Haircuts for Kids
Berkeley Parents Network >
Advice >
Beauty & Fitness >
Haircuts for Kids
Nov 2007
I love Snippety Crickets on Solano, but I'd like to find a place closer to
Temescal/Rockridge. The reviews for Cool Tops are a few years old, and
since hair stylists tend to come and go, what are your experiences with
this or other hair ''salons'' for kids in the area?
Anon
I enthusiastically recommend Snips
on College Ave. My son, who cried through his first
haircut elsewhere, actually told me he had a ''good great time'' at Snips. They were
fast, efficient, and the atmosphere was fun without being chaotic. And they really
listened to what we wanted (not too short, no buzzing near the ears) and had us in and
out in less than 20 minutes.
Happy Mom
We have been to several places over the years specializing in haircuts for kids and
the best we have found is Kid's Choice
in Alameda. It's very popular because
Bridgette (the owner and main stylist)is extremely talented and has created a magical,
kid friendly environment. There are toys, little cars the kids' can sit in when they
get their haircut, fish tanks, comfy couches to relax and read magazines on while
you're waiting, and a beautiful colorful wall mural she painted herself. She also
gives great haircuts, not only for kids but Mom and Dad too. She'll color/cut your
hair at a very reasonable price. Our son is now 8 and the style now is to keep it
long. Bridgette is the only one he trusts to do it right. You probably need an
appointment so call first. Kid's Choice, 1504 Encinal Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501 (510)
522-5437. Ask for Bridgette.
Lara
I really like Cool Tops
in Rockridge. I have two boys and we go about once a month.
They are very good with the kids and do a good job at judging their temperment and
comfort level. It's a bit pricey for a cut - aren't they all - but they do a clean
professional job, and very quickly too. I find their cuts look the best and for some
reason, take the least amount of time. Go figure! Try it out!
loyal customer
I went to Cool Tops
for my boy's very first haircut, and it was a great decision.
However, when I took him back a few months later for another haircut, they botched it
terribly and I actually had to go back the next day for a repair.
I won't be going back to Cool Tops, and I too look forward to recommendations for a
place to cut a 2-year-old's hair.
Snuggies
I have been taking my son (almost 4 years old) to Bing at
Bing's Salon (658-7299)
since his first haircut (when he nursed on my lap because he was so angry about the
whole thing). She is on College, right across from the Hudson Bay Cafe and the
Oakland Library.
Bing does not specialize in kid cuts, but does a great job, is very affordable, and
has a good rapport with kids. She also provides lollipops if that works as an
incentive for your kid. My son loves her.
My husband and brother-in-law have also gone to her for years and years and love her.
Laurel
Check out Snips on College, near the library.
Dan
For a great haircut at reasonable prices, go to Jessica at
Image 88 on Piedmont
Avenue, a few doors up from the Piedmont Theatre and across from St. Leo's. Phone is
654 1388. My whole family goes to her as several do several other families we know!
Naomi
I recently had a horrible experience at
Cool Tops. From the first moment
my four year old son sat in the chair, the haircutter was curt and abrupt.
When he asked about watching a movie, she barked, “the other boy was here
first so he got to choose!” Her behavior only deteriorated from there.
As my son giggled and talked, she responded with statements like “You’re
not very nice today, are you?” and “You’re just not being nice to me.” I
was standing right next to him and can verify that the only thing he said
that could be remotely construed as “not nice,” was something along the
lines of “this is taking a long time” – not an unusual sentiment for a
young child, I’m sure.
Not only was she wholly unskilled in how she interacted with him (no
anticipatory guidance to let him know what she was doing or was going to
do, no asking politely for him to be still or move his head, no
explanation of what she wanted), she was physically rough with him as she
moved his head and body to suit her needs. Every time he moved (something
many children do during haircuts), she responded with a heaving, loud sigh
of exasperation and frustration, jerking him back to where she wanted him
to be. In fact, at one point, her response escalated to the point where
she actually became enraged, THREW down her scissors and comb, stomped off
to the bathroom -- sputtering and huffing and puffing the whole way -- and
SLAMMED the door! She gave every impression that it was all she could do
to refrain from hitting him. I should have left right then, but it was so
surreal and insane that I was paralyzed with shock and couldn't quite
believe it was happening in the moment.
