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In 1995, Cozy Friedman—yes, that’s her real name—was working in the rag trade and looking to start a business. Seeing opportunity in the unruly locks of New York tykes, she did some research, got her barber’s license, and opened Cozy’s Cuts, a rainbow-hued, kid-centric hair boutique. Now with three Manhattan locations, Cozy’s caters to little urbanites: Playful hairdressing chairs are shaped like giant, bum-cupping hands or tiny Porsches, and kids have their choice of chairside entertainment, from DVDs to GameCube (the better to distract reluctant clients or keep young wrigglers still while the patient, expert haircutters trim bangs and bobs). With manicure stations for girls and their moms, Cozy’s can prettify the whole family in one swoop. They also host “glamour” birthday parties in the shop or at the kid of honor’s choice of locale. The shop’s vast array of high-end gifts, favors, travel toys, and hand-crafted hair doodads are complemented by a full line of sweet- and fruity-scented haircare products; the latter includes a special swimmer’s shampoo and Boo! shampoo and conditioner, a chemical-free lice-prevention treatment infused with rosemary, lavender, and tea tree oil that’s sought after by additive-conscious parents of elementary schoolers. — Helen Zelon

Special-needs kids get special treatment at Cozy’s: The shop’s stylists will open early or stay late to coif children who require more quiet and concentration than the everyday raucous jollity that the salon provides. Call ahead to book an appointment.

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Best of New York Awards

• Best First Haircut (2007)