Many parents care when they need to cut their baby for the first time. There is an opinion that it is necessary to shave the baby bald on the eve of the first birthday. Opinions of experts on this subject vary. Some argue that after cutting, the hair of the child becomes thicker, while others believe that their quality will not change in any way. The first haircut for the baby often had not only practical applications. There were many signs and superstitions on this score. Some of them have survived to the present day and are popular among parents.
Signs were not only among the Orthodox peoples, but also among Muslims. For them, the question of when to cut a child for the first time was not a question. According to their customs, this was a mandatory procedure, which was carried out shortly after the birth of a child.
In any case, it is only for parents to decide when to cut their baby for the first time. Before deciding whether to cut a child or not, moms and dads should get information about the features of children's hairs, as well as get acquainted with the possible risks for the baby. Parents should clearly know how to carry out the procedure, what conditions must be met, what needs to be done to avoid injuries and cuts during the baby's haircut.
Interesting fact about baby hair
Before shearing a baby, parents need to learn about some of the features of children's hair. The central shaft of the hair helps retain heat. However, in babies who have not reached the age of one year, these properties are not fully developed, which means that the hair is not able to have a warming effect on the surface of the head.
However, unlike adults, in whom the fourth part of the blood flow goes to the blood circulation of the brain and heating the head, babies are characterized by even more active processes in this part. That is why the head of small children does not freeze. It is difficult to freeze a baby’s head. Against this background, other problems may appear, such as thinness, brittleness, as well as severe hair loss of the baby.
Parents need to remember that the baby's hairline in the first year of life changes three times without any outside interference. A newborn baby is born with a fluff, which gradually rolls, evenly distributed over the entire surface of the head. Closer to a year old, the infant fluff is completely replaced by baby hair, the texture of which is more rigid.
What is the first haircut for?
It is important not only to know when it is possible to cut hair for the first time to a child, but also to understand why a haircut is necessary. If the baby has sparse hair, which in no way interferes with the baby's life, there is no need for a haircut.
During the first year of life, the hair of a child is updated more than once. Most of the time in the first year of life, the baby is in a horizontal position. The child rolls from side to side, from the abdomen to the back. This leads to the fact that the hair on the head is wiped. Perhaps even the appearance of bald patches.
It is worth resorting to a haircut only if the hair makes the baby uncomfortable: they climb into the eyes, fall into lumps that are very difficult to comb, or cause sweating and crusting.
Signs
There are many signs regarding the most suitable time for cutting a child. In ancient times, there was a sign about when to cut a child’s hair for the first time, what time of day is most suitable for the procedure. It was believed that the best time to update a child’s hairstyle would be a full moon or a growing moon. There is an opinion that if you cut the baby in one of these periods, the baby’s new hair will be thicker. The sign has survived to our times.
This theory has no scientific justification. Trichologists say that the quality of hair does not change after cutting. In fact, short cropped hair creates a visual illusion. That is why it seems that the baby's hair has become thicker. The genetic density and number of hair follicles do not change after the baby is born. The main characteristics of the hair, namely their structure, shade, are laid in the third month of intrauterine development.
Superstition
Superstitions regarding the first time a baby is cut, are rooted in Old Slavonic rites, have a symbolic meaning. At that time, the procedure was carried out not with the aim of improving the state of children's hair, but to establish spiritual and physical harmony. The procedure was performed only at a certain time and in compliance with some nuances.
The baby's haircut was carried out only on a clear day before twelve o'clock. The procedure was accompanied by jokes, and all guests were given refreshments.
In pre-Orthodox traditions, cutting a baby had its own meaning. Carrying out the procedure meant that the child ceases to be an infant, a new stage in the life of the child begins - childhood. The cut-off ringlets were kept and served as a talisman from the evil eye and troubles.
In addition, the issue of cutting a child’s hair was relevant at a time when there was a high infant mortality from typhoid transmitted with lice. Hair cutting at that time significantly reduced the risk of contracting a serious illness.
