Kelly Hailey knows what it's like to take a reluctant child to get their hair cut.
She has had to hold her son down in the chair, suffer through his tears and even walk out of a salon without getting his hair cut because he wouldn't cooperate with the stylist. When she went to a salon out of town that provided services exclusively for kids, she began to wonder if there might be an alternative to the battles she was facing every few months at other salons.
From Left, Pigtails and Crewcuts stylist Keasha Phillips, co-owner Sharon Hogan, Lily Hailey and co-owner Kelly Hailey show off the new East Brainerd salon dedicated to kids. Kelly Hailey said she thinks the relaxed and kid-friendly atmosphere is one of the best things about the salon."Far and away my son puts on the biggest production I've ever seen when it comes to getting his hair cut, but when we took him to a Pigtails and Crewcuts franchise in Atlanta we had a much better experience," she said.
After realizing there weren't any local franchise locations, Hailey and her mother Sharon Hogan decided to open their own at 7550 East Brainerd Road. Since opening several weeks ago, Hailey said she's had good luck with her own son and every other child that has come in for a haircut.
"Here he may still have anxiety, but we can at least get him to sit down and let us distract him," she said. "Not wanting to get their hair cut is really common for that age. We've had moms come in and tell us that their own salons have asked them to leave because of their kids' response to getting a haircut."
To help put kids at ease, Pigtails and Crewcuts features brightly colored walls, a fully stocked play area with toys, themed chairs for children to get their hair cut in, a treasure box children can take a toy from after their haircut, TVs with cartoons playing, video game options for older kids and a staff of moms who are used to working with kids, said Hailey.
"We just try to make it a relaxed and fun atmosphere for the kids," she said. "Nobody's getting a massage in the back, so if a kid acts out, it's OK. No one is going to ask you to leave."
Hailey said no appointments are necessary, and if there is a wait, children are invited to play with some of the salon's toys, color in the birthday party room or just hang out and watch TV.
Another great feature of the salon is its all-natural products, said Hailey. The salon carries a vegan product line and an organic line especially designed for children who have sensitive skin or eczema. Haircuts cost $16.95 per child and options for up-dos, braids, first haircut packages and manicures or pedicures are also available.
"We think our pricing is competitive," said Hailey. "With a haircut you're also getting the whole experience when you come in here. While it might seem like you're paying a little more, the money is well worth it for a stress-free experience."
For more information call 892-6916.