DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
At Keiki Kuts in Kaimuki, Brenda Ozaki stands behind her son, Tyson Ozaki, 2, while stylist Jendale Kahuanui touches up his first professional haircut.
Keiki Kuts tries
to put kids at ease
during their haircutsToddlers can get upset when
a stranger with large scissors
comes toward them
For parents, a baby's first haircut is a memorable milestone. But an infant or toddler may not greet the experience -- an oversized stranger coming at them with giant scissors -- with the same enthusiasm.
Annette Waiau, owner of Keiki Kuts, wants to remove the stress and trepidation involved in the hair-cutting process. "We wanted to create a Disney-like atmosphere where kids could come and enjoy themselves without feeling intimidated," she said. "Nobody had brought a salon like this to Hawaii. They are very popular in the mainland."
Keiki Kuts grand opening
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrowWhere: Keiki Kuts salon, 1137 11th Ave.
Admission: Free; also, discounts on services, refreshments and prize drawings throughout the day
Call: 739-5600
After all, why sit in a standard barber chair, when tots can choose to sit on a motorcycle, rocking horse, airplane or Volkswagen bug. Regular salon chairs are available for "kids who want to be older," or for the moms who want to enjoy the "hair-razing" experience with their child.
"For children, getting their hair cut is a trust-based relationship," said Keiki Kuts stylist Shay Heffernan. "Going to the same stylist each time is the key to building that trust."
DENNIS ODA / DODA@ STARBULLETIN.COM
Miki Angelo Sata, 3, looks a little apprehensive sitting in the airplane for a haircut by Jendale Kahuanui as mom, Ryoko Sata watches.
Heffernan also suggested that dads introduce their boys to the sound of hair clippers. "The hair is so close to their head and the sound can be traumatizing," she said.
To provide some distraction, colorful Mickey Mouse television sets are posted at each cutting station.
Waiau also understands that parents often want to keep a lock or two of hair, and Keiki Kuts offers keepsake bags for a snippet of hair and provides a photo of baby's "after" picture as a memento, she said.
The salon is designed to serve keiki ages 11 months to 12 years old. Services range from providing a 99-cent rub-on tattoo for boys, to $5 "manicure" for girls, to a $20 keiki haircut that includes shampoo and styling. Girls leave with fancy ribbons and barrettes.
Children get to choose from an array of fragrant shampoos and lotions in chocolate, banana, root beer and fruity aromas. The products are kid-friendly and made with healthy ingredients such as green tea, sea kelp, grape-seed oil and extracts of chamomile, rosemary, lemongrass and nettle, to name a few. Kids can even have their hair colored with washable gels.
DENNIS ODA / DODA@ STARBULLETIN.COM
Annette Waiau brushes 8-year-old John Paul Arcayna's hair as he sits in the motorcycle chair.
WITH THREE daughters of her own, Waiau got the idea of opening the salon because she wanted them to be excited about taking care of their hair. She also knows that kids have trouble sitting still.
"Kids have very short attention spans. We use all of our resources to distract them," she said.
So those waiting for an appointment can opt to play Nintendo games, watch a movie at the "Keiki Kuts Theater," color pictures or play with puzzles. The corners on the shelves and desk area are all rounded for safety reasons, and the reception area is carpeted.
The concept has been so well received, Waiau already plans to open a salon in Kailua this January and another in Kapolei next summer.
But there's always a handful of kids who cry even though the "atmosphere is bright and sunny," Waiau said. "By the end of the experience, most of them are playing and having a good time."
She suggests that parents with wary children or those having their cut for the first time, simply visit the salon first to familiarize them with the surroundings. "They can explore the surroundings and just play," she said. "They will not be as intimidated when they come back another time for a haircut."
Waiau added, "We try to stay sensitive to both the parents and the children's needs."
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