal is ultimately to help your child achieve and independent and enjoyable haircut experience.

10. Give them encouragement! Sometimes it might seem crazy to tell your child they’re doing a great job when it seems like they’re loosing their mind. But reminding them they’re “so brave” and “I am right here” can make a huge difference. We always like to end the appointment by letting them know we are so proud of them for what they’ve accomplished, and you should too!

11. A little incentive never hurts. We have lollipops as rewards in the salon, but offering another incentive such as going to the park or playing a favorite game after their trim can be very motivating for children.

12. Bring them fed and well rested. Right after a nap or early in the morning is usually the best time for a child to get their hair trimmed.

 

 

Please feel free to reach out to your stylist with any questions and let us know if there is anything at all we can do to improve your child’s experience.