awful. It was actually comical. I wanted my 2 year old to get his first haircut (pandemic haircuts at home by me are not great, slightly uneven but overall fine). I assumed incorrectly that a "pro" haircut place would have screens or books to distract and better hair capes than my DIY home situation. Nope, no kid friendly distractions, and nope, they had a plastic bag type tie thing that did nothing to keep hair off him. I told the hairdresser my sons hair was too long and I'd like to have it shortened. I told her I liked where his part is in front so keep the same just trim. The place is cash only so my husband went to the atm and by the time he got back the "haircut" was done - all within 5 minutes. She used a razor around the back (fine) then proceeded to buzz his entire front part??? By the first stroke I audibly gasped because it was too late. His hair was buzzed all the way around, unevenly too! Oh, and hair was all over his face and body! Chunks of hair were in his mouth, eyes and down his neck. I had to wipe his face with my hand so he could open his eyes. When it was done, she asked him how he liked the haircut and poor kid says "good" with chunks of hair in his mouth. My husband could not stop laughing behind his mask (I could tell) as it was just so bad. Were we on a prank show? He asked if she could trim the sideburns as they were just buzzed but the length was still the same. Luckily I had a change of clothes for him because hair was literally everywhere. Oh and to top it off, it was $35! It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience... memorable, and we will never do that again! read more

They do a great job! I have learned from them as a relatively new parent that there is a specific skill to cutting kids hair, a significant part of which is dealing with nervous children. They know how to do it! If you are taking kids in, and spending say, $60 with tip, it sure would be nice if they took a credit card. There are not too many other places I could think of where you spend at this level and they don't take credit.... read more

I gave Panda Room 3 chances. #1: I walked in one day to make an appointment, as I was shopping at Towne Center- did not know they existed. I was not greeted upon entering, when someone who was sitting behind the register noticed I was waiting, they acted offended and snapped at me when I asked if there were possibly any openings that day. I said I would call for an appointment and left, blown away by her attitude, I was super nice. #2: After a rave review from a friend and thinking maybe the girl from the first time might have just been having a bad day, I decided to call for an appointment and give them another chance. I walked in 5 minutes early with my daughter, and proceeded to wait 20 minutes before someone finally was open to take her. Okay fine. But the person who cut my daughters hair was so poor with communication, acted as if she would have rather been anywhere else, barely trimmed my daughters hair and I felt completely overcharged for such poor attention. #3: Months later my husband decided to try them once. He arrived on time, stood at the counter, and the two women at the counter did not acknowledge him standing there, and proceeded to say disrespectful things to each other loudly about another customer who was actually still in the store. Unbelievable! The person who cut my daughters hair did a good job this time, but both my husband and I will never, ever walk in there again. I tell everyone I know NEVER to go there. read more

My 11 month old just got his first haircut with Esther at the Panda Room. I didn't have a reservation but I had finally worked up the nerve and wanted to act on it. Esther wasn't even ready yet but accommodated us without hesitation. She reassured me she would just trim his lovely locks and was very sweet to my boy throughout the whole process. I highly recommend her and my baby boy still has his lovely locks just a little more tidy look. read more

LEST YOU WANT YOUR CHILD SHORN BY SHREWS....DO NOT COME HERE! First off, they could be a little bit cleaner...there's always left over hair bits in the toy basket they have the children play with while getting their hair cut. Not to mention the toys themselves could use a wipe down! Second...customer service sucks. I've been going here with our son for almost a year (couldn't find any other place that's closer) and during that time they always acted like it was the first time seeing us. (Note: I'm in retail and it's not that difficult to remember the regular customers - if not by name, just acknowledge that you remember them) Third...they always run behind schedule. Nine times out of ten, I have had to wait anywhere from 5-15 minutes for our appt. However, the last straw came today when my husband arrived 10 minutes late for my sons appt (really bad traffic back up on SFD) - and they told him he'd have to come back in 1.5 hours. Are you kidding me? So they can make me wait 5-15 minutes at their whim, but if I'm a few minutes late....I lose 1.5 hours of my day roaming the mall waiting for them to get their act together? Me thinks not! There's got to be a better alternative to children's hair cuts in central marin! Btw - my husband (who is one of the most calm and laid back people) made the comment of "Wow, this place is run my shrews"....I concur. read more

It's taken me days to even be able to write this constructively. I'm devastated by the cut given to my 18 month son this past weekend. I asked for a trim of the bangs and for it to be cleaned up. she proceeded to remove ALL his baby curls and gave him the most lop sided short cut imaginable. I'm sick over it. While you can say it's hair and it will grow back we all know those baby curls don't!! I hope anyone reading this will make sure they are very careful when considering how their son or daughters hair is cut here. Ive only given this a star bc you have to give a star to comment. It's deserves nothing. read more

