How to Clip Your Kids' Hair at Home: A Parent's Guide to Stress-Free Haircuts

Cutting your kids’ hair at home can be a fun, cost-effective way to keep them looking sharp. But let’s be honest—getting them to sit still is half the battle! This guide will give you all the tips, tools, and techniques you need to make at-home haircuts a smooth, stress-free experience for both you and your little ones.

1. Get the Right Tools for the Job

For cutting kids’ hair, you’ll need clippers that are quiet, safe, efficient and easy to use. Look for clippers that have a wide blade, offer adjustable guards, are lightweight, and won’t make too much noise (because let's face it—kids don’t generally like getting their hair cut).

We recommend Fresh Cut hair clipper which ticks off all the boxes for the best at home clipper. It has a 70mm wide blade so you’ll be done in a couple of minutes!

2. Make it Fun: Set Up a Kid-Friendly Salon

The key to keeping kids still is to make the experience fun. Turn the haircut into a game by setting up a “salon” space at home. Let your child pick their favorite seat, put on a cape or towel, and give them a mirror to play with. You can even let them be “the stylist” for a few minutes, giving them a sense of involvement in the process.

3. Plan for Distraction-Free Time

Kids have a shorter attention span, so pick a time when they're calm and distracted. After a nap or while watching their favorite show is usually the best time. You’ll need their attention, so try to avoid cutting their hair when they’re hungry, tired, or overly energetic.

4. Start Simple: Go for a Basic Trim

If you’re new to cutting kids' hair, start with a simple style like a short trim or a buzz cut. These styles are easy to manage and won’t require much precision. Use a #2 or #3 guard for a clean, easy cut, and trim the hair in sections to ensure even coverage.

5. Keep Them Comfortable: Use Gentle, Short Strokes

Kids can get anxious with clippers buzzing near their ears and face, so take it slow. Start with the back of the head and work your way to the top. Use short, gentle strokes, and always keep the clippers moving. Avoid getting too close to their ears, neck, or forehead, especially on the first few cuts.

6. Make it a Positive Experience

Keep the mood light! Praise your child for being patient and calm throughout the process. If they’re young, they may not understand why they need a haircut, so keep your tone upbeat and reward them with a sticker, a favorite snack, or a fun activity afterward.

7. Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches

Once you’ve cut the hair to the desired length, use a small pair of clippers or a trimmer to clean up the edges around their ears, neck, and forehead. Be gentle and careful—this part requires precision, so go slowly and double-check for any stray hairs.

8. Clean Up and Maintain Your Clippers

After cutting, make sure to clean your clippers thoroughly. Brush off any hair, and use Clipper Guard+ which blasts away hairs, skin and oil build up. It will lubricate your blades, remove friction to keep it running like new and extend the life of your clipper blades, saving you money in the long run.

9. Keep Practicing and Stay Confident

The first time you cut your kid’s hair may be a little nerve-wracking, but with a little practice, you’ll get the hang of it. Keep practicing, stay calm, and remember—you’ve got this!

By following these simple tips, you can turn home haircuts into a fun, stress-free activity that saves you time and money. With the right tools, patience, and a positive attitude, you’ll be a pro at cutting your kids’ hair in no time. 

Happy clipping!