Maybe you have a baby who's due for his first haircut or a child who hates those monthly trims at a salon.

How do you ease their anxieties — and yours?

"Parents, stay calm ... Sometimes the parents get excited and emotional, more than the children," said Brian Yonehara, co-owner of Pigtails & Crewcuts.

Yonehara and his wife, Grace, own a keiki-friendly salon that caters to children by playing kiddie movies and offering cookies or lollipops to keep little ones happily distracted. If children cry or fuss during a haircut, Pigtails & Crewcuts also allows parents to return for a free retouch.

But there are things parents can do themselves to make the experience a pleasant one for all. Yonehara offers these tips:

• At night, spend time with your child combing or brushing her hair while reading a bedtime story so she feels comfortable with someone touching her head.

• Before the haircut, visit the store and meet the hairstylists with your child. This often "works wonders," Yonehara said.

• Plan to have the haircut when you know your child is well-rested and fully awake — perhaps after nap time — and has had a balanced meal.

• Consider having your hair cut at the same time, too, to show your child there is nothing to worry about.

• Bring your child's favorite toy, blanket and snacks to help him feel comfortable during the haircut.

• Bring an extra change of clothes because many babies and young children do not like wearing a cape.

• Praise your child during her haircut: "Good job!" "You're doing great!" "Way to go!"

• If at first you don't succeed, try again.

If it's baby's first haircut, Yonehara also suggests taking pictures or videotaping the salon visit to preserve the milestone event.

"Have fun and cherish the moment," Yonehara said.

Reach Zenaida Serrano at 535-8174. Follow her Twitter updates at www.twitter.com/zenaidaserrano.