Sharkey's Cuts for Kids

Sharkey's Cuts for Kids is set up for children and the adults who bring them. The salon says it aims to make a haircut feel like an outing rather than a routine errand, and it has been operating for more than 24 years. It states that it has completed more than ten million haircuts and that 97% of its clients recommend it. The salon calls itself the best children's hair salon in El Paso; that is the salon's own description.

A visit starts with a choice of seat. Younger children can sit in themed chairs, including Spiderman, Minnie Mouse, Firetruck and Lightning McQueen designs, and can watch cartoons or streaming shows such as Netflix, Disney+ or Hulu during the cut. Older kids have a Tween Lounge with Xbox stations. Every haircut includes a wash, cut and blow-dry, along with video games, a minicure, a balloon and a lollipop.

The salon offers a social narrative, a step-by-step preview of the appointment, to help children who feel anxious or are sensitive to sensory input get comfortable before a haircut. Parents can book their own haircut or a wash and style in a private lounge.

Beyond everyday cuts, the salon offers a Child's First Haircut Experience, which includes a certificate, a lock of hair to keep and a photo. It also offers a Day of Beauty for tweens, with hair, nails and makeup in a private Tween Lounge for up to one hour, plus up-do hairstyles such as ballet buns, wedding-style up-dos and sleek ponytails for long hair. Appointments can be booked online or by phone.

The salon aims to turn each haircut into a fun experience that feels different from a typical salon visit, with a focus on keeping children comfortable.

The space is described as very clean and lively, with themed chairs and screens throughout.