Anyone's DC refuse having their hair cut?

[ProfessorPickles]

DS used to be fine when having his hair cut, no trouble at all. But since he turned 2 he has been hard work where he would cry and scream cause he was frightened of the scissors, so we took a long break for about 4 months in the hope he would feel less scared which didn't work.

I now take him to the barbers (he's 2 and a half now) once or twice a week and he's a lot better as in he doesn't get scared anymore just refuses and I don't make him, the barber is excellent and very calm and patient with him. Today he sat on my knee by choice instead of me picking him up so that's some kind of progress!

Does anyone have any suggestions or tips we can try out?
Or anyone going through the same?

It has dragged on that long that I absolutely dread trips to the barbers cause getting I'm fed up of it. DS doesn't mind it he looks forward to going but then just won't have it done.

I really wouldn't mind if his hair was just long, but it looks so messy and like I don't look after him IYSWIM. We get comments like "someone's overdue for a haircut" and they laugh at his hair. It upsets me and makes me feel frustrated because I am trying my hardest and being so patient with DS, he just needs time I suppose.

People keep saying "just hold him down" but I know that if I do that I won't even get him through the door next time and it is cruel, holding him down isn't going to help him.

If anyone else is going through the same with their DC it would be nice to know we aren't the only ones struggling, cause it certainly feels that way at times!

[albertcampionscat]

Twice a week? Wow. I think we've been four times and DS is three.
Is there a children's hairdresser near you?

[ProfessorPickles]

It's so he gets used to it quicker hopefully, I don't think the big gaps in between help. The barber said another mum brought her son in once a week until he had it cut and didn't take too long so I'm taking DS 1-2 times a week so he gets to know the barber etc. It's a 10 minute drive away, it's a pain but it'll be worth it if DS can get to a point where he's happy enough to have it done!

[thatsn0tmyname]

DS has never liked it and always cries when the hair gets in his face. He makes a fuss of hair in his neck. He's now 4 and it's still an ordeal. We go every 3-4 months to the same place and buy the ladies cakes as we feel sorry for them.

[ProfessorPickles]

TeaPlease - his is just getting to the point where it's getting in his eyes! He won't let me near him even with a comb never mind scissors or the clippers. Doesn't like his hair washing either and panics! Not sure what it is with him and his hair, he used to be like it with nail cutting and teeth brushing but I soon won him round with those.

Bribes don't seem to work with him either! Although I promised him some toy pigs today if he had it done and he didn't and was gutted and says he will have it done next time so he can have pigs

[ProfessorPickles]

Notmyname - that's nice of you to bring cake! I'm sure they appreciate that.
It does make you feel awful doesn't it, fortunately DS doesn't kick up a fuss anymore but he still requires a lot of patience. The barber will be getting a big tip the day DS has his hair done! And possibly cake too haha

[LostInMess]

DS1, nearly 4 yo has always hated haircuts and continues to do so. Argues about going and behaviour whilst there ranges from worry to outright howling. Barber used to promise a lolly at the end, now he will only sit if he has a lolly at the same time but still gets very distressed (it's the only time he's allowed lollies though).

Hate seeing him like that but he has to get his hair cut. We just go when it's absolutely necessary and barber is as quick as poss. Am hoping he grows out of it eventually. I remember my brother was exactly the same but is much better now he's in his mid-thirties.