Guide
Pro tips: how to tame your kids’ torturously tangled hair
by Katja Fischer
How to cut your child’s hair: simple tips from a pro
7.10.2022
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Taking a toddler to the hairdresser? Many parents prefer to save the money and reach for the scissors themselves. Often with hair-raising results. We spoke to master hairdresser Roman Bartl to find out how it’s done properly.
He’s been a master hairdresser with his own salon in Hamburg for over 30 years. For about two years, he’s been showing parents how to properly cut their children’s hair in video tutorials. In an interview via video call, he speaks to me about traumatic haircutting experiences and his business idea. He explains how I should hold the scissors. And tells me that preparation is much more important than the cutting process.
I’m the type of parent who wouldn’t go near their children’s hair.
You’re not alone. Did you ever have a bad experience?
Not with my parents, but a neighbour once gave me a terrible haircut when I was small. I don’t want to put my kids through that.
That’s another kind of block I’d like to resolve with the tutorials. After all, there’s nothing that can really go wrong. Anyone can do it. As long as you follow the most important tips.
What tips?
My mantra is: better leave it too long twice than cut it too short once. The shorter the hair, the more difficult and demanding. The truth is the most important thing happens before the actual haircut. Nailing how to use the comb and brush is half the battle.
What exactly does that mean?
It’s incredibly important to know how to hold a comb and scissors the right way. And how to cut the hair without having to put the comb down in between. A beginner will hold the scissors like paper scissors. That doesn’t work. You always hold haircutting scissors with your ring finger. This takes a bit of practice.
What’s the biggest challenge when you cut children’s hair?
Only having a limited amount of time in which the child is sitting still. And keeping them relaxed at the same time. If you’re stressed, they will immediately pick up on that. It’s best to create an environment that will make the child feel at ease before you start. Cutting hair has a lot to do with trust. Make a positive ritual out of it!
When’s the time right for that first haircut?
It depends. While some kids hardly have any hair at the age of two, others have a thick mop. What's more, children’s individual hairs don’t always grow at the same pace. This can lead to a bit of a wild look. When things are starting to look a little too wild in the eyes of the parents, that’s probably a good time for that first haircut.
How is kids’ hair different to adult hair?
With some exceptions, it’s especially in the early years that children’s hair is much finer and the scalp more sensitive. That’s why it isn’t really necessary to wash kids’ hair with shampoo. Provided they didn’t stick their head in a puddle of mud. Wetting it in the bath will do. This maintains the hair’s self-cleaning effect.
Washing hair can be a bit of an ordeal. But so can brushing. Do you have any advice?
Hold the brush vertically instead of horizontally. This helps the bristles untangle the hair faster and with less pulling.
Who cut your hair when you were small?
(Laughs) My father took me to his hairdresser. This was an elderly gent in a blue smock. His hair was slicked back with pomade and he always had a cigar in his mouth. I was plonked on one of those swivel chairs. Next, a cape was tied around my neck and then he’d snip away. It’s a fond memory.
Step by step to the first haircut
Katja Fischer
Senior Editor
Katja.Fischer@digitecgalaxus.chMom of Anna and Elsa, aperitif expert, group fitness fanatic, aspiring dancer and gossip lover. Often a multitasker and a person who wants it all, sometimes a chocolate chef and queen of the couch.
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