A Barbershop the Whole Family Can Count On
Finding a barber who is genuinely good with kids — patient, relaxed, and skilled — is harder than it sounds. City Barbers on the Upper East Side has been cutting children's hair for over 50 years. Many of our current adult regulars started coming as kids, brought in by their own parents. Now they bring their children. That kind of trust takes decades to earn.
Our kids' haircut is $40 for ages 12 and under, and our barbers know how to handle wiggly toddlers, nervous first-timers, and everything in between. No rush, no stress — just a great haircut in a classic Manhattan barbershop environment.
What to Expect for Your Child's First Haircut
Bringing a young child to the barbershop for the first time can be nerve-wracking for parents and kids alike. At City Barbers, we make the process as smooth as possible:
- Walk in or book online — either way, your child won't wait long
- The barber will introduce themselves and talk to your child calmly before starting
- We'll put the cape on gently and make sure your child is comfortable in the chair
- The cut is done at a pace the child is comfortable with — no rushing, no pressure
- If your child needs a moment, that's okay — we've been doing this for 50+ years
We recommend bringing a distraction for very young children — a tablet, toy, or snack can help keep them still and calm during the cut. If your child has a specific style in mind (or you do), bring a reference photo and we'll do our best to match it.
Kids' Haircut Styles We Do
Our barbers handle a full range of boys' and children's haircut styles, including:
- Classic boys' cuts — short back and sides, neat and clean
- Ivy League and prep school cuts
- Textured and messy crop styles
- Fade and taper styles (for older boys and teens)
- Buzz cuts and crew cuts
- Natural hair and curly hair styles
- First haircuts for toddlers
Why Families Choose City Barbers on the Upper East Side
City Barbers serves families from across the Upper East Side — from Yorkville and Carnegie Hill in the north to Lenox Hill in the south. Families come back year after year because:
- Our barbers are patient and experienced with kids — this isn't a side service; it's part of what we've always done
- The prices are fair — $40 for a children's haircut in Manhattan is honest value
- The barbershop is relaxed — no attitude, no rush, no pretension. Just a classic neighborhood shop.
- Walk-ins are welcome — no need to plan weeks in advance
- Dad can get his haircut at the same time — many families come in and use two chairs simultaneously
Frequently Asked Questions — Kids' Haircut
Kids' haircuts at City Barbers are $40 for ages 12 and under. The same price applies regardless of hair length or style complexity.
The kids' haircut is for ages 12 and under. For teens 13 and older, our standard men's haircut ($40) or skin fade ($40) applies.
Yes, we do. Our barbers are experienced and patient with toddlers and young children. A little advance planning and a distraction (tablet, snack) can go a long way. Walk-ins welcome, but booking in advance is recommended for young children to minimize waiting time.
Absolutely. City Barbers has multiple chairs and barbers available. If you want a dad and kid appointment at the same time, just let us know when you book or when you walk in — we'll do our best to accommodate you.
City Barbers is one of the most trusted family barbershops on the Upper East Side. We've been serving the neighborhood since 1972 and have cut the hair of multiple generations of UES families. We're on East 74th St between 2nd and 3rd Ave, close to Lenox Hill, Yorkville, and Carnegie Hill.