Barbershop Safety: Why Children’s Safety Matters at Barberet Co.

Saida
Aug 28
3 min read

At Barberet Co., we love being part of Alpine’s community. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of serving families—dads, moms, and yes, kids too. But when it comes to children in the barbershop, there are some important things to talk about: safety, liability, equipment, and why not every barbershop takes on younger clients.

Why Safety Comes First in the Barbershop

A barbershop may feel like a relaxed, social place, but behind the scenes it’s filled with sharp tools, hot equipment, heavy furniture, and cleaning products. Clippers, straight razors, scissors, trimmers, blow dryers, hot towels, sanitation sprays, and hydraulic barber chairs are all part of our daily routine. These are safe when handled by a professional—but not designed for children to play with.

This is why children’s safety is one of the biggest concerns for barbers. A child who suddenly jerks their head, grabs for tools, or climbs on equipment can quickly be put at risk. Barbers need precision and focus, and sudden movements or distractions can make that job dangerous for both the child and the barber.

Equipment and Furniture Safety

It’s also important to remember that a barbershop is not a playground. Barber chairs,

stools, and waiting-area furniture aren’t designed for climbing, spinning, or jumping. Hydraulic chairs are especially heavy, and children trying to “ride” them can get pinched, fall, or cause the chair to tip.

Parents play a huge role in keeping the shop safe. We kindly ask that children be supervised at all times—please don’t let them run through the shop, jump on furniture, or handle barber tools. A shop full of sharp instruments and heavy chairs is no place for horseplay, and we take this seriously for the safety of everyone.

Liability and Responsibility

With safety comes liability. If an accident happens in the chair—or even in the shop waiting area—the responsibility often falls on the barber or the shop. This is one of the main reasons some barbershops choose not to accept younger children as clients. It’s not about disliking kids—it’s about acknowledging that they don’t always have the ability to sit still or understand boundaries in an environment full of sharp tools.

Why Some Barbers Don’t Accept Children as Clients

Every shop sets its own boundaries, and every barber has their own comfort level. Some of the reasons barbers say “no” to cutting children’s hair include:

Movement: Kids under 5 often can’t sit still long enough for a safe haircut.
Tools: Barbers use sharp instruments designed for precision, not child safety.
Furniture & Equipment: Heavy barber chairs and stools can be dangerous if played on.
Shop Environment: Some shops keep an adult-focused atmosphere that isn’t kid-friendly.

At Barberet Co., we do accept children—but only at certain ages and with clear guidelines. We believe honesty is key: not every child is ready for the barbershop environment, and that’s okay.

What Parents Can Do to Help

If you’re bringing your child in for a haircut, here are a few tips to make the experience smoother and safer:

Prepare your child ahead of time. Talk to them about what to expect and the importance of sitting still.
Bring distractions. A toy, book, or video can help them stay calm in the chair.
Keep an eye on them. Supervise them in the waiting area and remind them the shop is not a playground.
Be patient. Sometimes kids need a few visits before they’re comfortable.
Know your child. If they’re not ready to sit through a haircut yet, waiting a little longer is sometimes the safest choice.

Our Promise at Barberet Co.

We take safety seriously—for children, parents, and barbers alike. That means creating a space where clients can relax while also keeping it safe and professional. We’re proud to be a shop that welcomes families, but we also value transparency: sometimes the best haircut is the one done when your child is ready, not rushed.

At the end of the day, the goal is simple: everyone leaves safe, happy, and looking their best