A brand new school year is the perfect time for little ones to try on a fresh new ‘do—and trim down locks you’ve let get a little unruly over the summer. To make the whole haircutting experience as stress-free as possible and even fun, we’ve rounded up LA’s best kid-friendly salons. Not only will they help your tots look totally on fleek (is that still a thing?), but the stylists at these spots are also pros at putting kids at ease. And, hey, if all else fails, there’s the free balloons!
Bubble Cuts
Designed with a whimsical vintage flair, Bubble Cuts’ squeaky clean and inviting atmosphere transports customers back to a simpler time, instantly putting kiddos (and their nervous Nellie parents) at ease. Tots sit inside special fire engines, cop cars, and Cali cool convertibles while getting their hair cut to perfection. Cartoons play on nearby TVs – keeping the squirmiest toddlers occupado while they’re in the chair. Stylists are super friendly and pride themselves in staying up to date on current trends, styles and beauty products for wee ones. (And they give such cool cuts that we know more than one mom who made the switch to also getting her haircut here!)
Bubble Cuts
Multiple locations: Eagle Rock & Montrose
Online: bubblecuts.com
Tipperary
Cutting kiddos’ coifs in the 90210 for over 45 years, Tipperary consistently proves to be one of the hottest salons in town for the small fry set. With stylists who can do just about anything from braids and blowouts to chlorine removal and cuts that ooze LA cool, your little one will be in fantastic hands. And the fact that they’re friendly as all get out, doesn’t hurt either. Tots (and parents) will geek out over old school video games while you wait and can choose from a wide variety of the latest kid-friendly hair products on your way out the door.
Tipperary
221 S. Robertson Blvd.
Beverly Hills
310-274-0294
Online: tipperarykids.com
The Yellow Balloon
If there’s one salon that’s synonymous with childhood in LA, it’s The Yellow Balloon. Many Angeleno parents who grew up getting their hair cut at this cheery shop now take in their own kiddos for a little snippety-snip. Pinball machines, video games, balloons, and Disney flicks playing on TV make tots feel more like they’ve entered wonderland than a neighborhood hair shop. But most importantly, your babe’s hair is in great hands. From timid first-timers to tikes with ants in their pants, stylists have tons of experience working with all types of kiddos, including those with special needs. And there isn’t any hair they can’t handle. So bring on your cornrows, fades, extensions or a tired do that just needs a refresh – they’ve got you covered.
The Yellow Balloon
12448 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City
Online: theyellowballoon.com
Cookie Cutters
With touchscreen play units in the waiting area, video games and whimsical chairs, this national chain aims to make haircutting an experience kiddos will want to have again and again. Skilled and caring stylists work to make everyone feel right at home and provide extra time and reassurance to those with special needs – making both little ones and parents happy. Their salon even features an app to easily book appointments and receive special offers. Currently, there are two LA locations with another shop opening soon in Beverly Hills.
Cookie Cutters
Multiple Locations: Manhattan Beach & Brentwood
Online: haircutsarefun.com
Snip-its
When your Snip-its appointment kicks off with sing-along video to get you excited about your haircut, you know you’ve come to the right place. With nearby locations in Encino and El Segundo, Snips-its designed their entire salon to be completely interactive for kids, making the haircutting experience loads of fun. Littles will dig playing computer games with Snips and the Gang and can win tons of prizes, instantly relaxing them during their visit. The salon also offers ear piercings and mani-pedis as well. Additionally, Snip-its stylists have received special training in conjunction with Autism Speaks to provide a positive haircut experience for tikes with autism so every family can come in stress-free.
Snip-Its
Multiple locations: Encino, El Segundo & Monrovia
Online: snipits.com
Little Munchkins
This Glendale spot offers kids a custom haircut experience that's totally chill. Each salon chair is equipped with its own TV and movie of choice, keeping tykes entertained while they do up their do. The Little Munchkins staff has years and years of experience working with kiddos and use salon equipment that's specially designed with hardly any noise to keep tots comfy and calm. For first time haircuts, Little Munchkins provides complimentary before and after pics, a lock of hair and a certificate as a keepsake.
Little Munchkins
457 W. Colorado St.
Glendale
818-244-6454
Online: littlemunchkins.us
Floyd's 99 Barbershop
No boring old bowl cuts here, folks. Floyd’s 99 Barbershop caters to big and little rockers alike who are craving edgier, cooler-than-cool cuts and color. Floyd’s crazy talented stylists are equally adept working with tots as they are with parents so you can both get a snip at the same time (read: you just got your afternoon back). With several locations from Hollywood and the Westside to Downtown and the Valley, it’s easier than ever to find a shop in your hood. Kids’ cuts are super affordable too at around just $22 per noggin.
Floyd’s 99 Barbershop
Multiple Locations
Online: floydsbarbershop.com
featured photo: Evelyn Cirignotta
To see what Red Tricycle Editors are up to this month, follow us on Instagram!
–Jennifer O’Brien
RELATED STORIES:
12 Lace-Free Shoes Perfect for Back to School
25 Lunch Hacks Every Parent Should Memorize
Our Favorite Back-to-School Kids’ Haircuts & Hairstyles
