The prospect of a first haircut can induce panic—for children and parents both. How can a tot who screams his way through a two-minute tooth brushing session be expected to sit still while a stranger waves scissors around his head? Luckily, there are several salons in the area with kid-friendly décor and savvy, unflappable stylists who manage to make trims a treat for kids.
In this old-fashioned barber shop, soft-spoken Miguel, a dad himself, does high-quality kids’ cuts mainly in the morning (usually between 9:30 and 10:45am) before his adult clients arrive. He has a Thomas the Train chair kids can sit in, and he plays videos and offers kids chocolate Cheerios to munch on during the cut.
Kids’ haircut: $25; cash or check
Where: 1423 Braoadway, Saugus, MA
Kids might just think they’re getting rewarded for running errands at the Meadow Glen Mall with you by coming here—there are Netflix-ready video stations, race car chairs, and a sticker and lollipop after the deed is done. Girls flock here for salon-inspired birthday fetes—they even have a separate room for parties. Ask for Omayra, who’s been specializing in kids’ hair for more than a decade now, and check out the site for discounts on already super-affordable services.
Kids’ haircut: $16.99
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Where: 34 Central Street, Wellesley, MA
Your little one can sit in a replica Sky King jet while getting his first trim by Lisa, Kidville’s resident styling maven, who works here on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Videos and Kidville’s playful atmosphere will provide ample distraction; a cone at J.P. Licks down the street afterward can serve as celebration.
Kids’ haircut: $20 (Kidville members get a 15% discount)
Where: 2323 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA
If you think your child will do better with a tranquil atmosphere rather than a play space vibe, head to Lulu’s, where longtime kids-cuts expert Dolores Bonaccorso manages to be both calming and efficient while grooming her young clients. (One of her tricks: giving kids a small box of tiny toys, like play animals, to hold in their laps and look down at while she cuts the back of their hair.) While your kiddo is being styled or playing with other toys Dolores keeps on hand, you can fit in a trim and color at Salon 2323, which is adjacent to Lulu’s.
Kids’ haircut: $25-$35
5. Snip-its
This national chain has kids’ cuts down to a science, with candy-colored décor, tricked-out TV sets and even talking blow-dryers at every station. They also take style preferences seriously, offering a variety of trendy styles that you can preview on their website. Just like at mom’s salon, kiddos can opt for luxe add-ons like a shampoo massage or spa treatments. First-timers get a special keepsake certificate with a pocket for a lock of hair. Most impressive of all: Snip-its stylists receive special training to work with kids with autism. If you want your child to be treated like a VIP, this is the place. Snip-its has 10 locations in Massachusetts; find the one nearest to you on the Mommy Nearest app, available for the iPhone and Android.
Kids’ haircut: Prices vary by location; most are between $18-20
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Photo credit: iStock/rickt99