My son, who had been well-behaved, cooperative, and polite, was totally
bewildered and perplexed by her utter meanness and harsh words. I'm sure
this isn't the norm there, but her behavior was flat out abusive and
totally unacceptable and I will never go back there in spite of the fact
that I live around the corner. To top it all off, I wrote a letter to the
District Manager of Cool Tops describing the incident and never heard back
from her.
I do not recommend Snips.
They seem fun, with videos and toys and
lollipops, but I question their hygiene. My daughter had her hair cut
there, which necessitated wetting it with spray. Fine, she is watching
Nemo and all is good. But when finished, the stylist pulled a brush out of
a drawer, fired up the hairdryer, and gave her a blowout without asking
first. I didn't like the noise of the blowdryer, but moreso I was
concerned about the hairbrush - hair isn't washed there like at an adult
salon, so who knows how many kids' hair was on that brush. My daughter's
preschool had a lice scare a month ago so maybe I am sensitive to it. My
daughter never got lice, but there she was getting her hair brushed, who
knows how many kids would have come after her. I know combs go into that
blue stuff but the brush thing freaked me out.
So if you go there make sure combs only. Otherwise the haircut was not
terrible. Cool Tops was good once, bad twice. We didn't have a good
experience at Snippity Crickets on Solano either but I know a lot of
parents like it there.
My child is not the best client either which has probably not helped but I
never knew anyone could be so picky about trimming split ends until you
see it done badly. Repeatedly.
Accidental Kids Haircut Snob
I don't have the original post in front of me, but I wanted to respond to
an inquiry about Cool Tops
in Rockridge. First, let me say that we will
probably keep going back to Cool Tops because my daughter loves it and we
enjoy visiting the neighborhood together. (We live in Albany, but she
doesn't love Snippety Crickets.) We recently went to Cool Tops, where we
go approximately every 2 months. I think cuts are $28, but you can check
online. The service there has been getting worse and worse. When we
walked in, the man behind the counter (whom I assume is a manager, because
he rudely bosses everyone around) barely acknowledged us. He looked up
and said, ''Yeah?'' When I said who we were, he just called over to the
stylist. Never said hello or anything. The stylist was fine . . . polite
and friendly. The cut isn't anything to get excited about. But really,
the customer service at the desk is almost enough to prevent me from ever
going back. When we left, the man at the desk didn't thank us
(I left a 20% tip), offer a lollipop (the whole
reason my daughter goes), or say goodbye. Oh, and during my daughter's
cut, while she was trying to watch the movie (the other reason she goes),
the manager person and another stylist loudly gossiped about other
employees who apparently are not pulling their weight. The whole
experience was icky. One nice thing about Cool Tops is that the space is
pleasant and they have good magazines to read while you wait. I'd say
find somewhere else unless things improve at Cool Tops Rockridge.
Disappointed mama
I have to chime in here and agree with those who've had mixed results with
Cool Tops.
We've had several good cuts there but generally find the
service/attitude to be curt and dismissive. My child isn't the most
fearless or cooperative hair-cut client but I think a place that
specializes in CHILDRENS' cuts should be versed in child development,
typical and atypical. And I wonder if it's unsanitary that the plastic
shoulder-covers are reused.
Going Back to Our Local Barber.
Sept 2007
I hope someone here will be able to help me out. My almost three-year-old son is so afraid
of cutting his hair that up to this day he has not received a single professional haircut.
He screams bloody murder every time we cut his hair at home, so I have to restrain him,
while my husband gives him a homemade (and far from perfect) haircut. Once we took him to
watch my husband getting his haircut and he seemed to be somewhat curious about the
process, so we offered him to get his. He got all the way to the chair but as soon as the
stylist took out a pair of scissors, he ran back to me screaming ''No''. He has never had
any accidents with scissors or any other sharp objects. And he in generally hates when
people touch his hair - be it combing, shampooing or drying with a towel. So I was
wondering if there is a kid-friendly place with a patient hairstylist who can take on my
son. Or even better, if there is a person who can come to our home to try and give him a
haircut? Thanks.
anon
I would try Lynn at Snippity Crickets
on Solano. She is very good, and someone told me
that they saw a boy sitting on his Dad's lap while he got a hair cut. They have a train
table there so the first couple of times I took my son we went a 1/2 hr early so he
could play and get used to the place. It took a lot of talking to get him to go, but now
he loves going there. My husband started getting his hair cut there too so now they go
together. The only thing about the place is you walk through a section of toys for sale
to get to the hair cutting part, but there's stuff of all price ranges so maybe that
will help bribe your son to go too.
anon
The people at Snippity Crickets
are used to this. My son was a screamer too, and
they are great at getting the kids calmed down. They cut my son's hair
the first few times while he was sitting on my lap. And if all else fails,
they are SUPERFAST and impervious to noise.
