photo essay: max's first haircut.

On June 29, 2012, Max got his first professional haircut. Up until then, I cut his hair. My haircuts have been hit and miss. Some have been just terrible, and for that I thank god that hair grows. After consulting with my own hair stylist, I purchased an inexpensive pair of haircutting scissors and made sure to cut on the diagonal (limiting any damage I might do). Thus began the era of the Bieber-do. Big ups to JB for bringing back the shaggy look - you bought me some time.

So, on Friday morning, with a little bit of trepidation on my part, we ventured to Melonhead for our 10am appointment. When I made the appointment, the manager had promised me that no child had ever left her salon without a haircut. Max immediately challenged this by refusing to enter the salon and parking himself on the sidewalk outside the front door. After much unsuccessful coaxing, I picked him up and carried him inside. We were greeted by Kristen, and after Max inspected the entire salon (including the basement), went to the washroom, and finally selected a place to sit, we got down to business.

Kristen had a lot of hair to work with. A blank canvas of sorts. At first, Max seemed completely non-plussed. I breathed a sigh of relief.

She worked quickly, but Max still managed some awesome facial expressions. I swear she was not torturing him.

He needed a few breaks. Unfortunately, he was not impressed with the bubbles. Years of bubbles in speech therapy have left him a bit spoiled.

His favourite "game" was taking the comb out of Kristen's hand, inspecting it, and then tossing it on the floor. I believe there were three combs in rotation.

"Really mom? Can you cut it out with the pictures? It's just a haircut."

Kristen has the patience of a saint. She wasn't put off when Max squirmed and complained. When I asked if this was her toughest haircut to date, she laughed and told me to come back on a Saturday when the salon is packed.

Another break, but we're in the home stretch. At this point Max is getting a wee bit testy.

Change of location. Actually, Max managed to sit in every chair during his haircut. We ended the haircut with him on the floor, me holding him so that Kristen could finish the back. The lesson learned was that next time we'll start at the back because that seems to be the part he likes the least.

And Voilà, look at this beautiful boy! I think his haircut makes him look younger.

Of course, he was quick to put his hat back on to hide his new cut. He gave me a bit of attitude as we walked back to the car, but it didn't last too long. Nice to know what I have to look forward to! Thanks to Kristen for doing an awesome job!