With school reopened and kids preoccupied with readjusting to a productive life (or learning to fake new and sudden illnesses) no one can blame them if their hair turn into unruly jungles tangles. But if ‘roadkill’ isn’t a hairstyle you’re comfortable with, we’ve rounded up a few of the capital’s most fun places to get a haircut. And there isn’t even a need to bring your own distractions; most of these places will do the work for you.
Please make sure to communicate your needs clearly to these and any hairdresser; we’ve heard plenty of hairdressing horror stories and they’re almost always a result of miscommunication. So be very clear, and make sure they understand you, and you’ll never have to hear something like, ‘What do you mean you didn’t want a buzz-cut for your daughter, madam?’
Kids Land salon
Why go there? Your little one won’t just get a cut and blow-dry here; after sitting patiently for the chopping process the hair stylists at Kids Land take out the glitter and make your kid look like a little ball of fairy dust. Sweets and games to distract from the scissors are also available. No appointment required.
Details: Dhs40 for boys, Dhs40 for girls under three years and Dhs50 for girls over three years. Up to age 15.
Sat-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri 2pm-10pm. 1st floor, behind Early Learning Centre, Marina Mall (02 681 6316).
Kuts 4 kids
Why go there? This cute salon has specialised styling tools for kids, safer in use and better suited to smaller heads. In addition, it’s one of the cheapest places around. You don’t need to make an appointment either.
Details: Dhs30 for boys and Dhs35 for girls. Up to age 10.
Open daily 9am-1pm, 4pm-10pm. Al Rayan Office, East Tower, 7th floor, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 644 4434).
Family beauty saloon
Why go there? Even though it’s not exclusively a kids salon (they do ladies too), this place is a great option if both you and your little tyke are in dire need of some mane maintenance. The stylists are able to give your little girl ‘the fairy look’, and we all know it doesn’t get much better than that when you’re eight.
Details: Dhs35 for kids. No age bars for girls, boys up to the age of 10 years.
Open daily 9.30am-9pm. No.1, Mezzanine floor, Habib exchange, near Ahalia hospital (02 626 0939).
Sweet Cut Kids
Why go there? Sweet Cut has several branches scattered right across the capital, but our favourite by far is the salon at Al Wahda Mall. Right next to the mall’s fun centre, Wanasa Land, this colourful place is about more than just hair cuts – offering its little customers free 15-minute rides in the fun park along with their cut.
Details: Dhs40 for boys and girls. Up to age 13.
Sun-Thu 9.30am-1.30pm, 4.30pm-10pm. Fri 4pm-11pm and Sat 9.30am-10pm. Wanasa Land in Al Wahda Mall. Other locations: Muhairy Centre, Khalidiyah Street (02 633 4430).
Kazumi Salon for men and women
Why go there? If your kids scoff at the thought of being entertained by teddy bears and bribed with sweeties, maybe it’s time to take them to a regular hairdresser. Kazumi caters mainly to adults, but is equally happy to take off some of your child’s excess fringe. There are separate sections for men and women.
Details: Dhs70. Up to age seven. Sun-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri 4pm-8pm.
3rd Level of Grand Millennium Hotel Al Wahda, just right next to the mall and taxi stand, Hazzaa Bin Zayed Road (02 495 3940).
