New Pocatello salon puts kids in the driver’s seat for haircuts
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POCATELLO — Getting a child to sit still for a haircut can be challenging enough. Getting them into the chair in the first place can sometimes be even harder.
A new Pocatello salon hopes that letting them climb into a bright red race car or pink Jeep might help.
Smiles & Styles Kids Cuts recently opened at 1023 Yellowstone Avenue, in the plaza across from WinCo Foods, offering haircuts and other salon services with a special focus on children.
Owner Sam Hanini said the salon is designed to make haircuts fun and less intimidating for young customers. Kids can climb into colorful vehicle-shaped salon chairs while stylists work at their pace, with cartoons, toys and other distractions available to help keep them comfortable.
“We cater to kids, and we have those little cars that they can sit in while they’re getting their hair cut,” Hanini said.
Although children are the salon’s primary focus, Hanini said Smiles & Styles is a family salon that welcomes teens and adults, too.
Hanini’s path into the hair business began after he was laid off from his job at Simplot in 2014. He decided to pursue a longtime dream, attended barber school and eventually opened Sam’s Family Cuts in American Falls. He said the idea for Smiles & Styles grew from demand for a salon geared specifically toward children and families.
One area Hanini particularly wants to emphasize is serving children who may find a traditional haircut difficult.
The salon specializes in working with children with autism, including those who are nonverbal, as well as children with other sensory needs. Stylists are patient and take their time working at each child’s pace to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
Smiles & Styles also offers a baby’s first haircut package for $27. The experience includes a gentle first haircut and keepsake photos to help parents remember the milestone, along with a certificate and a place to save a lock of hair.
But haircuts aren’t the only attraction.
Young customers can get manicures and pedicures, and the salon offers glamour birthday parties that include hairstyling, manicures and pedicures, complete with a sprinkling of sparkling glitter. Moms and other caregivers can join in some of the salon services, too.
Hanini is no stranger to working with children. In addition to his salon businesses, he owns American Falls Taekwondo.
His goal with Smiles & Styles is to create a place where a trip to the salon is something kids look forward to rather than fear — whether it’s their very first haircut, a routine trim or a little pampering.
“This is truly a one-of-a-kind place,” Hanini said. “We’re looking forward to serving the community.”
Walk-ins are welcome or to schedule an appointment, call or text 208-242-3773. More information and online appointments are available at smilesandstyleskidscuts.com
More information is also available on Facebook.
