Getting your child’s haircut is best left to the experts, and there are several salons in the Washington, D.C. area who know just what to do. Equipped with video screens, booster seats, ribbons and toys, these salons usually turn a traumatic experience into a memorable outing. The stylists know how to soothe the most frightened child and they are gentle with delicate heads and hair. Some salons host birthday parties and have manicure stations, while others offer braiding and up do’s for that special occasion. Many of the salons take walk-ins, but it’s always a good idea to call first. Next time junior’s hair is in his eyes, try one of these kid-friendly local hair salons.
MARYLAND
1. TropiCuts, Potomac, MD
Where: 11325 Seven Locks Rd, Potomac, MD
Located inside Cabin John Mall in Potomac, Tropicuts is designed to thrill small children—and their parents, too. The colorful salon décor features treasures found under the sea. Every station has a video screen with choices of cartoons and movies to watch. The salon has a manicure station designed for kids. They regularly host events like birthday parties where the guests can wear costumes and have their hair braided or styled and get their nails done.
Cost: Regular haircuts start at $21.
2. Cartoon Cuts, Rockville, MD
Where: 1619 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD
Cartoon Cuts is a chain of hair salons dedicated to washing and cutting your child’s hair fairly quickly, while providing a fun place to play should you need to wait. The brightly colored room features their mascot, Ellie the Elephant, whose trunk is part of the hair washing station. The salon sells and uses products especially made for children, without any harmful chemicals or smells. The cutting stations have televisions with programming, though they welcome you to bring your own DVDs. They are also experts in the dreaded lice removal experience.
Cost: $18.99-$20.99.
3. Kidville, Bethesda, MD
Where: 4825 Bethesda Avenue, Bethesda, MD
Besides having a dedicated salon to kids, Kidville is a favorite place for families to gather and play. Kidville has classes for babies to five-year-olds, like dance, art workshops and exercise activities. The salon itself provides DVDs, games and toys to help your squirmy tyke sit still while the beauticians mold their hair into a manageable style. Stylists here are said to be engaging, and it doesn’t hurt that the kids can choose to sit in a fire truck or airplane while they blow bubbles. They’re also rewarded with a lollipop at the end! You can even make your appointment online.
Cost: Haircuts start at $22.
4. Friendly Faces Kids Salon and Spa, Silver Spring, MD
Where: 11160 Veirs Mill Rd, Silver Spring, MD
Using only allergen-free products, the stylists here are said to be patient and skilled. The salon, located on the lower level of Westfield Wheaton Mall near the kids’ play area, offers the use of TV, gaming systems and toys to help distract even the most wiggly customers. Services include designer cornrows, French braiding and weaves, as well as standard cuts. For a special treat, you can arrange for a pedicure, manicure, facial or face painting. For kids 12 and older, they highlight and relax hair as well as condition the scalp or apply healthful hair treatments.
Cost: Haircuts start at $20, but price increases with length.
5. The Yellow Balloon, Gaithersburg, MD
Where: 255 Market St W, Gaithersburg, MD
The Yellow Ballon has been serving up fresh styles since 2003, and there’s a reason they are a family favorite. Their mission is to ensure every kid looks forward to getting their hair cut as much as they would going to an amusement park! To ensure a fun experience, they offer toys, books, coloring books, fun rides, and TVs at the chairs. If you go in on the weekend, they also have popcorn at the ready all day long for kids to snack on while they get their hair cut. If that’s not enough treats, they also have lollipops aplenty. And believe it or not, every kid walks out with a yellow balloon!
Cost: Kids haircuts start at $20.
VIRGINIA
6. Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids, Lorton, VA
Where: 8971 Ox Rd, Lorton, VA
At Sharkey’s, you’re certainly not in for an average haircut—there’s nothing boring about this salon! The stylists are warm, friendly, and trained to work with kids, and the salon itself is meticulously clean. Kids can sit in a variety of different “cars” while they get their fresh cuts, watching cartoons and Netflix all the while. Each cut also includes a wash, blow-dry, access to the Tween Lounge, fun chairs, game stations with Xbox and Playstation, a mini-cure and glamor rings, bookmarks, balloons, and lollipops. What a steal!
Cost: Prices vary by location.
7. Snip-Its, Fairfax, VA
Where: 10659B Braddock Rd, Fairfax, VA
The stylists at Snip-Its speak kid, fluently! Dedicated to giving every family a magical experience, Snip-Its in Fairfax does everything possible to ensure kids have a blast, and parents have zero stress. Every visit includes kid-sized styling chairs, kid-friendly products, games and movies, and magic box prizes. In addition to cuts and styling, Snip-Its also offers birthday parties with awesome themes like Spa Party and Rockstar Party.
Cost: Haircuts start at $19.99, but check the website for coupons.
Washington, D.C.
8. Bravado Hair Design, D.C.
Where: 655 C St SE, Washington, DC
Bravado’s kids’ salon (located directly above the regular salon) is the picture of kiddie paradise. The seating area is stuffed with books and puzzles, the chairs are shaped like race cars, and there are personal TVs at every station. Their hair styling, on the other hand, is anything but childish—kids can be treated to color highlights and lowlights, feathers, braids, updos, curls, deep conditioning and oil treatments. This is definitely your go-to spot if your kid deserves a little pampering!
Cost: Haircuts start at $25.
