Getting your child to sit still for a haircut isn’t always the easiest task. Several salons and hair salon chains have started appearing that cater specifically to kids. They specialize in the latest haircuts for kids, and offer friendly staff and playroom environments to help keep children entertained and relaxed. As with adults, hair salon experiences can vary, but here are five of the best bets for kids haircuts in the Chicago area.
Kids Haircuts Choice 1: Cookie Cutters
Ages:
Small children, up to about 6 or 7.
Locations:
Geneva, Geneva Commons, (630-232-8386)
Glen Ellyn, 382 Roosevelt Road, (630-534-6333)
Naperville, 1620 Pebblewood Lane, (630-579-4FUN)
Naperville, 125 South Washington Street, (630-548-4FUN)
Naperville, 3224 S. Route 59 Suite 116, (630-904-4FUN)
Hours of operation:
Most stores: Weekdays, 9am-7pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm. Please phone individual locations for their specific hours.
Rates:
Children’s haircuts range from $13.95-$18.00
Special promotions, including buy 6 haircuts and get 1 free.
Appointments:
Walk-ins welcome.
About Cookie Cutters: Decorated like a children’s TV show, these salons for kids are loaded up with bright colors and patterns everywhere. Salon chairs range from cars to motorcycles to prop planes, and there’s an indoor playground and jungle gym for the kids to play on. There are also toys, movies, and video games to keep kids entertained. Reviewers felt that the stylists aren’t always consistent, but have been pleased overall with the results and patient, kid-friendly staff. Visit the Cookie Cutters website for more details.
Kids Haircuts Choice 2: KidSnips
Ages:
All ages welcome.
Locations:
Arlington Heights, Northpoint Center, (847-797-9690)
Deerfield, 655 Deerfield Road, (847-374-8000)
Lincoln Park in Chicago, 1953 N. Clybourn Avenue, (773-935-9999)
Naperville, Naperville Crossing, (630-848-0008)
Oak Brook, Oakbrook Center, (630-571-1500)
Vernon Hills, Westfield Hawthorn, (847-247-1110)
Wheaton, Town Square, (630-653-3300)
Wilmette, Edens Plaza, (847-853-0099)
Maps available at the KidSnips website.
Hours of operation:
Most stores, 10am-6pm weekdays, 9am-5pm Saturday, and 11am-4pm Sunday. Please check store-specific hours at the KidSnips website.
Rates:
Kids’ haircuts (ages 12 and younger): $16-18
Kids’ haircut PLUS Shampoo: $18-20
Teen haircuts: $20-23
Men’s haircuts: $20-23
Women’s haircuts: $25-30
Bangs trim: $5
Special hair styles, French braid, up-do: $5 and up
Shampoo: $2
Complimentary blow dry with all hair cuts.
Appointments:
Recommended, please call.
Walk-ins accommodated when possible, please call ahead to inquire.
About KidSnips: This salon has more than just a kid-friendly staff. With bright décor designed with children in mind, full kid-sized cars instead of salon seats, and free balloons and toys, kids are sure to enjoy the surroundings. There are children’s videos, books, and video games to help keep your child entertained. KidSnips also has a wide selection of toys for purchase, usually priced from $1-$15, as well as trendy hair accessories, children’s and adults’ shampoos, conditioners, styling products and more. Visit the KidSnips website for more details and photos.
Kids Haircuts Choice 3: Sweet & Sassy Salon & Spa
Ages:
Girls under 12, boys under 6
Location:
Lincoln Park in Chicago, Riverpoint Center, (773-880-9623)
Hours:
Weekdays, 10am-7pm, Saturday 9am-7pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm (New store, phone to verify)
Rates:
Rates vary per service, with special spa and party packages from $70-$450. Phone for details.
Appointment:
Please call for an appointment or to book a party/spa package.
About Sweet & Sassy: This is a brand new location, but Sweet & Sassy has several locations across the country. Sweet & Sassy offers haircuts, styling, and up-dos in a bright, Barbie-like salon atmosphere. Kids get pampered in spa style, with mini manicures and pedicures available, as well as ear-piercing services. Sweet & Sassy also offers party packages with dress-up themes–kids can be a rockstar or a fashion model, walking down the runway with the glittering disco ball overhead. Little girls will love the princess feel of it all, and Sweet & Sassy prides themselves on providing age-appropriate fun–girls can feel glamorous without looking like mini Paris Hiltons. Visit the Sweet & Sassy website for more details.
Kids Haircuts Choice 4: Big Hair
Ages:
School-age kids up through adults
Location:
Roscoe Village in Chicago, 2012 W. Roscoe Street, (773-348-0440)
Hours:
Daily, 10am-6pm
Rates:
Haircuts, $15-$20
Hair color, highlights, $50+
Appointment:
Walk-ins only. Less busy during the week.
About Big Hair: If you don’t want a playground-type atmosphere for your kids’ haircuts, and enjoy funky styles, this is the place for you. With retro styling and local artist’s work on the walls, Big Hair offers a fun and vibrant atmosphere with friendly staff. Get a trendy cut or something completely outrageous, from pink hair to mohawks. Big Hair also carries costume jewelry and trendy hair products.
Kids Haircuts Choice 5: KLIPS for Kids, and parents too…
Ages:
All ages welcome.
Location:
Schaumburg, 605 W. Wise Road, (847-584-9440)
Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday 9am-5pm
Rates:
Haircuts, wash and style:
Kids $12
Men $15
Women $20
Conditioning: $5
Highlighting: $50
Color $30
Appointment:
Call for appointment please.
About KLIPS for Kids: This is a great little salon to get your hair done at the same time your children do. Kids can sit in special car salon seats, watch videos, or explore the toys in the play area. Kid-friendly staff offer good cuts at reasonable prices. Book a birthday party for the kids to have mini salon make-overs. Video equipment is available on site for parents to film baby’s first haircut or their kids’ birthday parties. Visit the KLIPS for Kids website for coupons and more details.
Look for information and consumer reviews on your local kids hair salons at CitySearch, Metromix, and The Nest Baby.
