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Actress Calista Flockhart and son Liam have both had their hair cut by Frank Galasso.

Posted September 11, 2008 by Tommi Lewis Tilden

Fresh from working on a slew of photo shoots for Nickelodeon, celebrity hair stylist Frank Galasso is flush with news about young, hot talent. "They all know what they want," he says about Drake & Josh stars Drake Bell, Josh Peck, and True Jackson VP's Keke Palmer. "They're pretty savvy, these new stars."

Galasso, who also styled hair for Miley Cyrus' costars in her "Seven Things" video, reports, "Just give the girls a flat iron and they go crazy. They all want stick-straight hair."

Although adults are his usual beat -- he's worked on the celebrated heads of Emmy Rossum, Calista Flockhart, Lisa Marie Presley, Eric Bana, Molly Sims, and Harrison Ford, it seems that lately Galasso is expanding his considerable talent to the younger market. Fitting, because as devoted dad to 8-year-old Romeo, Galasso has a soft spot for young 'uns -- he's even developing a book about "first haircuts."

With the start of school, kids' cuts are atop most parental to do lists. So we asked Frank to offer up some guidance.

PARENTING WITH THE STARS: Do you cut kids' hair?
I don't have a kids' clientele, but I'll sometimes do it for my clients. Like I cut Calista Flockhart's son Liam's hair.

What's the biggest difference between dealing with a child and an adult when it comes to hair?
With older kids and teens they're more in tune with trends. Also haircuts are more emotional for them. It's about change. They're very specific about how they want to look.

What do you think of celebrities who let their young boys wear their hair long? Like Celine Dion's and Kate Hudson's boys?
I like to think more forward with trends. Long hair was very 2005. Hair for boys now is a little more punky, more interesting. There are more detailed, statement haircuts, whether it's a Billy Idol spike or a faux hawk.

What do you think of Suri Cruise's bob?
Kids are so cute in whatever they walk around in. You have to realize it's the parent's choice. It's not like they are asking for a bob when they're toddlers but usually at around age 4 or 5 they are starting to have an idea how they want to look and wear their hair.

My son, Robert, brought in pictures of Harry Potter for his early haircuts. What are the must-have trends for the younger set?
For boys it's the long fringe, bangs in the eyes, like how Joe in the Jonas Brothers wears it.

When is a child ready for a first haircut?
It depends on the child, but usually by two years old.

Did you cut Romeo's hair when he turned two?
As a little boy he wanted to keep his hair long so I'd have to cut it when he was sleeping. Just to keep it in shape.

Are kids afraid of first haircuts?
Definitely! They hear, "I want to cut your hair" and they equate it to cutting flesh with a knife. They don't realize it doesn't hurt. You have to reassure your child.

So what are some good tips for first timers?
First is to reassure the child that there is absolutely no pain. Bring your kids with you when you get your hair cut so they are familiar with the environment and your stylist.

How about the actual haircut?
It's best to put the child on your lap and let the stylist cut from there. Don't ask for anything too involved. Go simple for the first cut, just a trim.

How do you pick a stylist?
It's not about the cut, it's about the experience so make sure it's a place where the child feels comfortable with a stylist that makes it fun and makes them feel safe.

Should you ever cut your child's hair yourself?
I highly suggest not. Parents just simply give bad haircuts. And no child deserves that.

Is it true that if you let your kid's hair grow long from birth that when you cut off the curls, they are gone forever?
No, what you do externally cannot affect what happens internally.  Those curls were baby curls...

Do kids need conditioner?
Yes ... conditioner and shampoo just like adults. Because kids are washing their hair regularly, it needs more attention because it's fine and delicate.

What about tangles?
I find with kids that you must use a detangling cream in the shower and a detangling spray after towel drying, while the hair is still slightly wet and before brushing.

What's the best way to keep blonde hair from turning green from chlorine?
A clarifying shampoo will work if you use it immediately after swimming.

Frank Galasso owns the Santa Monica, CA-based Frank.Studio. For more information, go to frankstudios.com.