After a few visits, my son looked forward to a
particular train toy they h ad in their basket of toys, and the train in
the window, and eventually the haircut became more of a treat than a trial.
June 2007
Does anyone know of a salon in or near Alameda that ''specializes'' in
kids haircuts? I say ''specialize'' only because my daughter is very
active and I've heard there are salons that have toys, books, and things
to distract kids long enough to get a quick cut in. This will be her
first, so I don't know how she'll react to someone coming at her head with
scissors!
Holly
Kid's Choice
1504 Encinal Ave
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 522-5437
laura
Happy Cuts
on Central between Oak and Park has little vehicles the kids can sit in and
does a good serviceable haircut. They have movies to distract the kids. Mine have always
sat still.
Molly G
Happy Cuts on Central Avenue is were we have taken our daughter for her first two
haircuts. For the first one, they do a cute thing with a First Haircut certificate and
attach a lock of hair and take a polaroid of her after her haircut. They have a ''car''
for the kids to sit in and tons of videos and other good distratctions from the
scissors.
whitney
Aug 2006
I'm looking to get haircuts for my boys before my sister's
wedding in August. They both have beautiful shoulder length
hair and I am afraid to go to a kids salon as they always
butcher boys even when I say to keep it long and just layer it
a bit. Anyone else out there solved this problem of getting a
good style for your sons that doesn't involve a bowl, bangs or
a buzz cut?
Thanks
amber
I highly recommend my neighbor Jean Lusson, 510-525-0624. She's
a Berkeley mom who cuts hair out of her home. After years of
having Snippetty Crickets butcher my childrens' hair, I am
thrilled to have such a talented hair cutter available to cut my
kids hair. She's a bit more expensive than kids salons but her
haircuts last. She also does a fabulous job on adults
Brenda
Kipp Hamilton at Maru Hair Salon in Bkly is a great stylist for
kids hair. He cuts both my boys hair...one has long straight
thin hair, the other has thick wavey hair. He does a great job
with both. If Kipp isn't available, Becky, who works there too
is also really great. Shop number is 549-3610
June
Hi, I have a wonderful stylist for your boys to see. Her name
is Bing and she has just opened her own shop on College Ave. in
Oakland after working for many years at Super Cuts on College.
She has been cutting my son's hair for years. In fact, there
was a time when all the boys we knew at Willard Park tot lot had
their hair cut by her. The most wonderful thing about her is
that she listens to exactly what you want and won't cut an extra
centimeter (unlike even the most pricey shops that just want to
chop chop long hair) My son gets welts from the hair that falls
on his neck when being cut. She is so considerate and has been
with all our requests through 7 years of family hair cuts. She
doesn't charge an arm and a leg either! I highly recommend Bing
at B&J salon in Rockridge. Her address is 5408 College Ave, on
the same side of the street as the library, almost directly
across from the Hudson Bay Cafe. Her number is : 510 658-7299.
She is truely a find.
blythe
Bing at B&J Salon is quite good and very reasonable. We have a lot of our family
members' hair cut by her. She worked at SuperCuts for a long time and has now
opened her own place in Rockridge on College across from the Hudson Bay Cafe.
510.658.7299
Jeannie
May 2005
I've hit that point with him where a haircut is a must. It's
never been cut. I can push the front bangs to the side but they
are often in his eyes, the sides have a feathered look unless i
tuck the hair behind the ears, and the longest in the back is
about 2.5 inches below the shoulder. He is often mistaken for a
girl but more than that, it's starting to look unkempt.
