I enthusiastically recommend Snips on College Ave. My son, who cried through his first haircut elsewhere, actually told me he had a ''good great time'' at Snips. They were fast, efficient, and the atmosphere was fun without being chaotic. And they really listened to what we wanted (not too short, no buzzing near the ears) and had us in and out in less than 20 minutes. Happy Mom

Hi, We've had good luck at Snips on College Ave. It caters to small children, they have lots of toys to occupy curious hands and they have monitors at each station and will show Disney videos if that works for you. The stylist (Debbie) who cuts my 2yr old daughters hair is very patient (our problem isn't being too active, she is hesitant and doesn't want to get in the chair, etc.). Last time we were there, another sylist was doing cuts for 2 small boys and it seemed to go very smoothly. Worth a try I think. The cost was reasonable ($18 maybe?). Good luck! -Kristie

I have taken my son (when he was between 1 and 2 years old -- he's 2 now) to two places -- Snips on College and Snippety Crickets on Solano. Both have lots of toys to try to distract a toddler. Snips was very good both times I went there. My son was squirmy and increasingly upset through both hair cuts, and they did a very good job cutting quickly and accurately, all the while trying to distract him with fun toys. They also gave him a little toy to take home and a balloon. I'd recommend Snips highly, but you need to make your appointment at least a week in advance. Susanna

Original posts of these reviews can be found: http://parents.berkeley.edu/advice/beauty/snips.html

"Best place to take your child of any age: SNIPS is wonderful! I used to take my child to my hair dresser but this caused too much stress on my daughter who was intimidated by the surroundings, my hairdresser who was trying to be nice but didn't have the means to handle my squirmy girl, and for me. I inquired with a couple friends who had tried a other kid's salons in the area and had gotten inconsistant quality of hair cuts and haircutters. They told me how much they loved SNIPS and I am so glad they did! My daughter has been to see both Lee and Debbie and she actually requests to go instead of dreading the experience. The hair cuts are great but I think more importantly there is so much less stress as SNIPS has many fun distractions. We have nice mommy-daughter time too in the Rockridge area with a pizza place and the library nearly next door."

http://local.yahoo.com/info-21519549-snips-children-s-hair-salon-oakland?tab=reviews#reviews

a Yahoo! Local User 01/08/2006

"They are extremely patient - we've been there twice the first time my son (14 months at the time) was content to sit and play with a toy; the second time (around 18 months) was during nap time - so I ended up holding him and they cut his hair around him cuddling on me. Amazing! Looked great both times. " www.lilaguide.com/ListingView.aspx?lid=476446   by czwerling  Review added 9/2/2008