Little Roots Studio

Little Roots Studio is an independent business, not affiliated with or endorsed by Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids. It was founded by Carla, a licensed cosmetologist with more than 13 years in hair care, and its stated mission is to give every child a haircut that feels safe, calm and positive, whatever their abilities, sensitivities or past experiences. The site reports a 5.0 star rating and more than 2,000 children served.

The studio welcomes children of all abilities, including children with autism, sensory processing disorder, anxiety and medical needs that affect how comfortable a haircut feels. Services are designed only for children, and adult haircuts are not offered. Carla works at a pace set by each child, asks for permission before each step, slows down when needed and stops when a child says no or stop.

A visit starts before the appointment. Parents complete an intake questionnaire, and the studio is set up in advance based on the answers. Carla responds personally to texts and calls, usually within the hour. Families can pull up and text on arrival and wait in the car until the studio is ready. Each child is seen in a private suite with one family at a time, with no other clients and no waiting room. The lighting is dimmable and warm-toned with no fluorescent lights, and the room can be kept almost silent or play optional calming music. Children may sit in the chair, sit on a parent's lap, stand or move around. Child-sized furniture, a temperature-controlled room and fragrance-free products on request are available. Visual timers, step-by-step picture guides, a tablet with shows, and sensory tools such as fidget spinners, textured toys, weighted lap pads and comfort items are on hand, and children may bring their own favorites. Stickers and a small prize are given after every visit.

The studio's headline offering is a Sensory-Friendly Haircut, built for kids who have sensory processing differences or autism, those who feel anxious, and anyone who benefits from a calmer, more unhurried pace. Each appointment runs up to 60 minutes in a private suite where the lighting and sound are toned down, sensory tools are on hand, timing can be adjusted, and a consultation takes place beforehand. Families preparing for a first visit can request custom social stories that walk through what will happen, or book a practice visit or a simple trim before the full cut. If a haircut cannot be finished, the client is not charged. The studio doesn't retail products but will suggest ones to use at home. Appointments are required and can be made by text, by phone, or online. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm, with the team stepping away from 1pm to 2pm each day.

Trauma-informed and child-paced: children are asked for permission, the work goes slowly, and a no or stop is respected.

A quiet, dimly lit private suite with warm tones, calming music on request and child-sized furniture.