Kids can get their hair cut while sitting in a fire truck, a police car, and more at Sharkey's. Photo courtesy of Sharkey's Cuts for Kids

Best Places for Toddlers' & Younger Kids' Haircuts in DC, Maryland, & Northern Virginia

1. Sharkey's Cuts for Kids — Gaithersburg, MD; Alexandria, Ashburn, Centreville, Dulles, Falls Church, Lorton, & Sterling, VA

This national chain keeps kids of all ages in mind. Toddlers and younger kids can choose from several fun chairs to sit in. Older kids can play Xbox or watch their favorite music videos. Every haircut earns kids a prize such as a bookmark, a ring, or a lollipop. Sharkey's also offers special services like manicures, make-up how-tos, and even birthday parties. Appointments are recommended.

2. Kids Paradise Hair Salon — Washington, DC

Kids feel a big, warm welcome in this Brentwood salon with its cheerful decor and child-centered surroundings. Toys and books keep them entertained while they wait, and the staff is patient with those who are nervous about getting their hair cut or not good at sitting still. If you're looking for natural hair styling with braids, cornrows, or twists, Kids Paradise can expertly handle any style you want. Walk-ins are accepted.

3. Tiny HeadQuarters Salon — Rockville, MD

Tiny HeadQuarters, located inside Sola Salon, specializes in haircuts for kids and is a great place for a first haircut. The owner, Chrisy Baylor, has cut kids' hair for over 10 years. She makes them feel welcome with a child-friendly atmosphere and fast, gentle haircuts. Kids get to pick a fun car to sit in and can watch a movie during the haircut. The finishing touch is a lollipop! Appointments can be scheduled online.

4. Cartoon Cuts — Rockville, MD; Fairfax & Springfield, VA

Cartoon Cuts' friendly and patient staff offers high-quality, fast haircuts for kids—a big plus for squirmy, impatient little ones. Kids can watch TVs at every station, and the hair-washing station features an elephant sink with water coming out of its trunk. Special touches like quiet clippers and a quick hairstyle reference chart make Cartoon Cuts a great choice. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended at busy times, like before school starts.

5. The Yellow Balloon — Gaithersburg, MD

The Yellow Balloon is a kid-focused salon that also offers haircuts to adults. The waiting area features toys, books, coloring books, and fun rides. Kids can also watch televisions at every station while they get their hair cut. And at the end of their visit, everyone gets a lollipop and the salon's signature yellow balloon. Book an appointment or walk in.

6. Westover Barber Shop — Arlington, VA

Walk-ins are welcome at this neighborhood barber shop, which kids love for the free popcorn and the train set to play with in the back. Parents love it for its patient and caring staff. Westover does not accept credit cards. 

7. Sweet & Sassy — Leesburg, VA

Sweet & Sassy is more than a great spot for kids’ haircuts. It’s a full day spa for kids with choices like manicures and pedicures, themed birthday parties, and even ear piercing. For haircuts, special extras like glitter hairspray, a glitter star, and a blow-dry or braid are included in all services. Sweet & Sassy recommends making an appointment online.

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Cornrows, braids, and more are all on the menu at Unique and Special Kids Spa. Photo courtesy of the spa

8. Unique and Special Kids Spa — Alexandria, VA

While this spa and salon is especially for kids, adults are welcome to join the fun. In addition to facials, manicures and pedicures, makeup, foot soaks, and more, Unique and Special Kids Spa offers a wide variety of hair services. From haircuts and blowouts to cornrows, twists, braids, and temporary coloring, there's not much they can't do. The salon is also a great place for a first haircut: your kiddo will receive a certificate, a picture, and a locket of hair.

Best Places for Tween and Teen Haircuts in DC, Maryland, & Northern Virginia

9. Last Tangle in Washington Salon — Washington, DC

This is a great salon for the teenager who wants balayage, ombre, or just somewhere more grown-up to go for their haircut. Internationally trained stylists—some who have been there for over a decade—are sure to give your teen the trendiest style they can find on the gram. Last Tangle, located in Adams Morgan, also offers high-quality hair extensions and up-dos for special occasions. Appointments can be scheduled online.

10. THB Studios — Vienna, VA 

Does your tween or teen have curls? This salon prides itself on restoring health to curly hair. It can also provide special services like corn rows, detangling, blowouts, coloring, and more. Bang trims are offered for free between appointments. The owner, Trina, will also come to you for special occasions like fancy up-dos. Appointments can be made online.

11. Sport Clips — Multiple Locations in MD & VA

Sport Clips are like a sports bar for haircuts. This national chain for men and boys is a great option for older children who have outgrown a kids' haircut place but still need some motivation to get the trim. While geared to adults, Sport Clips offers the Jr. Varsity haircut for kids. Tween and teen boys will love relaxing and watching a sports game of their choice while getting a fresh cut—maybe alongside Dad!

12. Bravado Hair Design — Washington, DC

This Capitol Hill salon offers haircuts and other services for men, women, and children with all hair types. Special prices are offered for kids ages 1-5 and 6-12. Kids can get color highlights and lowlights with no ammonia, as well as bang trims between cuts. They'll also enjoy the chance to add on little extras like feathers, braids, and curls. Teens might want to try permanent waves, semi-permanent color, or balayage.