First Hair Cut - Desoto,TX

Updated on April 14, 2009
C.C. asks from Desoto, TX
4 answers

Okay... I think I am addicted to Mamasource.
Seriously, in African American culture, there is a superstition about waiting until the baby is a year old to have a hair cut. I really feel like my son needs a hair cut, especially since the Texas heat is so unforgiving to those of us blessed with thick curly hair. Yet, when I mention it to my family or friends, you would think I was suggesting cutting his HEAD off. Any advice?

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So What Happened?

As for now, Chandler is still rocking his wop-sided afro. He is even getting use to his hair. I have videos of him brushing it himself, which are really funny. I really do not know why I haven't cut it, other than I am scared that I will make it look worse if I do anything to it myself. I worry that I will have regrets about cutting it. If he gets too hot this summer, I will go ahead and take him to a barber. Thanks for all your advice. Eventhough I have not acted on it yet, it sure came in handy. Thanks again.

More Answers

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M.J.

answers from Dallas on

Hi C.! As an African American, I can sympathize with your problem. I too was told the same things: that if my son's hair was cut before reaching age one, his hair grade would change. How funny! As a Muslim, when babies are born we shave off the baby's hair when the baby is seven days old whether it is a boy or girl! The hair is weighed and whatever that amount is it is given in money to the poor. It did not change the grade of any of my children's hair whatsoever. As for what you tell your family members, it's YOUR child and as his mother, you do what is necessary for the benefit of your child, not to pacify the superstitions of others. Believe me, I got some dirty looks for cutting my son's hair but those were from family members who were trying to "run everything" and weren't very respecting of my decisions as a mother. Take it from me, they will respect you more if you stick to your guns! And don't get me started on breastfeeding...they hated that too, lol!!

Hope this helps,
M.
http://www.yarncoture.etsy.com

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U.A.

answers from Dallas on

i think it's fine to cut the baby's hair. i come from a culture with baby superstitions as well, but sometimes you just gotta do what makes sense to you :-)

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D.S.

answers from Dallas on

First let me say that I think I am addicted to Mamasource too. I felt my son really needed a haircut too at about 8 months or so because his ends were so dry. I mentioned it to family and friends, not for advice just making conversation and I received the same reaction that you did. I did end up waiting until his 1st birthday, but everyday until then I felt kind of silly. On his 1st birthday I made a big deal of it, took pictures and kept the hair. Supposedly it causes bad luck to cut a child's hair before they're 1. I'm not superstitious but I just kept thinking, what if.... so my uncertainty got the best of me. How old is your little one?

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T.K.

answers from Dallas on

Let me say that I never heard of that superstition until I moved down here (I moved from NJ about 12 years ago...also my family is from the Caribbean, so maybe its an American/Southern thing). With that being said, there's always going to be someone who has to say something about anything you do--baby names, breastfeeding, daycare, clothing, etc. If you are comfortable with getting his hair cut and feels like he needs it, then please get it done. Nothing hurts me more to see a child who's in need of a haircut not getting it because of some silly superstition. Don't tell your family or friends--just do it. I'm sure you and your prince will be happier in the end. HTH!

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