KidSnips is a family-friendly children’s hair salon in the Chicago area, offering haircuts for toddlers, children, teenagers, and adults. The salon is best known for its car-shaped haircut chairs, entertainment during appointments, and stylists experienced in working with young children. For parents, getting a child’s haircut is not always simple. Some children dislike the sound of clippers. Others struggle to sit still or become nervous around unfamiliar people. KidSnips aims to make the experience easier by combining professional haircuts with a playful environment. Founded in 1997, the company currently operates seven salons across Chicago and nearby suburbs. In this guide, we’ll cover Kid Snips haircut prices, available services, locations, first-haircut packages, and what parents should know before booking.
What Is KidSnips?
KidSnips is a Chicago-area children’s hair salon that specializes in making haircuts more comfortable for young customers. Unlike a traditional barbershop, KidSnips is designed around children. The salons feature colorful interiors, toy displays, entertainment screens, and car-shaped styling chairs. Children can watch videos or play games while getting their hair cut. Although the salons focus on children, KidSnips also welcomes teenagers and adults. The company was founded by two mothers who wanted to create a more welcoming haircut experience for families. Over the years, it has expanded into multiple locations across Chicagoland.
What Makes KidSnips Different?
The main difference is the experience. A normal salon expects customers to remain seated while their hair is cut. KidSnips understands that young children may not always manage this. Its stylists are accustomed to working with children who move around or feel nervous. Some of the features available at KidSnips include:
- Car-shaped haircut chairs
- Tablets with videos and games
- Toys and games in the salon
- Child-friendly hairstylists
- Small rewards after haircuts
- Special first-haircut keepsakes
These features may help children feel more comfortable, although every child’s response will be different.
Although cartoons can help distract children during appointments, parents may still want to maintain healthy habits around managing screen time for toddlers.
KidSnips Haircut Prices in 2026
KidSnips currently lists children’s haircuts at $29 for ages 12 and younger. Other services have separate prices depending on the type of haircut or styling requested.
Here is the published pricing information.
| KidSnips service | Listed price |
| Children’s haircut, ages 12 and under | $29 |
| Simple buzz cut | $24 |
| First haircut | $29 |
| Bang trim | $8 |
| Shampoo with haircut | $8 |
| Braids or ballet buns | Starting at $29 |
| Detangling treatment | Starting at $29 |
| Hair designs and carvings | Starting at $5 |
| Special hairstyles and updos | Starting at $60 |
| Teen haircut | $35 |
| Men’s haircut | $35 |
| Women’s haircut | $60 |
Prices are based on the salon’s published service menus. Confirm the final cost with your chosen location, especially for longer hair or additional services.
What Is Included in a Regular Haircut?
A children’s haircut normally includes a consultation, haircut, quick blow-dry, and simple finishing touches. The stylist may also use hair gel or glitter when appropriate. Children can receive a small reward after their haircut. Additional services, such as shampooing or complicated styling, may cost extra. Parents should explain the hairstyle they want before the appointment begins to avoid misunderstandings.
KidSnips Services for Children and Families
KidSnips offers more than basic children’s haircuts. Its service menu covers everyday trims, first haircuts, special styling, and selected hair-care treatments.
Children’s Haircuts
Children’s haircuts are the salon’s main service. Stylists work with young customers who may find traditional salons uncomfortable. The company offers simple trims and more detailed styles, depending on the child’s hair type and preferences. Parents can bring reference pictures to explain the desired result. This is especially helpful when they want to maintain a particular length or hairstyle.
First Haircut Packages
A child’s first haircut can be an emotional milestone for parents. KidSnips makes this visit more memorable by including a personalized certificate featuring the child’s photograph and a lock of hair.The first-haircut experience is currently priced at $29, the same as a regular children’s haircut. There is no separate keepsake-package fee listed for this service. Parents can also take their own photos during the visit when permitted.
Braids and Special Hairstyles
KidSnips offers braids, ballet buns, and more detailed hairstyles.These services may be useful for school events, celebrations, or special occasions. Prices start at $29 for braids or ballet buns. More elaborate hairstyles start at $60. It is worth contacting the salon in advance if the hairstyle requires additional time.
Detangling Treatments
Children with long or easily tangled hair may benefit from a professional detangling treatment. KidSnips offers these services starting at $29. Stylists use hair-care products and techniques intended to make detangling more manageable. The salon also sells selected products for maintaining children’s hair at home.
Lice Checks
KidSnips provides professional lice screening services starting at $29. However, the salon does not offer lice removal as a full treatment service. Its published policy states that haircuts cannot be performed while lice or nits are present. Parents should check the salon’s guidance before booking if they suspect a child has head lice.
Is KidSnips Good for a Child’s First Haircut?
KidSnips can be a useful choice for a first haircut because its stylists regularly work with young children. Some children enjoy the car-shaped chairs and entertainment. Others feel more comfortable when a parent stays close. The salon’s first-haircut keepsakes also make the experience appealing to families who want to remember the occasion. However, a positive experience depends on the child’s temperament and the particular stylist. Toddlers sometimes become frustrated when they have to sit still. Understanding how to manage challenging toddler behavior can help parents respond calmly when a haircut becomes stressful.