Superstitions of Muslims
Few representatives of Muslim peoples have wondered what time they cut their children for the first time. In such families, there has long been a tradition of shaving babies bald on the seventh day after birth. This procedure was considered a symbol of purification. After cutting hair, it was customary to weigh. The same amount of money was distributed to people in need. And the hairs themselves were buried deep in the ground.
The risks of the procedure
At what age are most parents cutting their baby for the first time? Closer to the year, many mothers and fathers decide to bring changes to the hairstyle of the baby. The procedure is carried out for practical reasons. Regrown hairs give the child significant discomfort during games. In addition, thick hair often provokes the appearance of irritation and redness.
Shaving is a danger. During the procedure, the risk of injuring or injuring the skin of the child’s head increases, which in turn increases the likelihood of infection. The scar obtained as a result of exposure to the machine can remain for life. In addition, parents should remember that babies consciously perceive their reflection in the mirror. That is why a new image can cause a child psychological trauma.
Recommendations for cutting and caring for a child’s hair
Many mothers and fathers are concerned not only with the first time to cut their baby, but also how to carry out the procedure without harm to the crumbs. If the parents still decided to cut the baby, several important conditions must be observed. It is strongly discouraged to cut the child if the parents do not have the appropriate skills. It is better to contact an experienced specialist. Even in small towns, you can find hairdressers doing haircuts for very small clients. If the baby is afraid of an unfamiliar environment, you can invite the master to the house.
If you decide to carry out the procedure yourself, you need to consider several important conditions. During the procedure, you need to make sure that the child does not pay attention to the instrument. Otherwise, he may have a fright, and he will begin to act up. Do not carry out the procedure if the baby is not in the mood. You need to postpone a haircut in case of illness.
Before you begin to cut, the baby's hair should be slightly moistened with water. You can use a spray gun for this. During the procedure, you can distract the child with a cartoon or a toy that the baby likes. You can ask a friend of the person whom the child trusts to play with the baby, read poems to him or entice an interesting book. For combing, it is recommended to use a wooden comb. Hair must be kept. You need to start cutting with the most overgrown areas.
What tools to use?
A child should be cut by a person whom the baby trusts. Scissors should have blunt ends. Best if they are rounded. For cutting a child, you can only use a special children's machine with a ceramic coating, low noise and heating. It is not necessary to use adult trimmers during the procedure, since the instruments have large distances between the blades. Otherwise, you can damage the baby's hair follicles and scalp.
When is the best time to cut a newborn baby for the first time?
It is very important to choose the most suitable moment for the procedure. If the question arises of when it is better to cut the baby for the first time, it is necessary to give preference to the winter season. The baby’s head is in a hat for some time, environmental factors do not affect the surface of the skin. In the summer, it is better to cut the strands around the neck a bit and cut the bangs. These measures will prevent the occurrence of rashes, irritations and redness.
The date of the next haircut depends on the speed of hair growth and on the features of the scalp. If the hair grows slowly, a repeated procedure is recommended to be carried out no earlier than three months later. If the baby’s hair grows quickly, the next haircut should be done earlier.
How to maintain the beauty and health of children's hair?
To maintain good hair condition, it is necessary to conduct proper care for the baby's hair. To do this, you need to provide complete protection against ultraviolet rays, and also use only high-quality cosmetics for children, suitable for age, for care. It is recommended to wash the baby's hair with plain water without soap and similar detergents. It is necessary to carry out combing daily before going to bed. To do this, it is better to use special brushes and combs for children's hair. In no case can little girls do tight hairstyles. This will not only negatively affect the quality of hair, but can also trigger the appearance of a headache.
Instead of a conclusion
There is no consensus on when to cut a child for the first time. All individually. Takes into account the condition of the hair crumbs, the density of the hair. The final decision about when to cut the baby for the first time is made by the baby’s parents, taking into account the characteristics of the baby’s body, its psychotype, and hair condition. It is very important that the baby is in a good mood during the procedure. Otherwise, you can injure the baby.
It must be remembered that the haircut does not affect the quality of the hair and the number of hairs. If it was decided to carry out the procedure, it is necessary to consider simple but very important rules.
It is not recommended to cut the baby naked. The procedure is traumatic. In addition, a new image can shock a young child and even scare him.