Children's hairdresser — when to go first and how to choose

A child's first haircut is a milestone — for the child and for the parent alike. A cut done too early or in an uncomfortable setting can create hairdresser anxiety that lasts for years. We have gathered the advice of children's hairdressers and family counsellors into a single guide.

When to book the first haircut

Three signals that a haircut is needed:

The hair is getting into their eyes and the child keeps brushing it away with a hand — a sign that it is time for at least a fringe trim.
The hair catches food or drink — shortening it makes sense for hygiene reasons.
The child plays with their own hair in a way that bothers them — pulling it, for instance, or trying to cut it themselves.

The average age for a first haircut in Estonia is 14–20 months. Girls often get their first trim at 24+ months, boys earlier (12–14 months). The calendar is not the deciding factor — assess each child individually.

How to prepare your child

A week before

Show them short haircut videos with children on YouTube. Search for “first haircut baby” in Estonian or English.
Play “hairdresser” at home — put a towel around their neck, let them touch the scissors (blunt ones, not sharp!).
Talk about it calmly and positively — “we're going to the hairdresser, you'll get lovely hair, and afterwards we'll buy an ice cream.”

The day before and on the day itself

Make sure they sleep enough — a tired child is far more likely to cry.
Give them a proper meal 30–60 minutes before the appointment (hunger makes them more sensitive).
Bring a favourite toy, a snack, a drink bottle and spare clothes.
A morning slot (9–11) is best — the child is not tired yet and the salon is calmer.

How to choose a children's hairdresser

Not every hairdresser is right for children. A specialist children's hairdresser offers:

A play area. Toys in the waiting room, colouring books, sometimes a small slide.
Special chairs. Chairs shaped like cars, aeroplanes or horses that turn the process into a game.
Screens in front of the chair. Cartoons or games that hold the child's attention.
Patient stylists. 3+ years of experience specifically with children; positive Google comments such as “calm with the child”, “patient with a first-timer”.
A shorter visit. A children's cut takes 15–25 min (an adult's takes 30–60 min for comparison).

Browse specialist providers in the directory: children's hairdressers in Estonia, in Tallinn and in Tartu.

The first-haircut package

Many salons offer a special package for a first haircut:

A certificate or diploma (a keepsake certificate in a small frame).
A before-and-after photo.
A keepsake box with a lock of hair.
A small treat or toy.

The package costs 20–35 €. It is not compulsory — a classic 12–20 € haircut gives exactly the same result. But a first haircut is also an emotional memory that many parents want to capture.

What to do if your child panics

Don't force it. If the child cries or pushes back — take a break, draw a “squiggle” or something else on their hand, play for a minute.
Cut on your lap. An experienced stylist will do the cut on the parent's lap — the child sits against you and you hold their hands.
A partial cut. If the child will only allow the fringe — that is enough. Leave the sides and the back for next time.
Stop if you have to. If the child screams for 5+ minutes — pay half and come back in two weeks.

Never use punishment or strictness. If a child develops a trauma around the hairdresser, it lasts 2–5 years and affects every visit that follows.

How often after the first haircut

Toddlers (1–3): a cut every 3–5 months.
Preschool (3–7): every 6–10 weeks, if the hair grows quickly.
Primary school (7–12): typically every 6–8 weeks.

A child's hair grows an average of 1–1,5 cm a month — the same rate as an adult's.

Where to go next

Korduma kippuvad küsimused

When should you take a child to the hairdresser for the first time?▼

Usually between 12 and 24 months — the decision comes down to hair length (is it getting into their eyes, does it need washing often) and how the child tolerates scissors and a stranger. The calendar is not binding — some children have their first cut at the age of 3.

How do you choose a children's hairdresser?▼

Look for a specialist children's hairdresser with a play area, a car- or aeroplane-shaped chair, children's books or a screen with games. In Google reviews, parents tend to mention “patient with children” or “great with a restless child”. For a first visit, book a morning slot (9–11).

How much does a children's haircut cost in Estonia in 2026?▼

A haircut for a child under 12 costs 12–25 €. A first-haircut package (certificate, photo, keepsake box for the lock of hair) costs 20–35 €. A salon that specialises in children charges 20–30% more than a general hairdresser, but offers the right environment and patience.

What should you do if your child won't let you cut their hair?▼

An experienced children's hairdresser will cut the hair on your lap, during play, or with the parent in the same chair. Sometimes the cut is split across two visits — the first one just to get used to the place, without sitting down for the scissors at all. Do not force or punish — that can create a long-lasting fear of the hairdresser.