His hair is straight and pretty fine though i suspect it'll grow
thicker as he gets older.
i know i don't want a mullet, is that the right term to describe
short in the front and sides but long in the back? i was thinking
maybe short on the sides and back and letting the front bangs
grow out more.
i'd love some suggestions about hairstyles to try and/or stylists
i can take him to. whenever i bring up this topic, i get blank
stares. i'm afraid to just take him to a cutter who'll give him a
traditional boy cut, short all around. i'd love for him to have
some length somewhere, if not everywhere.
Helen
I know exactly what you mean. I have a fine haired 2 year old boy. He
had naturally grown a mullet so we cut it once in back, but left all the
hair on top. I think the hairstyle you describe, (short in back and
sides) sounds adorable. I plan to let my sons hair keep growing until
he expresses a preference, but will keep trimming the back and sides a
little so they don't become too unkempt. We get some criticism for not
making him ''look like a boy'', but we want to let him express the many
aspects of his gender. Lots of dudes have long hair anyway. We also
think he looks cute.
Annie
I have a 2.5 year old boy with long hair too. I can tell you to most
definitely NOT GO TO SNIPPETY CRICKETS ON SOLANO!! He's had the worst 2
haircuts there. They cut all the kids' bangs really short because ''they
grow so fast'' one lady said. I'm
thinking- does that mean they have to look bad in the meantime?Just look
at the pictures of the kids on the wall. None of them have very cute
hair. (sorry to all you folks with pics of your kids on the wall... the
kids are darling, their hair is just ok..
my kid is up there too) I'd rather have his bangs like normal (just
above his eyes, pretty long actually) and trim them when needed. That
being said- we take our boy to the Grand Barber Shop on San Pablo in El
Cerrito. It's just past the plaza on the right hand side, just after the
Albany border. They don't take appointments so you should be prepared to
wait at least for a few minutes. See Jerry. He's so good with our son
and will do exactly what you want. We usually get a trim and my boy ends
up with kind of long hair on the top and short in the back, but nice and
trimmed, and very cute. It's the opposite of a mullet. Trust me, don't
get the ''business in the front, party in the back'' cut. If anything,
get the more 80's cut I just described, but can be modified to look more
modern.
Signed-
Yes-I-like-My-Boy's-Hair-To-Look-Good-Because-They-Don't-Make-Cute-Boy-
Clothes-And-I-Have-To-Start-Somewhere!
anon
Our 2 year old also has long hair --we cut it the first time when it was
hanging in his eyes and the babysitter was putting it up in ponytails:
we really wanted to keep it long and not cut off his baby curls! Well,
the curls did go, but we easily found a nice style for him that isn't a
mullet, with no problem. All four hairstylists that have cut his hair
at Snippity Crickets (twice in SF and twice in Berkeley) have naturally
just tended to trim it all around. The result is that he has shorter
hair over his eyes, the hair comes down on the side of his face to cover
part of the ears, and then it is longer in back. It tapers down and
doesn't look ''mullet-y'' at all. If you ask the moderator for my email
I'll send you a photo, but really I think everyone at Snippity Crickets
will understand what you mean!
mom of a long-haired boy
Your son's hair is getting difficult to maintain.
You don't like your son to be mistaken for a girl.
It's bothering your son to have his hair in his eyes.
And yet, you want it long.
These seem to be conflicting issues.
Children just don't have as many options as adults - their hair is
constantly changing in texture, and may take years to even fully come
in, and they don't use hair products or blow dryers.
Cut it so it's simple to take care of and doesn't bug him. Figure out
styles later.
No Fuss Mama
I'm curious why you would want your son to have long hair? I have a 19
mo old daughter who has wavy/curly hair and it's unruly. I would love
to get her a short haircut because it would be so much easier, but I
wouldn't do it because she would look like a boy and I don't want that.
If I had a boy it would be a no-brainer - short hair - period. I have
seen parents try to live out some sort of rock-n-roll fantasy with their
sons by leaving their hair long and it seems so silly to me. Just cut
the kid's hair. There is no alternative hairstyle other than a mullet
that would accomplish your goal and remember - it is your goal for his
hair, not his. I bet he'd appreciate having less hair as the weather
gets hotter. Just my .02 shorter is better for boys
Hey there,
I think long hair looks fantastic on boys, and wanted to recommend my
hairdressers, who rock. They aren't a kids place, per se, but they are
all either mothers or expecting themselves, and the vibe there is super
cool and mellow.
