Pigtails & Crewcuts is a children's salon chain that specializes in haircuts for kids from infancy through age 12

Pigtails & Crewcuts operates as a franchise with locations across the United States, each designed specifically for children rather than adapted from adult salons. The chain focuses on making the haircut experience less stressful for young children by using child-sized chairs, entertainment during the cut, and staff trained to work with kids who may be anxious or fidgety. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though walk-in wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

The salon charges by age group rather than by haircut style. Pricing typically ranges from around $15 to $25 depending on your location and your child's age, with toddlers usually costing less than school-age children. Some locations offer first-haircut packages that include a photo and a certificate, which parents often keep as a keepsake. The actual cut usually takes 10 to 15 minutes once you are in the chair.

Key Takeaways

  • Pigtails & Crewcuts locations do not require appointments at most sites, but calling ahead during busy hours can tell you the current wait time.
  • Pricing is set by age group, not by haircut complexity, so a straightforward trim costs the same as a more detailed style at your location.
  • The salon environment is designed for children, with entertainment, child-sized furniture, and staff trained to handle anxious or wiggly kids.
  • You can pay with cash or card, and most locations accept major credit cards and mobile payment options.
  • The haircut itself typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, though the total visit including check-in and payment may be 20 to 30 minutes.

What happens when you walk in

When you arrive at a Pigtails & Crewcuts location, you will check in at the front desk and provide your child's name and age. The staff will ask whether your child has had a haircut before at the salon and whether there are any specific concerns — for example, if your child is sensitive to clippers near the ears or gets anxious in new environments. This information helps the stylist prepare and choose the right approach.

You will then wait in the lobby until a stylist is ready. Most locations have a waiting area with toys, books, or a television to keep children occupied. If the salon is busy, the wait can be 15 to 30 minutes; if it is slow, you may go straight back. Some locations allow you to check wait time by phone before you arrive, which is useful on Saturday mornings or after school hours when traffic is heaviest.

During the haircut

Once called back, your child will sit in a chair designed for their size, often with a booster seat for toddlers. The stylist will drape your child with a cape and may offer a choice of entertainment — some chairs have built-in screens showing cartoons or movies, while others have toys or books nearby. This distraction is intentional and helps keep children still during the cut.

The stylist will ask you what you want done — whether it is a trim, a specific length, or a particular style. If you are unsure, the stylist can suggest what works well for your child's hair type and face shape. Most stylists at Pigtails & Crewcuts are experienced with children's hair and know how to work quickly and calmly if a child becomes restless. If your child is very upset, the stylist may pause and let them settle before continuing.

The cut itself uses clippers and scissors depending on the style. Clippers are faster but noisier, which bothers some children; scissors are quieter but take longer. The stylist will typically ask your preference or gauge your child's comfort level. Most cuts take 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish.

After the haircut and payment

Once the cut is done, the stylist will show you the result and ask if you want any adjustments. You can request a trim on one side, a slightly shorter or longer length, or any other small change at this point. After you approve, your child will be released from the chair and you will head to the front desk to pay.

Payment is due at checkout. Most locations accept cash, debit cards, credit cards, and mobile payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Some salons offer loyalty programs or punch cards that give you a discount after a certain number of visits — ask at the desk whether your location participates. A few locations also sell hair care products for children, though these are optional.

Preparing your child before the visit

If your child has never had a haircut or is anxious about the experience, a few steps can help. Talk about what will happen in straightforward terms: the stylist will wash or spray their hair, use clippers or scissors to make it shorter, and then they will be done. You can watch from the waiting area or stand nearby during the cut, depending on your child's comfort level and the salon's policy.

Some parents show their child pictures of Pigtails & Crewcuts locations online or watch a short video of a haircut happening. This removes the surprise element and makes the experience feel more familiar. If your child has had a bad haircut experience before, mention this to the stylist so they can take extra time to build trust.

What to bring and what to know

Bring a valid payment method — cash or a card — and your child. You do not need to bring anything else. If your child has very long or thick hair and you want a specific style, you can bring a photo on your phone to show the stylist, though this is not required.

Most locations are open six days a week, typically closing on Mondays or Tuesdays. Hours are usually 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, though this varies by location. You can find your nearest salon and its hours on the Pigtails & Crewcuts website by entering your zip code. Saturday mornings and after-school hours (around 3 to 5 p.m.) tend to be busiest, so weekday mornings are usually quieter if you have flexibility.

Common concerns parents have

Many parents worry their child will cry or refuse to sit still. Stylists at Pigtails & Crewcuts are trained for this and will work at your child's pace. If your child is very distressed, you can reschedule and try again another day — there is no penalty for leaving. Some children do better after their first haircut, once they know what to expect.

Another concern is whether the cut will look uneven or too short. The stylists are experienced with children's hair, which can be unpredictable in texture and thickness. If you are unhappy with the result when ready after, ask if they can make adjustments before you leave. If you notice a problem later, call the salon — many will do a free touch-up within a week or two.

Parents also ask whether they should wash their child's hair before the visit. You do not need to — most stylists prefer to work with hair as it naturally is. If your child has tangles, a quick brush before you arrive is helpful, but a full wash is not necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make an appointment or can I just walk in?

Most Pigtails & Crewcuts locations accept walk-ins, but you can call ahead to ask about wait time. Some busy locations may ask you to come back at a less crowded time if the wait is very long. A few franchise locations may require appointments, so check your local salon's policy on their website or by phone.

What if my child is too scared to get a haircut?

Tell the stylist before you start. They can go slowly, let your child watch in the mirror, or take breaks. You can also stand nearby or hold your child's hand. If your child is very upset, you can leave and try again another day — there is no charge if you do not complete the cut.

How much does a haircut cost?

Pricing varies by location and your child's age group, typically ranging from $15 to $25. Call your local salon or check their website for exact prices. Some locations offer discounts for multiple children or loyalty programs after several visits.

Can I request a specific style or length?

Yes. Tell the stylist what you want when you check in, or show them a photo on your phone. The stylist will let you know if the style works for your child's hair type and can suggest alternatives if needed.

What if I do not like the haircut after we leave?

Call the salon and explain the issue. Many locations will do a free touch-up or adjustment within a week or two. Bring your child back in so the stylist can see what needs to be fixed.