man hair style

Most children are not born with long hair. Many children have little hair during their first year. Thus the fashion of boys wearing longer styles did not generally begin until boys were one or two years of age. This section provides details on the various hair experiences of younger children, including children from various countries.

The 19th Century

Opinions varied greatly in the 19th century concerning a boy's first hair cut. A boys first hair cut was once a major step in growing up. There was some difference of opinion among 19th century mothers as to when a boy's hair should be cut, before or after he was breeched. Breeching might occur anywhere from 3 to 5 years of age, although some boys wore long hair much longer. Some mothers were quite willing to have their sons hair cut at an early age, but insisted that they continue to wear dresses. Others mothers were willing to breech their sons atan early age, but were unwilling to have their hair cut. Still other mothers resisted both cutting their son's hair and breeching him.

Modern Hair Cuts

The first hair cut is no longer such a major event, but it still very important. A modern boy generally gets his first hair cut at about 2 years of age. The process can be a little frigtening, going to the barber for the first time. Boys differ greatly as to how much hair they have to cut at that age. There are also some differences among racial, national, and religious groups concerning the first hair cut.

One American mother reports cutting her son's hair while he was asleep, "Caleb had his first hair cut. He was asleep when she started and woke up right at the end. Lucky us! He looked so grown up!"