The mere mention of the word "haircut" to your child can spark a screaming session. Between the scissors coming at her head and feeling as if the hair she's getting cut is like losing a part of her body, the hair salon can be scarier to a child than going to the doctor to get shots. Ease your child's fear of haircuts and help make going to the hair salon fun.

Take Her with You to the Salon

You probably don't throw a temper tantrum when you go to the hair salon (unless you get a bad haircut!).

But, for the most part, you're excited about going to the salon to get your hair cut. Share that excitement with your child when you take her to the hair salon so she can watch you get your hair cut. If Mommy can brave, so can she.

Choose a Kids' Hair Salon

Look for hair salons in your city that cater to small children. A fancy hair salon with upscale clientele may seem like the place you want to take your child but A) you'll be embarrassed if she throws a fit and B) she may not be comfortable in that environment surrounded by adults. A kid-friendly salon will be decorated for kids, have toys in the waiting area and may even have TVs for kids to watch children's programming while they get their hair cut. Kid-friendly stylists will also be used to hearing children scream and are better equipped to help calm those fears.

Let Her be the Stylist

Go to the dollar store and buy a few dolls with long hair. Grab the child-safe scissors and let your child be the stylist. You can talk to her about going to the hair salon while she cuts and styles her new dolls' hair.

Point out that the dolls are smiling and pretend they're having a good time. The hair salon can be fun because you can get a trim or go for a completely new look.

Make a Practice Run to the Hair Salon

Curb the anxiety she feels about getting a haircut by making a practice run to a kid-friendly salon. Tell her you're taking a trip to the hair salon just to watch other children get their hair cut. Be sure to take her to the hair salon you plan on going to when it really is her turn to get a haircut. She won't be as nervous next time around because she's already been there. And watching other kids get their hair cut during your practice run will help her see that haircuts aren't so bad.

Cut Your Kids' Hair Yourself

If you're having second thoughts about taking your child to the hair salon, cut her hair yourself. With the right tools, you can do a great job and save money too. If you give her a bad haircut, don't worry. It will grow back. Your goal is to get her used to being in a chair and letting someone cut her hair. In time, she'll do better sitting still and getting her hair cut. When she's comfortable having her hair cut, you can test the waters to see if she's ready for someone else to cut her hair for you.