Sharkey's Cuts for Kids

Sharkey's Cuts for Kids is a haircut salon built around children. The salon says it has been operating for more than 24 years and reports having completed over 10 million haircuts, with 97 percent of clients recommending it. Those figures are the salon's own claims.

A visit is designed to feel like an outing. Children choose from themed chairs shaped like a police cruiser, a Barbie Jeep, a Lightning McQueen race car, or a Mini Cooper, and can watch cartoons or Netflix during the cut. Boys' and girls' haircuts both include a wash, cut, and blow-dry, plus a balloon and a lollipop, and girls' cuts add a minicure and a glamour ring.

The salon offers a first haircut experience with a certificate, a lock of hair to keep, and a photo. For children who feel anxious or are sensitive to sensations, the salon offers a social narrative to help them prepare for the appointment.

Older kids and tweens have their own options. Curls are styled in the Tween Lounge with a minicure and a choice of glamour ring, and Day of Beauty brings hair, nails, and makeup into a private lounge for up to an hour. Parents can book a haircut or a wash and style in a private lounge too. The salon also has Xbox stations.

Up-do hairstyles cover ballet buns, wedding up-dos, and ponytails for long hair, suited to special events. Braids range from simple, sleek styles to more creative ones such as French braids and fishtails. The salon also offers franchises.

Stylists are described as warm and experienced, and a social narrative is available to help anxious or sensory-sensitive children get ready for a cut.

A playful, child-focused space with themed chairs, cartoons, and game stations.