Snip-its

Snip-its is a kids hair salon chain with three locations in the greater Hartford area. Walk-ins are welcome. Each salon chair has its own TV that plays a show featuring animated characters, such as Snips and Flyer Joe Dryer, while your child is getting his or her hair cut. The entire salon is kid-friendly, featuring interactive computer games, a play area, and a Magic Box that trades a toy for a swatch of hair. The Snip-its web site states that all of its stylists are specially trained to meet the needs of children with autism and other special needs. In addition to cuts, Snip-its also offers manicures, pedicures, and facials, and various party and special person packages.

110 Albany Turnpike, Unit 719, Canton, CT 06019 / (860) 693-1217   

(Note: This Snip-its is part of the Shoppes at Farmington Valley. It is not visible from the parking lot as its entrance is along the pedestrian walkway leading to the front of the center. After entering the Shoppes from route 44, turn left at the second stop sign and park in the rear lot. It is next to Green Tangerine.) 

405 Queen Street, Southington, CT 06489 / (860) 621-6762    

1131 Tolland Turnpike, Suite H, Manchester, CT 06042 / (860) 533-2311 (The Plaza at Burr Corners)

Scissor Kids

Scissor Kids has the requisite fun salon chairs, toy area, and TVs primed with kid-friendly distractions. Walk-ins are welcome. It also offers a “group makeover” for 3 or more kids (hair style, nail polish, light make-up) at a special rate (appointment is required). During a trip to Scissor Kids a few months back, while one of my daughters waited for her sister’s cut to finish, another stylist noticed her patiently waiting and offered to give her a complimentary Elsa braid. The other stylist then gave my other daughter Anna braids after her trim and they walked out delighted. That kind of service goes a long way with kids (and their moms).

63 Hebron Avenue, #F, Glastonbury, CT 06033 / (860) 633-1833

Cuts for Peanuts

While many kids hair salons have come and go, Cuts for Peanuts, in Old Avon Village, has been giving kids haircuts for over 20 years. Nearly every mom I know in the area has at some point popped in here with their own little peanut for a quick cut in the red car or fun frog chair (walk-ins are welcome). The salon is very bright and clean. While it caters to children 13 and under, adults are welcome as well (I once saw a father conveniently getting his hair trimmed in one of the adult salon chairs while his son was getting his own cut.) In addition, the owner has expertise working with children with autism and sensory processing challenges.  

41 East Main Street (Rte 44) Avon, CT 06001 / (860) 677-0047

Kidz Kutz

Kidz Kutz opened in late 2010 as a kids hair salon and has recently added spa services -- manicures, pedicures, and facials. It also offers fun add-ons such as hair tinsel and color rub. The lovely, bright salon includes, of course, fun hair cutting chairs for the littlest visitors, as well as a plush, pink space for older kids and tweens. You can also book “Beauty Tea Parties” to celebrate your child's special day.

730 Hopmeadow Street (rear parking lot), Simsbury, CT / (860) 324-5807

Little Ms. Bella Beautique

This salon specializes in creating a fairy tale experience for little girls (brothers are welcome to come for the “prince cut” but the emphasis is on all things girly and pink). Parents and children can come for afternoon tea, shop the clothing line and gifts available for purchase, and head upstairs for hair and nail services (call ahead). A party space is equipped with dress up items (think boas and tiaras). Special events are periodically offered, such as a royal tea party and cupcake decorating class. And yes, you may also come for a simple haircut, although an array of hair and nail services are available.

1033 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06032 / (860) 470-7104

Sundae Spa

Although not technically in Hartford county, Sundae Spa in Waterbury is only a 30-minute drive west of Hartford and I think merits mention in this post because some, including my daughter, might find it worth driving a bit extra to. The hook? An ice cream sundae is included at the end of each cut. But there is much more: opportunities for kids to create their own products such as lotions and soaps, full spa services, brightly colored pedicure chairs with kid-friendly reading material nearby. Many packages, events, and party options are offered here so check online for the latest. During one visit, my daughter was offered the chance to make complimentary body spray, choosing from a large variety of scents and colors -- she chose gingerbread scent and purple glitter -- because her stylist was running (4 minutes!) late. While Sundae Spa does not work for us in the Hartford area for a quick, last-minute haircut, I found that, given some planning, it was totally worth the half-hour drive for a pleasant afternoon experience with my daughter. (There is another Sundae Spa location in Milford, CT.)

2457 East Main Street, #2A, Waterbury, CT 06705 / (203) 528-3121 

*Bonus Food tip - the bagel store right next door is AMAZING.