Haircut social story for kids
A haircut social story is a short picture book that shows a child what happens at the hair salon, from the big chair and the cape to the buzzing clippers and the mirror at the end. Knowing the steps ahead of time can make the sounds and touches easier to expect. Ready Story adds your child's name and look.
Make this story with your child's name and look$3.99 per book. Preview every page first. No account.What happens at a haircut
- Going to the salonThe salon has big mirrors and big chairs, and there may be a short wait. A grown-up stays close.
- The capeA cape goes around the neck to keep hair off clothes. It may feel snug.
- Water sprayThe hairdresser might spray the hair with water. It can feel cold and tickly.
- Scissors or clippersClippers buzz and may tickle near the ears and neck.
- Little hairsHaircuts usually do not hurt. Little hairs may land on the face or neck and feel itchy.
- Taking a breakIf it is too loud or tickly, your child can say "Break, please" or hold a teddy.
- The mirror and payingThe cape comes off, the hairs get brushed away, and your child looks in the mirror. A grown-up pays, then you go home.
Before, during and after
Before
- Read the story at home for several days before the appointment.
- Let your child feel a spray bottle and hear clippers from across the room first.
- Call ahead and ask for a quiet time of day, or a stylist who is patient with sensory needs.
- Plan the break words together, such as "Break, please."
During
- Bring the teddy or fidget from the story.
- Let your child see the stylist's tools before they are used.
- Respect a break request, even if it is short.
After
- Look in the mirror together, like the last page.
- Brush off little hairs and offer a quick shower or a towel rub if they itch.
- Say one thing that went well.
A look inside the book
Three real pages from the haircut book. In your copy, your child's name and look replace the bracketed words and the child in the picture.
Page 1 of 10: Saying hello My name is [your child's name]. Soon I will get a haircut.
Page 4 of 10: The cape I sit in the chair. The hairdresser puts a cape on me to keep hair off my clothes. The cape goes around my neck. It may feel snug. I try to sit still.
Page 9 of 10: All done The hairdresser takes off my cape. She brushes the little hairs off me. When it is done, I can look in the mirror at my hair. I did it!
Questions parents ask
How does a haircut social story help?
It shows the order of a haircut with pictures and simple words, including the parts that can feel strange, like the cape, the spray and the buzz of clippers.
What if my child cannot sit still?
The story includes a break option. Practice the break words at home first, and ask the salon for extra time. Every child is different.
Can I add my child to the pictures?
Yes. You add your child's name and choose a look, and your child appears on every page.
How much does it cost?
$3.99 per book. You preview every page first, and you do not need an account.
Do I need to mention this to the salon?
It can help to tell the stylist what your child finds hard. For specific needs, talk to your child's care team.
More social stories
Looking for a daily routine? Try the free bedtime routine chart. Or go back to the Ready Story home page.