How to Prepare My Child For Mundan?

The Mundan haircut ceremony is an important tradition in Hindu culture, where a child’s hair is shaved for the very first time. While the ritual is often performed in a religious setting, many parents also choose to have it done in a barbershop or at home by a professional barber.

If you plan to schedule your child’s Mundan (tonsure), here’s how to prepare and what you can expect during the process.

Preparing Your Child

Before the Mundan haircut, it’s essential to keep your child calm and comfortable. Babies and toddlers may get anxious or restless during haircuts, so make sure they are:

• Well-fed

• Well-rested

• Changed (if in diapers)

Bringing along their favorite toy, book, or some music can help distract and entertain them during the ceremony.

For an at-home Mundan (Chudakarana ceremony), book your appointment in advance to avoid last-minute stress. The barber usually arrives within 15 minutes of the scheduled time, making it easy to plan your day.

When preparing your home:

• Choose a spot where your child feels most relaxed, such as the playroom, a mat, or even the living room floor.

• Expect hair to fall around, so dress both yourself and your child in comfortable, easy-to-clean clothes.

• Keep 3–4 clean towels ready to catch hair and handle spills.

• Have a bowl of water prepared—the barber may ask for warm water during the shave.

A calm and organized setup helps reduce stress for both your child and the parents while preserving the significance of the ritual.

During the Mundan

The barber will use either clippers or a razor to carefully shave your child’s hair, typically starting at the top and moving toward the back. In some traditions, parents may choose to keep a small tuft of hair on the crown called a shendi or chudakarana chakra, symbolizing spiritual growth.

Select a barber who has experience with children, since little ones can be fussy or squirm. A patient and gentle approach makes the process smoother and more comfortable for everyone.

Post-Mundan Care

Once the haircut is complete, the barber may apply a mild antiseptic lotion or oil to soothe the scalp and prevent irritation. Some families also prepare a natural turmeric and sandalwood paste, known for its antibacterial and healing properties. If you’d like this applied, have it ready to provide to the barber.

At home, take care of your child’s scalp by:

• Keeping it clean and dry for the first 24 hours

• Avoiding shampoo immediately; after a day, gently cleanse with a mild baby shampoo

• Not rubbing or scratching the scalp to prevent irritation

Simple aftercare helps your child stay comfortable while honoring the meaningful purpose of the Mundan ceremony.

Book Your Mundan Ceremony

Mundanbarber.com makes the experience easy and stress-free. Whether at a barbershop or in the comfort of your home, our skilled barbers ensure a safe, calm, and meaningful haircut for your child. Appointments are available daily, including evenings, to suit your schedule.