Help! 15 month old terrified of hairdresser!

My DS was born with quite a bit of hair and had his first haircut at 13 weeks. He's been having them approximately every 6-8 weeks since. Last time I took him, he got a little bit upset towards the end, but I wrote it off as him just having had enough.

I took him today and OMG! We sat down, with him on my lap. She was going to try and use clippers, because it would be quicker, but he started crying as soon as she plugged them in. So, scissors it was. Uh, NO! He screamed and cried and threw his arms about to try and make her stop. We had two attempts and then gave up, because he was too upset.

Now, he has half a haircut and I have a big problem on my hands. DS has to have haircuts, as he has very thick hair which grows really quickly. He's one of those kids who sweats at the drop of a hat, so at night, he'll quite often wake up with a wet head from sweating in his sleep (especially when his hair needs cutting).

What do I do?!?

hmm- i know in melb they have a childrens hairdresser in kid central shops reallly cool envirmoment and give then a toy and take a photo for you too.

there is kid central in adelaide ebut i don't know if they have a hairdresser.
Kids Central
Shop 1090 Westfield Marion
297 Diagonal Rd
Oaklands Park SA 5046

if youdon't have an aversion to him eating a lollipop you could try that. he might be a bit young though but it's just a suggestion.
Phone : 08 8296 1518

We have clippers at home. DS watches Da cut his hair, halfway through he wants to have his done so we do that, then DH finishes his hair. I try and use the scissors to tidy up as and when, usually in the bath later that day.

If DH doesn't do his hair, DS doesn't want to know.

Can you read a book to him or have a toy there for him to play with? Anything that may distract him.

My DS is pretty good getting his hair cut now but at 1st he would move and cry, we just talked to him to get his mind off what the hairdresser (my SIL) was doing and read stories etc. He loved the idea of being in the big chair too instead of the kids chair he was usually in. Could your DH go along too and get a haircut to show DS that its ok?

DS1 was also fine with his first few haircuts then decided that the hairdresser was trying to kill him LOL! At least that was how it looked like and I am positive that is what everyone in the shopping centre thought as well.

We now go to Just Cuts as they have a DVD player with cartoons which he watches and they also have some toys for him to play with. He still cries every now and then but the hairdressers do his hair really fast so he is not sitting there for too long.

Our local barber has a motorbike for kids to sit in while they get their haircut. Couldn't tell you from experience, though, because my boy's got long hair (never been cut, actually) and DP is putting the hard word on me to take him to said barber to lop it off! I have wondered if he'd have a negative reaction to haircutting attempts, though, so I will be keeping these other suggestions in mind (like the one about watching DP having his hair cut).

oh ive had this at the salon. One thing i can say is dont feel embarrased by ur child screaming, we actually feel more embarresed than u do and wonder why they kid hates us so much. I had to cut a boys hair not long ago and it was his first haircut. I think he was about 2. He didnt like the idea of it at all but i turned him around. I let him use one of the spray bottles to play with and my god the place was soaked by the end but his hair was cut. Some kids love haircuts and some think its murder. Theres not much u can do really. Alot a praise will help. Even if u say to him "we will just do a little bit and then we will go" and then when she does a little bit say "oh look at you, ur beautiful, im so proud of u" it may sound abit silly but ive done this and it works. Also i used the tecnique to think they are in control. Saying things like "u let me know when u are ready and we will do a little bit more" and "u just tell me when to stop when u want to have a break", they do think they are more in control if u give them the option. Given ur bub is only 15 months old he may not pay attention to anything u say because he is just terrifed. So the distraction thing is the best i would think.
Have u thought about hunting around for a home hairdresser? one that comes to ur home? he might not feel as threatened if hes at home.

sorry to ramble... HTH

I just cut Harrison's hair whilst he was watching "Elmo" on TV.
He was distracted and he loves getting his hair combed so it all worked out in the end.
I agree that distraction is the best thing. Take along a book, or something that he likes to look at or play with whilst he gets his hair cut. Or, try getting a hairdresser to come to you... maybe he will be better in the comfort of his own home rather than a salon? Or even try doing it yourself, if you feel comfortable enough.

My son was the same and has only now started to sit still for a haircut! We make sure he's with us when ever we get a hair cut and usually get him to have one the same time as my hubby. The Tv didn't work or the lolly bribes but he has now grown out of it! Hope this helps!!!!
Snoopea

I was also going to suggest having a haircut at the same time as Dad or getting a mobile hairdresser to come to you so your DS can sit in front of the TV in familiar environment. Is he into Thomas the Tank Engine or anything like that?

You could also maybe play hairdressers at home, combing his hair, pretending to cut it with toy scissors, spraying some water on his hair?

Thank you for all the suggestions. I don't feel brave enough to cut his hair. I cut DH's hair, but he likes it messy, so it doesn't matter if I stuff it up. I think I'll have to try and fix up what's already been done, he looks a little lop-sided.

Will see if I can find someone to come to our house.

Thank you!