They've put single extensions in little girls' hair, for example, which
takes about thirty seconds and doesn't affect their hair at all and they
are absolutely kid-friendly. They're called Barberella, and they're on
San Pablo at Dwight-ish. The number is (510) 548 3552. They're always
busy, which bites a bit, but I think kid's hair is quick, right? (Like I
know anything about it...). As for the style itself, well, I am so far
from being a style maven that I wouldn't even hazard a guess, but having
HAD long hair myself I seem to remember that you're going to have to cut
it all to the currently shortest length, or close to it, to avoid any
hint of a mullet. Billy Ray Cyrus is your classic mullet, if you're of
an age and disposition to remember him. You could scar him for life, but
no pressure.
Abbi
Our 3 year old boy has always had longer hair. I take him to
Supercuts...yes, Supercuts...on College Ave and always wait for Miriam.
She's very calm with my son (good, since our little one can be a
handful) and he always sits quietly for her. She listened to me
carefully when I first described what we wanted and got it. She's pretty
hip to styles old and new & knows the difference between a mullet (*no*
mullets for us) and a bowl cut. We always have his bangs trimmed so we
don't have to go back too soon, but keep the hair over the ears and the
back longer. His hair get gradually longer from front to back without
the ''bowl'' look or an extreme 70's feather job. His hair is about 3
inches long in the back. What you describe sounds a little like a little
skater cut & I'm sure she could do that too. The one time I went
elsewhere was a day that Miriam wasn't working. I knew I'd made a
mistake when the hairdresser looked confused when I said, ''No
mullets,'' and insisted that boys should have short hair. Next time I
called to be sure that Miriam was working and waited for her happily.
She seems to be requested often.....and...
Oh yeah. She always remembers that my son wants a purple ballon with a
black ribbon. Very Cool.
Heidi
My son had long hair at age two, and when it became too tangly for me
too deal with, we had it trimmed to a long bowl/dutch boy cut. This is
the style he had for several years until he cut his bangs himself and
got a chopped cut to match:) It is finally growing out, to my relief. I
think it is not unusual for hairstylists in the Berkeley area to get
requests to keep boy's hair longer than a SBC (standard boy cut). Good
luck. I felt a little nervous when my boy's hair was cut for the first
time!
Mama to a Dutch Boy
You sound like me a year ago. I joked that I needed a ''stylist''
for my son's hair because I didn't want the typical boy cut for him.
I ended up buying a great pair of scissors and doing it myself.
I thought it would be cost effective. Believe it or not, I looked up
online how to cut layers and while, I am not a great hair cutter, I am
learning. It is usually a multi-session to be happy with what I do --
taking my time and only taking a little off at a time.I typically don't
like how I cut it until it grows out a bit but I've managed to give him
a few good cuts this year-- no mullets! I figure that I would rather
mess his hair up myself than pay someone else to and wind up buzzing it
all off.....
anon
I was just answering to the letter from the parent that hated
Snippety Crickets. My child is special needs and everyone there
has done what they could with him. With amazing results most of
the time. I think you may have gotten the russian woman she
does seem to do what she feels like doing. I haven't had that
trouble with Bobbie Jo or Linh. The best advice is to be clear
with whoever is cutting your childs hair. I felt that the
letter was very uncalled for that all the kids haircuts were
ugly. My son is not a natural beauty but the women at Snippety
have always treated him as one. That is my 2 cents.....Good
luck with the cut where ever you decide.
Ps I love long hair on boys too!
cristina
May 2005
HELP! My 8yo daughter has decided she wants to have her hair
cut... but, we're not talking just a basic cut here. She seems
to have her heart set on a ''stylish cut'' - ie, I think we're
beyond Snippity Crickets at this point.
Where can I take her, and to whom (specifically, do you have a
recommedation for particular stylist?)? I'm hoping for a kid-
friendly place - someone who understands that, at 8, she wants
to have some control over her image, but who also understands
that SHE'S ONLY 8!!! Over-the-top teen do's just aren't an
option, imho.
The additional complication is, she has very fine, straight
hair - lots of it, to be sure, but it is *very* straight.
Sadly, it's like my own, so I know what she is in for, in the
future.... those cute little bobs, the layered do's, shaggy
styles - they don't work all that well, unless you find someone
REALLY talented.
