Hair We Go! The Best Salons & Barber Shops for Kids

Sports Clips
This hotspot doesn’t just cater to the over-35 NASCAR fanatic or Nationals-loving grown-up; it takes rookies, too. Billed as a sports-themed franchise with “guy smart” stylists who will make your dude feel right at home. Got extra time? Feel free to linger and watch some ESPN after a quick trim. Time-crunched parents will be happy with speedy service. Tip: “Lil’ Jess” is amazing with both clippers and scissors if your little dude needs some clipping in the back and shaping on top.

3307 14th Street Northwest
Columbia Heights
(202) 318-5302
Online: sportclips.com

Bravado Hair Design
Located just above the grown-ups’ salon, Bravado Kids caters completely to the younger set. While you’re getting gussied up, kiddo can get a cut, trim, or deep conditioning treatment–all while watching TV on a personal screen, doing a puzzle, or burning rubber in a racecar seat.

655 C St. SE
Capitol Hill
202-543-6118
Online: bravadohairdesign.com

Kids Paradise 
With its whimsical décor, including Ariel and all of her friends from A Little Mermaid, Lightning McQueen, Wonder Woman, and more, Kids Paradise sets the tone for a joyful haircut experience. Little ones will be fascinated with the “ocean floor,” complete with King Triton, personal stools, and tons of books and toys to play with during their visit. Bonus? Adults and wee ones can all get their hair done together. Tip: Looking for cornrows, beads, braiding, or other fancy styling? Yvette (the owner) is a magic-maker.

Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids
Whether you have toddlers or teens, Sharkey’s caters to every child. Younger kids can sit in their favorite vehicle (ride-on cars vary by location, but selections include a Dodge Police Cruiser, Barbie Jeep, Lightning McQueen Race Car, Buzz Light Year Vehicle, Hummer, #8 Dale Earnhardt NASCAR Race Car, and/or Mini Cooper) while watching cartoons or Netflix. Older kids will jump at the chance to play Playstation 3 or 4 or X-box 360 on 40-inch screens while getting a new ‘do—or they can just watch their favorite sporting events or music concerts. Looking for a glamorous birthday celebration? Consider hosting a party in Sharkey’s special ‘Tween Lounge, where each guest will be pampered with a hair style, makeup application, and mini-manicure.

14260-C Centreville Sq.
Centreville, VA
571-655-2356

8971 Ox Rd. #170
Lorton, VA
703-690-0900

21800 Towncenter Plz., Unit 271
Sterling, VA
571-500-5859

Online: sharkeyscutsforkids.com

Sweet and Sassy
For a total transformation, head to Sweet and Sassy where every little girl is a princess. This salon is worth-the-drive for an extra special back-to-school hairdo (or for a milestone birthday celebration). You can add glitter spray and stars to a blowout, get your toes and fingers painted and even create your own custom blended sugar scrub or lipgloss at the DIY station. When you're all done, strut your stuff on the runway!

1601 Village Market Blvd. SE, #124
Leesburg, VA.
703-552-8390
Online: sweetandsassy.com

Friendly Faces Kid's Salon and Spa
Toes tap and little hands clap at this music-friendly salon where kids are encouraged to move and shake and show off their new 'do. There are also toys, games and video consoles to keep little ones entertained. For a special treat, Friendly Faces offers manicures, pedicures and face painting for an afternoon of pampering and fun. Friendly Faces is conveniently located in the Westfield Wheaton Mall.

2511 University Blvd. West
Silver Spring, MD
301-942-0554
Online: ffkidssalon.com

B.R.A.T. Box Kids
Short for “Babies Receiving Attention Too,” kiddos are the priority at B.R.A.T. Older ones can take on the Wii or Play Station games, while little tykes can read books, color, or play board games—fans of dress-up can even don a fancy gown while they get their hair done. A stash of kid-friendly DVDs and stuffed animals are available to distract the smallest skeptics. Parents can take advantage of the Adult Den, where stylists are at the ready to make even the most haggard among us look like a million bucks, too.

Cartoon Cuts

Cartoon Cuts says, “That’s all, folks!” to family hair woes—they welcomes customers of all ages. They can host parties, braid to their hearts’ content, fix damaged swimmers’ hair, and even give your little one some scalp therapy if he’s been a tad itchy lately. 

1619 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD
301-816-3098

6511 Springfield Mall
Springfield, VA
703-719-9791

11784 Fair Oaks Mall
Fairfax, VA
703-359-2887
Online: cartooncuts.com

A DIY 'DO

If you're going to attempt a haircut at home, you'll want to invest in quality tools. Grab these clippers that produce a low buzz sound; perfect for infants and children with sensory issues. These fun & flashy hair cutting scissors let you trim longer hair with style. And to make sure you're getting an even cut, grab these colorful combs. Not sure where to start? Check out these tutorials for tips and tricks for at-home haircuts.

Online tutorials: tinybeans.com/how-to-cut-hair-at-home