Kids Haircuts: Hair Salons for Boys and Girls in Manhattan

While moms may find a trip to a salon luxurious, young kids often have a different attitude about getting their hair cut. They squirm and squeal and refuse to sit still. Have you ever seen a stylist try to snip a moving target? It's not pretty—and the resulting 'do isn't either. Thankfully children's salons pull out all the stops to turn haircuts into a fun experience for families by plying their young clients with balloons, bubbles, cartoons, toys, funky chairs and lots of coddling.

A few years ago we posted about kids' haircutting places in Brooklyn. Today we're focusing on kid-friendly Manhattan salons. Here are seven (hopefully tear-free) spots where kids can get their hair cut in Manhattan.

Beehives & Buzzcuts – Gramercy Park
365 First Avenue between 21st and 22nd Streets
Opened by a local mom who often brings her infant daughter to work with her, this stylish salon has a bright interior decorated with a large tree and colorful animals. Strategically located across from Peter Cooper Village, the spot specializes in haircuts for little ones, but you can also pop in for manicures, pedicures or kids' music and dance classes. Kids sit in whimsical car or butterfly chairs while they get their hair snipped. For first haircuts, the salon gives families a certificate with a photo and a lock of hair. Good luck not buying one of the cute playthings in the toy boutique on your way out. Cuts start at $30.

Cozy's Cuts for Kids – Upper West and Upper East Sides
Visit the website for locations.
When it comes to kids' haircuts, this local chain has thought of everything. Children get to pick out a movie or video game to watch or play during their trim, and the colorful shop is bursting with toys and other distractions. Cozy's has its own line of hair products and every kid leaves with a balloon and lollipop in hand. Stylists are used to working with squirmy or crying youngsters and can also check for lice and show parents how to do so at home. There are also cute add-ons like a "braid bar" and manicures, and a first haircut package. Cuts start at $30.

Doodle Doo's – West Village
543 Hudson Street near Perry Street
Your kids can sit behind the wheel of a taxi or boat as they get their hair cut at this children's salon. Stylists have bubbles at the ready to distract unhappy customers. First haircut survivors and their parents are rewarded with a gift bag. There is also a toy shop in case parents want to buy little bribes to keep their kids still. The salon also has a private space for parties and a selection of hair accessories for purchase. Cuts start at $35.

Kidville Salon – Upper West Side
466 Columbus Avenue between 82nd and 83rd Streets
The Upper West Side location of the members-only kiddie gym franchise houses a children's salon in the front window. (Passerby love peeking inside.) The stylists are patient and used to getting their work done even as kids duck and weave or just sit in their fun car chairs staring blankly at episodes of Dora or Sesame Street. Kidville members get 15 percent off cuts. Appointments are recommended, especially on weekends. Cuts start at $28.

Lovella – Upper West and Upper East Sides
Visit the website for locations.
This is a grown-up salon that's also child-friendly. You won't find the colorful decor and toys, but stylists are ready for young clients and families have told me their kids get a good quality haircut here. Boys' cuts start at $32 and girls' cut and blow dry start at $52.

Supercuts
Visit the website for locations.
This national chain is aimed at adults but knows how to deal with kids. You can find a Supercuts in just about every neighborhood in Manhattan and beyond. Walk-ins are welcome and a Supercuts Jr. haircut starts at $18.95 for children up to age 12.

Get Coiffed – Citywide
917-548-3643
If going to a hair salon has been traumatic for your child, you may wish someone could come to you. Well, your wish is granted. Get Coiffed does at-home cuts and specializes in kids. Appointments start at $55 per child, with discounts available for multiple children. The company also caters to children with special needs.

Check our our roundup of kids' haircutting places in Brooklyn or read about the Bronx's popular Someplace Special salon.