Ocean Kids and Family Salon^® FAQ

1. How do I book an appointment at Ocean Kids and Family Salon®?
All appointments must be booked online through our live booking system. Our calendar shows real-time availability, and every available slot is displayed there. If you cannot see a time, it means we are fully booked.

2. Can I call or message to book an appointment?
We do not take bookings over the phone or WhatsApp. Our diary is fully live and up to date online, so no additional availability can be offered. However, you can message us for enquiries, and we respond very quickly.

3. What if I can’t find a suitable appointment?
If no suitable time is available, you can join our online waitlist via the booking system. If a cancellation occurs, you will automatically receive a text notification so you can secure the slot.

4. Do you offer walk-in appointments?
Walk-ins are accepted only if there is availability, but we strongly recommend booking in advance as we are often fully booked.

5. How far in advance should I book, especially for weekends?
We recommend booking at least a month in advance, especially for weekends, first haircuts and longer appointments, because we are very popular and often fully booked.

6. Can I request a specific stylist?
Yes — if you would like to request a certain stylist, please do so during the booking process. We always do our best to accommodate requests, although we cannot guarantee a particular stylist every time.

7. Can I pre-book a specific car seat?
No, we do not pre-book specific car seats, because children often change their minds once they are in the salon. We always do our best to make the experience fun and flexible on the day.

8. When is the best time for a quieter appointment?
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the quietest days. Fridays and weekends are the busiest, so we recommend booking earlier in the week for a calmer experience.

9. What age should my child have their first haircut?
Every child is different. We see babies as small as 5 to 6 weeks old, while others come later once the hair starts getting into the eyes, looking uneven or simply feels ready for a first proper trim.

10. How can I prepare my child for their first haircut?
You can help by talking positively about the visit, reading books about haircuts, bringing a favourite toy or comfort item and choosing a time when your child is well-rested and settled. Many children also benefit from knowing what will happen before they arrive.

11. Do you cut babies’ hair and offer first haircuts?
Yes, we specialise in baby and first haircuts. Our Ocean® First Haircut Package includes a laminated certificate, your child’s photo and a lock of hair — creating a beautiful keepsake to treasure forever.

12. What if my child is nervous or has had a bad haircut experience before?
Many families come to us after difficult experiences elsewhere. Our patient and experienced stylists work at your child’s pace, allowing breaks, distractions and reassurance to help build trust and confidence.

13. Do you offer autism-friendly and sensory-friendly haircuts?
Yes, we specialise in calm, patient and sensory-aware haircuts for children who are autistic, ADHD, anxious or sensory-sensitive. Our stylists adapt each appointment to the child’s needs to create a positive and stress-free experience.

14. What is the Ocean® Big Achievers Haircut?
The Big Achievers Haircut is a longer, 45-minute appointment designed for children who need extra time, patience and reassurance. It allows us to work gently and calmly, helping children feel comfortable and confident during their haircut.

15. Do you use clippers on children?
Yes, when they are helpful for the child. Our team includes trained barbers and stylists who are experienced in both scissor and clipper work. We use the method that best supports your child’s comfort, confidence and hair type. Clippers are never rushed or forced and are only used if your child feels ready.

16. What if my child is not ready for clippers?
That is completely fine. We can slow everything down, show the clippers first or simply keep them nearby without using them. If your child is not ready, we will not force the process. A positive experience always comes before finishing a haircut in one visit.

17. What haircut would suit my child best?
The best haircut depends on your child’s hair type, age, lifestyle and how easy you want it to be to manage at home. Our stylists are happy to recommend practical, age-appropriate cuts for both boys and girls that look great and are easy to maintain between appointments.

18. Do you cut curly, textured or Afro hair?
Yes. All our stylists are experienced in cutting curly, textured and Afro hair. Different hair types need different techniques, and our team can advise on suitable cuts, shape and home care depending on your child’s hair texture, thickness and routine.

19. Do you offer haircuts for parents as well?
Yes — we are a true family salon. Parents can enjoy their own haircut, trim or styling while their children are safely entertained, playing or enjoying their haircut experience nearby. Many families book together, making the visit convenient, relaxing and enjoyable for everyone.

20. Should I wash my child’s hair before the appointment?
Yes, unless you have booked a wash service, we recommend arriving with clean, dry hair so we can achieve the best results.

21. What if my child’s hair is tangled?
If your child’s hair is tangled or knotty, a detangling fee may apply. For best results and comfort, we recommend booking our Hair Detangling service so we can prepare the hair gently before cutting.

22. What entertainment is available for children?
Children can enjoy themed car chairs, Netflix, YouTube Kids and Disney+, PS5 and Xbox Series X gaming stations, toys, books, a play area and our popular 4-in-1 entertainment table featuring foosball, air hockey, table tennis and more — keeping them relaxed, engaged and happy throughout their visit.

23. Do children receive anything extra after their haircut?
Yes, every child enjoys the full Ocean® experience with complimentary balloons, lollipops or biscuits, plus special treats — stickers and a toy for boys, and water-based nail painting and a ring for girls.

24. Do you offer hair donation haircuts?
Yes, we are official Hairdresser Ambassadors for The Little Princess Trust. We prepare and send donated hair at our cost and also donate part of the haircut fee — making it a meaningful experience for families.

25. Is the salon clean and hygienic?
Yes. Cleanliness and hygiene are very important to us. Our tools, stations and chairs are cleaned and sanitised regularly, and we work hard to maintain a safe, welcoming environment for every child and family.

26. Is your salon safe for babies, toddlers and young children?
Yes. Our salon is designed to be child-friendly, calm and welcoming. Our team is experienced in working gently and patiently with babies, toddlers and older children, helping them feel secure and comfortable throughout the visit.

27. How often should my child have a haircut?
As a general guide, boys usually come every 4 weeks, while girls often come every 6 to 8 weeks. It also depends on hair length, style and how quickly it grows. If hair starts going into the eyes, becoming difficult to manage or bothering your child, it is usually time for a trim.

28. What makes Ocean Kids and Family Salon® different?
We are a multi award-winning, family-owned and one of the UK’s highest-rated children’s salons, offering a unique experience where every haircut is an adventure — combining entertainment, patience, expertise and a calm, child-focused approach.

29. Why do families travel long distances to visit your salon?
Families travel from Watford, Radlett, Bushey, St Albans, Rickmansworth and across London, Hertfordshire and beyond — many travelling over an hour — to experience the Ocean® magic, our calm environment and our highly rated, specialist approach.

30. Why are your reviews so highly rated?
We are proud to be one of the UK’s top-rated children’s and family salons, with thousands of 5-star reviews. Our focus on patience, experience, care and creating a truly enjoyable experience is why families keep coming back.

31. What is your cancellation and no-show policy?
We require at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or no-shows may result in full charges and future bookings requiring pre-payment via WhatsApp.