The latest Wellesley, Mass. business news:
Sit Still Kids Salon opens—happy haircuts, low-stress vibe
The wait is officially over for families seeking a professional haircut experience with a child-friendly atmosphere. Sit Still Kids Salon at 180 Linden St. has announced that as of July 17, its appointment books are open.
Founded in Portland, Oregon, in 2007, the franchise has over 35 locations nationwide. The Wellesley opening marks the brand’s first foray into Massachusetts. The salon’s arrival is the vision of a local mother of three who, after visiting a Sit Still location in Austin, Texas, instantly knew it was something she wanted to bring to Wellesley.
The interior of Sit Still gives off a cool, modern vibe designed to make children feel like they are receiving a high-end, adult salon experience. But what’s really important is keeping the young ones happy. The stylists, who are trained in the technical art of the cosmetology, also genuinely love kids. “This attitude towards children is felt immediately as you step inside, and is the first thing that is special about Sit Still,” says salon owner Samantha Kelly.
Managing the wiggles
Samantha says the philosophy is one of radical patience and comfort as evidenced by viral social media posts highlighting a Sit Still franchise owner in Kentucky who allowed a young client to bring a robot vacuum into his appointment as a comfort object.
Stylists receive training from Occupational Therapists on strategies for serving kids with sensory sensitivities, and the salon uses ultra-quiet clippers.
“Honestly, we know kids will be kids and expect some wiggles, potential nervousness, and maybe even a few tears. Sometimes it’s about reassuring the parents that this is OK, while our stylists remain calm, cool, and collected,” Samantha says.
Stylists have a few tricks up their sleeve including blowing bubbles, singing a child’s favorite song, or having a child hold one of the salon’s squishy/fidget toys. For times when the screen is the best solution, there are entertainment tablets available at each chair. (Parents and caregivers are asked permission ahead of time about using this distraction tool.)
Once the haircut mission is accomplished, it’s lollipop time!
Price range for cuts and styling short and long cuts start at $40, with a full service for tweens and teens starting at $65. There are For fun styling add-ons, such as sparkle strands starting at $15. Speciality braiding starts at $45, and k-tip color extensions start at $60. Color or glitter spray is complimentary with any hair cutting service.
Sit Still also offers birthday parties and special classes (like “teach me how to braid”).
Salon hours are Monday – Saturday 10am – 6pm, Sunday 12 – 5pm.
Amazon One Medical opens membership-based office in Wellesley Square
Amazon One Medical, a hybrid in-person and virtual primary care organization, in collaboration with Mass General Brigham, has opened at 74 Central St, in Wellesley Square.
One Medical offers same and next-day appointments from preventative care, to addressing immediate concerns like cold and flu, to managing chronic conditions like diabetes, along with 24/7 on-demand virtual care services, including video chats with licensed providers within minutes that let members get fast care for common concerns such as allergies, skin issues, urinary tract infections, and more. Amazon Prime customers can include One Medical membership in their subscription for an additional $99 per year.
One Medical has offices across the country, and locally, also in Boston, Cambridge, and Newton. Amazon bought One Medical in 2023 as part of its expansion into health care services.
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