For years, parents have enjoyed putting together photo albums and memory boxes for their children, including all the firsts —baby photos, birthday cards, baby teeth and locks of hair.
However, while picture-perfect moments and parties are usually well-received, collecting those toddler locks often prove difficult and stressful.
In an effort to make the haircut process more enjoyable and comfortable, husband and wife team Miguel Salcedo and Ana Velazquez decided to open not just a kid-friendly salon, but one inviting for the whole family.
First opening its doors in early June, Let Hair Go has brought a full-service, family-oriented salon and spa to downtown Riverside, something neither the village nor immediate neighborhoods offered before. After doing research on various towns in the immediate area, Salcedo and his wife felt Riverside would be the perfect fit for their boutique.
“It’s a great opportunity for the families here,” the Berwyn resident said. “We’re trying to create something that [kids] can enjoy and not suffer.”
While Salcedo has no cosmetology experience, Velazquez has spent her career as a professional stylist and shared with her husband her desire to create a business that would get kids excited about the importance of grooming and realize the fun they can have in a salon.
“We focus on kids because other salons don’t take kids sometimes or it’s a hard time to get kids to get a haircut,” Salcedo said. “We like to have things, like fun seats, especially for the kids.”
From the moment patrons walk into the salon, they are greeted by smiling staff, colorful walls, whimsical decorations, including model car and Minion salon seats, funky light fixtures and lollipops while waiting for services.
Along with standard haircuts, including mother/daughter and father/son sessions, Let Hair Go also does simple updos, manicures, pedicures, make-up, waxing and coloring for patrons of all ages. There is even a special room next to the manicure room designated as a party room, something Salcedo hopes will encourage youngsters to want to have parties at their salon.
Additionally, the owners and stylists at Let Hair Go speak Spanish, something they are hoping is also a draw for the growing number of Hispanic residents in the area.
So far, Salcedo says the reception about the business has been positive.
“[Patrons] love it,” he said. “They’re really happy with the business, saying, ‘We’re happy you’re close to us. It’s very cute.’ They tell us everybody is talking about us. I’m happy that people are happy.”
Let Hair Go, 23 E. Burlington St., is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. It’s closed Mondays. For more information, call 708-777-1217 or email lethairgo@gmail.com.
