Cutting out tiny tears

AN enterprising salon aims to cut out tears and tantrums from a trip to the hairdressers by making it fun for toddlers.

Tariq Esam - the brainchild behind the novel Toon Town Kid's Club - believes the answer is simply child's play.

Tariq, 28, explained: "Our main focus is children and the salon is custom-made to ensure they come and have fun. I remember going for a haircut as a child and I hated it!

"The kid's club offers a personal service to every child ... each and every one gets their own TV and can choose from a selection of cartoon DVDs ... and much more."

One of the dilemmas facing many parents is how to cajole their child into having a trim.

That was the case, of course, until this unique outlet opened in Country Mall in Budaiya.

Tariq teamed up with managing director Lulwa Salman Al Sabbaq to launch the venture.

Lulwa, 28, from Budaiya, said: "It was on a trip to the US that we came across a similar children's parlour. It amused us immensely and we thought it could be a great idea for Bahrain because there was nothing like it on the island.

"We put a lot of thought into it and discussed possibilities of opening a shop here. We first looked at why some children hated the idea of going for a haircut. And the answer was simple, if they did go; it was with one of their parents to an adult salon which just bored them."

After going through a period of planning and sorting out the necessary permissions from ministries, the outlet opened in February.

Lulwa said: "The whole point about a children's parlour is that the child needs to like it and the things that attract them most are colours, cartoons, toys and games."

The hair-raising 'club' is brightly painted and features a collection of cartoon characters. It also boasts a play area to take the boredom out of waiting for a haircut where children can do activities such as painting, colouring and reading while they wait their turn.

Parents appear to be delighted with the service. School teacher Budoor Buhiji, 29, from Muharraq, said: "My son is a very nice boy but when it comes to cutting his hair he becomes a monster! Taking him to a salon was always a disaster so we had to stop that and I ended up cutting his hair at home.

"It was on a shopping trip with a friend at the mall that we came across this outlet and I brought my son here for a cut. He ran off inside as soon as the elevator door opened!"

One of the most endearing features of the club is the mini-screens on the dressing tables for children to watch themselves while having their hair cut and the seats come in a variety of shapes including an aircraft, car and a Mickey Mouse mask.

Lulwa said: "We have imported most of the merchandise from the US and include some wonderful instruments to get a child's full attention."

The salon plans to present a 'First Haircut Certificate' to little ones getting their first ever haircut which will feature a strand of the cut hair and also a DVD and a photograph of the captured moment for the family album.

The salon is proving so popular and attracting so many customers from across the island that the owners are now looking to expand and open another branch.