Kids’ haircuts have layers for parents to consider. Is there an affordable children’s hair salon near me? Can the stylist make it fun for my child, give great haircuts, and schedule a quick appointment? Can I afford them?

Families need salons capable of haircuts catering to everyone. They want a salon that gives great kids’ haircuts, keeps up with the latest styles, and remains affordable.

How to Find a Good Children’s Hair Salon for the Whole Family

Many kids’ hair salons are great at what they do. When looking for a great salon, start with what services those salons offer and build from there.

Are the stylists specially trained to work with kids?

Depending on the age, it may be difficult for a child to sit as still as a haircut may require, so cutting a child’s hair takes additional training. Furthermore, some children, such as those with sensory concerns, may require special accommodations. Finding stylists with specialized training may be a bigger priority for these families than a salon catering to adult haircuts.

However, salon owners specializing in children’s haircuts also understand busy families. As such, they may expand their menus to offer services for busy moms and dads looking for a great style.

Some salons nationwide have stylists trained to perform kids’ haircuts alongside more contemporary trends for teens and adults. Families with older kids may prefer these salons, as they may not need the same services as those with toddlers or kids who are still unsure when having a haircut.

How to Have a Better Time at the Children’s Hair Salon

A haircut can be scary for young kids the first time or even the first few times. Some children remain hesitant for several years. 

Parents may have also cautioned kids about scissor safety, and now, a stranger is using scissors near their body. No matter how nice that person seems, it can be overwhelming.

Also, the word “cut” is often associated with pain. A child getting a haircut for the first time may not understand that, even though the hair is part of their body, haircuts don’t hurt.

So let’s talk about how parents can ease their child’s concerns and make haircuts less scary for their kids.

Look for Stylists With Extra Training Working with Children

Operating a children’s hair salon, where cutting a child’s hair is considered an art, and it takes some practice, particularly when kids don’t always sit perfectly still and can be scared or even cry. A stylist skilled at distracting children with playtime, toys, or other methods while quickly and beautifully cutting their hair can make haircuts much smoother.

If they’re at a salon where the whole family can get haircuts, that’s even better!

Give the Children a Chance to Understand the Tools and Get Familiar With the Noise

Salons are noisy and overwhelming places for kids sometimes. The dryers are loud, the clippers are buzzy, and we’ve already talked about scissors. Even the water spritzer can be startling for a small child in an unfamiliar environment. That’s why a children’s hair salon can make a big difference.

Reframing these things to help the kids understand them and make them familiar can make all the difference.

Before bringing the clippers in close for the haircut, ask to let the child see them first. Turn them on so they can hear the buzz. If it’s safe, have the stylist show that the clippers won’t cut their skin—only their hair!

Give the equipment silly names so they’re like things the kids already know. A hairdryer can become Miss Windy. A water bottle can be Sir Sprinkler.

Letting small kids acclimate to their surroundings before a haircut can affect how well their appointment goes. They won’t be so scared when their next haircut rolls around—they might even think it’s fun!

Let the Child Choose Their Hairstyle

For kids who may not be thrilled with haircuts, ease the way by giving them more control over their appearance. If they look forward to a new look, they may resist going to the haircut appointment far less than before.

People love the way they feel after leaving the hair salon, and that doesn’t start when we reach adulthood. Instilling that feel-good moment early and giving kids a little say in presenting themselves can completely reposition their opinion on going to the salon.

Another way to make going for a haircut easier is by not calling it a “haircut.” Telling them they will get their hair styled can give a more positive outcome.

Children may not like the word “cut”. Calling it a style or trim and speaking to the stylist in terms like “1 inch,” “frame the face,” or “leave it long on top but shorter on the sides” is a gentler way of conveying what kind of haircut to have without triggering the negative imagery.

The easiest way is to show the child photos of haircuts and let them choose the haircut they like best. Then, when their appointment is finished, let them know how good you think they look and how well you think they did during the service itself.

Alternative: Don’t Choose a Kids’ Hair Salon – Choose a Family Salon

One of the best ways to acclimate kids to the salon environment is to take them along when the parent has their hair cut.

Kids can see their parents getting a haircut in a way that allows them to observe the process without being the focus. Not only that, kids can meet the stylist—perhaps even multiple times—before that stylist becomes their hairstylist.

Then, when it’s the kid’s turn, it’s not a stranger approaching with unknown tools and scary equipment.

Fantastic Sams is a Hair Salon for the Whole Family

At Fantastic Sams, we are sensitive to the needs of every child needing a haircut, and we strive to make every appointment enjoyable.

Not only that, we understand families are busy, so we offer our services to people of all ages. Our guests are treated like family; we go above and beyond to make everyone look and feel fantastic!

We are also seeking qualified investors to expand our franchise locations so that when a parent is looking for “children’s hair salons near me,” they don’t have to look any further than their nearest Fantastic Sams location!

Our incredible franchise support and industry-leading franchise model puts our salon owners’ futures in their hands while empowering our stylists to achieve their dreams.

Whether you’re looking for the ultimate child’s hair salon, a salon for the whole family, or the ownership opportunity of a lifetime, Fantastic Sams has something for everyone! Contact us for franchise information, or find a salon location near you to book your next appointment.