So - if you have a place that you would recommend, I'd greatly
appreciate it!!! Many thanks!!!
Leslie
Recommended:
Rockridge Barber Shop
Feb 2005
We're looking for a good, child-friendly barber or hairstylist
who's experienced with cutting African-American hair for our
pre-schooler. We can do it ourself but it looks better when a
barber cuts it. We want someone who's experienced with little
kids because our son squirms and resists getting his hair cut.
Berkeley area preferred, but we'll travel for the right person.
thanks much!
mom
I'm thinking about getting my son's hair cut for the first time &
I've read all the reviews on the website & Snippety Crickets
seems to be a favorite around here. My son's hair is long in the
back & on top, but from ear to ear it is not as long and I think
I just want to even it all out. Does anyone know if Snippety
Crickets has experience dealing with black kid's hair? Or does
anyone have any other recs for barber shops/salons that do?
Thanks
Recommended:
Snippety Crickets
Snips (2)
Feb 2005
I'm looking for someone who can give my 10 year old son a good,
classic boy's haircut. Any recommendations other than Snips?
We live in Oakland, but are willing to go through the tunnel.
Recommendations received:
Cool Tops Rockridge, Lafayette (2)
Montclair Barber Shop Montclair
Snippety Crickets Berkeley (2)
Yoko's Hair Classics Alameda
April 2003
I am looking for a good place to take my boys (3 1/2 and 7 1/2)
for haircuts. I was paying $30 for both boys, and got really
great basic haircuts (unfortunately,our lady moved to Vegas!).
Any suggestions?
Linda
Recommendations received:
B.L. International Berkeley
Snippety Crickets Albany
May 2000
Any recommendations for places to get kids' hair cut?
Recommendations received:
The Powder Box Albany
Rascals (2) El Cerrito
Snippety Crickets
Supercuts in Elmwood
Nov. 2002
My 6 1/2 yr old boy has started wanting to put gel in his hair
before school. And now he likes spraying it with washable hair
color spray. He seems to be experimenting with his looks and how
friends at school in first grade react to him -- he's getting a
positive response so he wants to do this more often. My husband
and I are at odds: I think it's fine and a healthy symptom of
figuring out who he is in society; my husband is totally against
it and thinks it's wrong to encourage ''vanity'' which takes away
from our son accepting himself for who he is on the inside. I
checked the web site but couldn't find anything on this subject.
I'd like to hear what other people think.
I am responding to your message from the point of view of a
first grade teacher, although I am also a mom, and know how
much fun my kids have experimenting with hair styles,
fashions, etc. as they strive to find their identity and
place in this world.
Having kids come to school with hair styles that are
primarily chosen to elicit attention from other children
can be extremely disruptive to the classroom environment.
It's interesting to me how this behavior is usually limited
to boys, and every time I see one of these kids on the
playground with severely spiked, or outrageously colored,
hair, I usually wonder what in the world his/her parents
were thinking to send this child to school like this! In
my mind it is the same issue as limiting certain types of
clothing, shoes, and/or behavior at school. While school
is, by nature, a place where children learn to define
themselves socially, it is primarily a place for academic
work. I think we give children very mixed messages when we
don't explain to them that while there may be nothing
''wrong'' with certain types of fashion, behavior, dress,
etc., it may be totally inappropriate in a school setting
where our primary focus is education. I use the word
''appropriate'' a lot in my classroom. I try to explain to
my students that while there is nothing ''wrong'' with
certain types of behavior (yelling, running, talking with
friends, playing with toys, etc.), it is ''inappropriate'' to
do these things while we are in the classroom working.
I think that experimenting with hair color, fashion, dress,
etc. is fine on the weekends, in the summer, on vacation,
etc., if that is what your child is interested in, and that
is what you want to encourage. I do think our children
look to us for guidance as to what is appropriate in
specific situations, and I think we are remiss as parents
if we don't provide our children with this information. In
this same regard, I have always told my own children that
we show respect for people, for institutions, and for
situations, by our dress and our behavior. I think we show
our respect for the school setting by arriving at school
ready to work and learn, not ready to show off our latest
hair color or style.
First Grade Teacher
I say don't sweat the small stuff like hair style and clothing style.