How to Prepare for the First Haircut
A little preparation can make the visit easier. Choose a comfortable time. Try to avoid scheduling the haircut when your child is hungry or ready for a nap. Explain what will happen. Talk about the haircut in simple, positive language. Bring a familiar item. A favorite small toy may help a nervous child feel comfortable. Show a hairstyle picture. This makes it easier to explain how much hair should be removed. Avoid busy periods. Weekdays or quieter appointments may suit children who become overwhelmed in crowded places. If your child becomes distressed, talk to the stylist about adjusting the approach. A good first haircut should not depend on forcing the child to continue when they are overwhelmed.
Does KidSnips Accommodate Children With Sensory Sensitivities?
KidSnips offers an appointment process for children who need additional support because of sensory sensitivities or other individual needs. The salon explains that a typical haircut takes approximately 15 minutes. However, some children may need more time or a different approach. Parents seeking accommodations are asked to complete a short form emailed after booking. The salon states that appointments requiring this process are not confirmed until the form is completed.
How Parents Can Prepare
Tell the salon about anything that may affect the experience. For example, explain whether your child:
- Dislikes clipper sounds
- Is uncomfortable with certain textures
- Finds bright or busy environments overwhelming
- Needs extra time to become familiar with a stylist
- Prefers scissors instead of clippers
- Benefits from a particular calming routine
KidSnips’ colorful environment may be enjoyable for some children but overstimulating for others. It is sensible to ask whether a quieter appointment time or a particular stylist would be suitable. Parents can read the salon’s sensory needs guidance before booking.
KidSnips Locations in Chicago and Nearby Suburbs
KidSnips currently operates seven locations in the Chicago metropolitan area.
| Location | Address |
| Arlington Heights | 218 E. Rand Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004 |
| Lincoln Park | 1953 N. Clybourn Avenue, Unit F, Chicago, IL 60614 |
| Deerfield | 655 Deerfield Road, Suite 112, Deerfield, IL 60015 |
| Naperville | 2835 Showplace Drive, Suite 131, Naperville, IL 60564 |
| Oak Brook | 508 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523 |
| South Barrington | 100 W. Higgins Road, Suite E-25, South Barrington, IL 60010 |
| Wilmette | 3232 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 |
The salon hours differ by location. For example, some branches open at 9 a.m. on weekends, while Oak Brook follows shopping-center hours.Holiday schedules may also change. Use the official KidSnips locations and booking page to select the most convenient branch and review its current hours.
How to Book an Appointment at KidSnips
Parents can book a KidSnips appointment through the company’s official website. The process is straightforward.
- Visit kidsnips.com.
- Open the Locations & Booking page.
- Choose your preferred salon.
- Select the available service and appointment options.
- Complete any additional form required for your child’s needs.
- Review the booking confirmation.
It is best to book ahead, particularly during weekends and back-to-school periods. If you need a specific stylist or additional accommodations, calling the branch directly may be more helpful than choosing a general appointment online.
Can You Walk Into KidSnips Without an Appointment?
Walk-in acceptance may depend on the location and current schedule. KidSnips emphasizes appointment booking, and some location listings describe services as appointment-based. If you are planning a same-day visit, call the salon before traveling. This can prevent unnecessary waiting, especially when bringing a toddler.
What Do Parents Say About KidSnips?
Customer feedback often focuses on the salon’s child-friendly environment and the patience of individual stylists. Many parents appreciate having entertainment available while their children receive haircuts. The first-haircut certificate and keepsake are also frequently mentioned as positive parts of the experience. However, customer experiences are not identical. Some reviews describe haircuts that were shorter than expected or concerns about how particular stylists communicated.
Commonly Mentioned Advantages
Parents often highlight the playful setting, staff experience with young children, and convenient first-haircut services. The presence of toys and videos can make the appointment easier for some families.
Potential Drawbacks
KidSnips may cost more than a basic haircut at some general salon chains. The toy-filled environment may also create distractions or encourage children to ask for additional purchases. Haircut results can vary between stylists, just as they can at other salons. Before the haircut begins, explain your expectations clearly and confirm the desired length. For parents who have found a stylist their child likes, requesting the same person for future visits may help maintain a familiar routine.
Is KidSnips Worth the Price?
KidSnips may be worth considering if your child feels uncomfortable in traditional salons or enjoys a more playful haircut environment. Its $29 children’s haircut includes the experience of visiting a salon built specifically around young customers. For some families, the entertainment and child-focused approach justify the difference in price. However, a child who comfortably visits a regular barber may not need the additional features. The better choice depends on the child’s preferences, the stylist’s experience, and the family’s budget. There is no single salon experience that works equally well for every child.
KidSnips Salon Policies Parents Should Know
KidSnips publishes several policies that may be helpful before booking.
Haircut Adjustments
According to the salon’s policy, customers who are unhappy with a haircut can request a correction at no additional charge within 10 days. Contact the salon promptly if the result does not match what was discussed.
Late Arrivals and Cancellations
KidSnips asks customers to call when they expect to be late or cannot attend. Repeated missed appointments without notice may affect future booking privileges.
Toy and Product Returns
The salon also sells toys and professional hair products. Eligible toys and novelty products may be returned within 30 days if they meet the published conditions. Hair accessories are not returnable for hygiene reasons. Hair-product returns have separate conditions. Read the full KidSnips salon policies before requesting a return or service correction.
Aashley Kai is the Editorial Director of Chelsea Famous Parenting and a licensed expert in early childhood education. She holds a Master’s in Child Psychology from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and has worked as a preschool teacher and child therapist. Since joining in 2024, Aashley has been dedicated to creating well-researched, trustworthy parenting resources. Her work helps parents and caregivers foster nurturing, educational environments for children. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and photography, capturing nature from a child’s perspective.
