How to Cut Children's Hair

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Gather the basic tools you will need: haircutting scissors with 4.5"-5.5" blades (depending on the size of your hands); a haircutting comb with both large and small teeth

   Have your child seated in a chair that is high enough for you to work at eye level, but without a high back that will get in the way of your cutting.
   
   Don't sit them in front of the television or computer.
   
   You will need for them to keep their head down some of the time and the temptation to look up is too tempting.
   
   Instead, position them in front of a mirror if possible.
   
   It will help you keep a visual reference to other areas you have already cut and gives small children something to shoot at with the water sprayer or water gun.
   
   Choose a well lit area, but I don't recommend working in bright sunlight as the hair will dry out too quickly. ,, If the hair is overly dirty or coated with gel, hairspray or cookies (they are kids, right), shampoo and condition the hair. ,, You can skip this step if you are working with very short hair. , Try not to stretch the hair while cutting.
   
   If possible, cut the hair lying against the skin without holding it as this is the best way to prevent cutting cowlicks too short and creating uneven lines. , Remember that the visual evenness and balance are more important than holding the hair and searching for small technical deviations. , Be careful not to cut into your guideline. , Layering is simply a way of blending from one area of the perimeter outline to the other by elevating the hair up and away from the scalp and cutting away bulk and volume.
   
   This is a very simplified explanation and it's worth your while to refer to a book or article with more detailed information. , Proceed with caution, especially on curly hair. ,,
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   Step 2: hair clips- large butterfly clips for longer hair or smaller "alligator" style clips for shorter hair; haircutting cape or sheet to cover your child while cutting (sorry

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   Step 3: a bath towel just doesn't work well); a water sprayer or water gun to wet the hair; electric clippers or trimmers for very short haircuts and trimming around the edges.

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   Step 4: Create a functional workspace.

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   Step 5: Give your child a chance to run around

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   Step 6: play or just act like a nut to release some energy before you begin.You might want to participate yourself.

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   Step 7: De-tangle and lightly dampen the hair before beginning your hair cut.

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   Step 8: Set up any photos or other reference material nearby.

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   Step 9: Part the hair into four sections and sub-divide those so that you have a manageable amount of hair from each area of the hairline laying in it's natural position

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    Step 10: ready to cut.

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    Step 11: Cut the perimeter (hairline) into the desired length and shape.

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    Step 12: Check the lines you have just cut visually (observing them in the mirror is the best way to spot problems) and make small corrections if needed.

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    Step 13: Release the remaining hair from the clips in manageable amounts and cut to blend with your previously cut hair (your guideline).

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    Step 14: Once the perimeter is complete you can now create layers in the hair if desired.

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    Step 15: When the layering is complete

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    Step 16: you can use the tips of your scissors or thinning shears to remove excess bulk or to create a softer

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    Step 17: more textured result.

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    Step 18: Wipe away the hair trimmings from your now squirming child

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    Step 19: give them a sugary reward and watch them bounce off the walls to release that pent up energy.

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    Step 20: Feel pride in how great your child looks and relief that it's over.

Detailed Guide

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