Your little one may already be jiving with a faux hawk or pixie cut (LA kids don’t do bowl cuts, unless they’re done ironically) but now you’re ready to amp it up. If your little trend-setter is dying for a blast of pink, purple or green in their tresses, we’ve know just where you can do it without turning your bathroom neon. Here are our picks for places in town that will bring some candy color to your tyke’s life.
photo: Elena Wurlitzer Fenegan
Panache Kids Hair Salon
If you’re looking for a sleek salon that knows how to expertly handle little ones, this is your spot. Equal parts glam and kid-friendly, this is not your average kiddie cut place; they offer the same service and style found in upscale adult salons. Each stylist has extensive training in new cutting edge techniques, and is specifically trained in how to best work with kids. Plus, your mini-me will love watching the modern flat screen TVs and video games while they get that hot color.
Hours: Mon.-Sat.from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Prices: $55 & up (depending on stylist)
729 Montana Ave.
Santa Monica
Online: panacheck.com
photo: Laura DeFrate
The Hive
If you want hipster cool, this is your jam. The Hive offers killer service and will know how to make your kiddo feel comfortable and cool all at once. Several of the staff stylists sport funky hair colors themselves, so you know you’ll be in experienced hands. And with locations in both Highland Park and Silverlake, you’ve got twice the chance to get your colors going.
Hours: Tues.-Sun. from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Prices: $60+ (depending on stylist)
Locations in Highland Park and Silverlake
Online: thehive.la
photo: Elena Wurlitzer Fenegan
The Yellow Balloon
Tried and true, this salon is a cherished part of any LA childhood. The salon brings about a happy sense of nostalgia with the Flintstones and Star Wars pinball machines, Pac Man games and Disney movies. Your kiddos will be in the hands of friendly staff who have a true passion for what they do. Stop by in advance of your appointment to check out the offered punky colors. If you don’t see what you like, they’ll be happy to order it for you. Who knows, maybe your trendy tyke would like a streak of yellow to match that balloon?
Hours: Weekdays from 9:30 a.m.-6 pm.,. Sat. from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Price: Varies
12448 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City
Online: theyellowballoon.com
photo: The Yellow Balloon
Rock n’ Cuts
This Beverly Hills salon exudes cool, from their sixties/seventies throwback setting to their Doors and Beatles heavy playlist. It’s best to have a consultation appointment here first, to make sure the stylist knows what type of streak your little one wants. And once you’re there, your kiddos will be entertained by the PlayStation 3 and arts and crafts, not to mention cookies and lollipops. After your pint-sized Pink fan is all streaked out, you’ll both feel very rock n’ roll.
Hours: Tues.-Fri. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat. from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Price: Varies
9905 1/2 S Santa Monica Blvd.
Beverly Hills
Online: rockncuts.com
photo: Jessica Lucia via flickr
Over the Rainbow Salon
With free balloons, animal cookies, movies, and arcade games, this place is a mini paradise for kids, with lots to entertain them while their hair gets funkified. The staff is graceful, patient and professional (and sometimes even give out donuts!). This family-run business is welcoming and knowledgeable,and they even do adults hair really well in case you want a hot pink streak too, or if you want to take advantage of their organic dyes to boost your natural shade! Your kids can also get clip-in hair bling to add to the fun. They may well be the true wizards of hair.
Hours: Tues.-Fri. from 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sat. from 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Price: Varies
8300 Tampa Ave.
Northridge
Online: overtherainbowchildrenssalon.com
photo: Jose V. via yelp
Super Cuts
Yep, you read that right. Although it may not have the most “haute hair” reputation, this salon chain will meet your kiddos with a friendly smile and a lollipop! With a host of crayon colors to choose from (they will even mix up your own unique hue), your little one will be tickled pink (or purple, or green). Appointments can be booked the same day (call a few hours ahead), so you can come in when the mood strikes. By far the thriftiest spot to choose—you’ll cut back on cash, but not on style.
Price: Varies (but can be as inexpensive as $6 per foil, depending on natural hair color)
Multiple locations around the Los Angeles area, check the website for address and hours.
Online: supercuts.com
Have fun getting punky! Keep in mind, if your kiddo’s hair is dark, you’ll need to be OK with the stylist bleaching the hair strand first in order to get the funky color to set. This kind of fun streaking is best for older kids who can hang while this process takes place. In fact, that’s why prices vary at each salon; most want to check out your kiddos own color before committing to a process and price. All colors are semi-permanent and will last anywhere from several days to several weeks, depending on how often your little rocker shampoos or swims.
Let us know what cool colors your kids choose! Green like Frankenstein? Orange like a pumpkin? This is the perfect way to get into the colorful Halloween spirit!
—Elena Wurlitzer Fenegan