You will have plenty of other "issues" down the road and hair style is
minor and temporary. Besides, self-expression is a good thing to
develop in a kid. But 6 1/2 does seem kinda young - maybe you might
want to establish a few reasonable ground rules, while still allowing
him to express himself. I think my older boys were 8 or 9 before they
got interested in how they looked. They started refusing Mom's generic
bowl cut, and asked to get their ear pierced (popular at the time, not
sure about now!). We would allow them some leeway but set boundaries.
For instance they could wear their hair how they liked but they had to
be 10 before they could get an ear pierced. Both of them started
experimenting with dyeing their hair in about the 4th grade. The
oldest caved in to peer pressure (none of his buddies dyed theirs) and
soon he was doing the very short hair with gel (a mystery to me!
no hair there - what's to gel?) which he still does in college. The middle son had
red or green or blue or yellow hair for 5 years or so. The only
reason he stopped dyeing was because after a while I told him he had
to buy his own supplies, and he cared more about not working for the
money than about dyeing his hair apparently.
We did run into a problem
in 5th grade at a private school, where they really went ballistic
over his orange hair and made him feel like a freak about it. I was
amazed. No such problems in public school, ever. The other problem
is, it's a true test of momhood to walk down the street with a
green-haired kid. You really have to believe in your kid! Strangers
actually came up to me a couple times and asked: "Why would you let
your kid do a thing like that!" I'd say, Why not? It's harmless.
Besides, I like it! (Actually I didn't think his green hair was very
becoming, but I thought it was pretty nervy of them and none of their
business.)
I remember a couple people told me "Kids that dye their hair
are just looking for attention!" Well, so what? Everybody wants
attention. What adult hasn't worn some article of clothing they hope
will elicit some sort of attention? Of course if you think your son is
doing it because he really does need more attention, then that would
be something you could work on too, giving him attention for things
that aren't related to appearance. But maybe your son and my middle
son are that type of person who love to entertain classmates and
passersby with colored hair and out-of-the-ordinary clothing. Maybe
that's their talent. I'm glad there are people around like that - it
would be a very boring and unstimulating world otherwise!
Ginger
Just another thought on the hair issue: frankly, I don't see
anything wrong with experimenting with hair colors and styles,
and as a former pink-haired kid, I don't think it had much to
do with vanity or acceptance. I just liked the way it looked.
Six might be a bit be young, but kids today see plenty of
musicians and celebrities with different hair styles, so this
may be where the seeds get planted. I think it shows some
adventurousness and creativity on the part of your child.
Accommodating crazy hair seems much easier than dealing with
requests for $180 sneakers or whatever else kids do to look
cool.
As a side note, I find it amusing that these hair styles still
cause a bit of a reaction. When my husband was a punk kid with
purple hair in the 70's and 80's, he got threatened and hassled
by people all the time for looking like a freak. When I
was 'alternative' as it was then called in the late 80's-early
90's, the response from folks was generally much milder,
although some kids and adults did give me a hard time. Now I
see very 'mainstream' people with piercings and hair that once
would have been very outrageous. Some parents here probably
remember when boys were expected to have very short hair or
risk harassment. My guess is that multi-colored hair and
spikey gel styles have been and continue to become more and
more mainstream, and soon will get no more of a response than a
boy with longer (non-crew cut) hair. Just wait folks- tattoos
have entered the mainstream too, so don't be surprised if your
kid wants one! (Though I would advise that they wait until 18.)
a mom who still loves outrageous hair
My 7 year old son also started to be interested in his
hairstyling beginning last year. I let him do it, without
focussing on it too much.
We have since switched to Waldorf school, and my
impression of their guidelines (which I am no expert on)
are that at this age a child should be looking out to the
world and not paying so much attention to themselves, that
developmentally this is more appropriate beginning around
age 14, when they will begin trying on different personas.
I like this concept and believe that the media (tv, music)
encourage our children to prematurely be interested in their
appearance.
jc
Home |
Reviews |
Advice |
Members |
Post a Message
Join BPN |
Help |
What's New |
Search |
Contact Us
Last updated: Feb 8, 2009
Copyright © 1996-2009 Berkeley Parents Network
The opinions and statements expressed on this website
are those of parents who subscribe to the
Berkeley Parents Network.
Please see
Disclaimer & Usage for
information about using content on this website.