​​Marion's advice for your visit

Some children can be nervous at the prospect of having their hair cut.  During the years I have spent in this specialised industry I have experienced every scenario.  

​Whilst teaching children at my school, and subsequently cutting hair of children, I have developed language, distraction and cutting techniques that have been so successful I now train them to other stylists throughout the UK.  I have included some tips below which can really help you and your child relax and enjoy the experience.

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Before you arrive
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In Marion's experience, if you are talking to your child about coming to Raspberry, it can be beneficial to use expressions like "hair done" or "making your hair shorter or smaller" instead of "hair cut".  Children don't associate their hair as being a separate entity to their head. Saying "you need a hair cut" can sometimes be translated by them as "you need a head cut" and cut to a younger child means "Ouch"!  Using expressions like "it doesn't hurt" should also be avoided as it suggests a concern the child didn't previously consider.  Similarly, sayings like "be brave" can have the same effect as "being brave" implies that what will happen is something they may not like.

If you need further information, or have any specific needs or concerns, please add them in the notes section of the appointment booking . 

In the salon
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At Raspberry we maintain a calm and friendly atmosphere.  Directions to the child from us are kept to a minimum and the focus is on allowing the child to relax and enjoy the experience. 

As a parent you have an important role to play and we ask that you try and relax and know that we see your child as nervous and not naughty.  It's perfectly reasonable to dislike the haircut experience when you are little or have special circumstances and we understand that completely.  If you worry then your child worries. Try to avoid opening a conversation using statements such as "he hates having his hair cut" in your child's presence. This reinforces the negative belief that they don't like having their hair cut. 

Allowing us to use the specialist language and distraction techniques as trained by Marion will make for a more relaxed time for all, so let us take the lead and we hope you will love the Raspberry experience!

Water spray
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The water spray does not have to be used like a weapon of mass destruction! We have ways of wetting the hair discreetly with your help.

Wriggle bottoms!
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If your child is having their hair done   
and you notice them fidgeting or moving around then please be assured we expect it and the specialist training allows for this!
Our stylists will give clear directions to the child when required but otherwise we want them to be relaxed and to enjoy the experience!
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To cape or not to cape?
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Marion's cutting techniques, developed and honed over many years, result in very little hair falling on your child so a cape is not essential if your child prefers not to wear one.  If your child has a previous memory of being covered in hair and feeling itchy, bringing a fresh top may be a good idea.  It will help to reassure them until they get used to the new experience of a stress free hair cut without being covered in hair.
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How often?
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​How often your child has their hair cut depends on your child's hairstyle, However, on average, boys have their haircut every 4 to 6 weeks and girls, every 6 to 8 weeks.

We hope the Raspberry salon experience will soon become a stress free, fun and regular date in your diary.