Pros-I was able to get a sunday appointment and they did cut my sons hair. Cons- The haircutter knew that it was my sons first time a Panda Room and second haircut. The three haircutters on staff were more concerned about talking amongst themselves than their little clients or the parent. The haircutter nicked my son and seemed very unconcerned or worried about it. His haircut was crooked. I guess this place would be ok in a pinch for some people, but not for me. read more

My 8-yr old son has been here for the past 3 years. Since I'm not the one who takes him I can only comment on the actual results - the haircuts themselves. Observations? Well approximately 1 in 5 cuts are well done - the remainder are a mixture of too short at the crown (sticking up), short all over with longer straight bangs up front, or an over-ambitious run with the thinning shears... Every cut looks different and even my son complains that often the stylist does not listen to him. I'll never take him there, but then again his mom doesn't ask either of us! read more

Only good kids haircut in the Bay Area. Snippety Crickets is a rip-off and they suck! I wouldn't let my pet rat get a haircut there. The Panda Room on the other hand is a high class kids salon. Plus the grown-ups get lollipops too! Totally worth the drive from SF. Another thing to love about Marin. read more

I am in shock over my sons haircut today. Esther cut his hair, and was asked very specifically to keep it long and to just clean up his hair all around. I wanted a "surfer style" haircut. She proceeded to cut and cut, and completely shave off his sideburns. Not only was it a bad haircut, he has two cut marks on the back of his neck. I hope people read this and refrain from going here with their children! read more

After reading lots of GGMG reviews about how not to go to Snippety Crickets, I took my daughter up to Marin to check out Panda Room as that was highly recommended on the summaries. I had attempted to cut her hair the night before and messed it up so I just got in the car and drove without calling ahead for an appt. The owner first started in about how she couldn't take me unless I had an appt but there was no one there so I just gave her a look like, 'you're kidding me, right?' She changed her tune and said she'd take me since her other appt was a no show. She gave my daughter an okay cut, she fixed the mess I'd made but nothing more. I asked her to have the ends curl under, which they don't at all so don't expect anything fancy. Halfway through the cut, the 'no-show' showed and she gave her the same speil about how she couldn't take her until 2 pm blah blah while there was no one to be seen in the store. She ended up cutting her son's hair right after my daughter's. Seems like a common story, bitch and then give the customer what they want. Not a great way to run a business if you ask me. Funny thing is that afterward at a nearby playground, I heard a local mom talk about how she refuses to step foot in Panda room because they're so rude and always drives to the city to Snippety Crickets ... go figure. I think we'll try snippity crickets next time. read more

I opted to take my 3 yr old son here, rather than a certain kid's salon in SF that will remain unnamed, based on online reviews. What a big mistake! The Panda Room is filthy and so are the toys provided. It is surprising that someone whose business is based on serving children does so little to accommodate them. Our stylist was unfriendly, even rude, and the cut was terrible. I clearly stated how I wanted his hair cut and the results were something very different. I have since found an excellent barber, just a little further drive north, that graciously accommodates children and his salon is clean. read more

I don't normally feel obligated to post negative reviews, but we just had a *really* poor experience at Panda Room in Corte Madera. I made first-time appointments for two of my kids at 4 this afternoon, and upon arrival was accused by the stylist very rudely (and loudly) for missing my appointments at 3. When I tried to calmly diffuse the situation by saying that perhaps she was mistaken, she told me in no uncertain terms that it was me who is confused and that she tried to call me but I didn't answer (which isn't the case since I had no missed calls). She then told me she'd try to fit my kids into her schedule since we were already there (and it was the first haircut experience for one of my kids). Amazingly, after 1.5 hrs of waiting with a restless 20 mos old and 3 yr old, they were only able to do the haircut for my 3 yr old (and that was after waiting 45 min). No apologies. . nothing. Sadly, my 20 mos old, who was so excited to be getting her first haircut, left very disappointed. We just couldn't wait any longer given that we had a sitter and I have newborn twins at home. Needless to say, I'm just really shocked by the poor treatment and won't be going back. It's great to see recommendations for other kids salons in Marin. I'm happy that the Panda Room isn't the only game in town! read more

Took my kid in for their first cut. They had a total meltdown which is not normal for kiddo. The play area was so fun they wanted to play instead of get a haircut. The staff was so kind and helpful. Pinot (spelling?) was our stylist and did everything she could to finish the cut quickly yet thoroughly. Will definitely be back. read more

We love Panda room. It's a great and convenient for us location in a shopping center. My kids love playing there and Kelly has been giving my 2 year old amazingly perfect haircuts and all with scissors since he wouldn't let anything else touch his hair. She is wonderful! read more

YOUCH! Service here is HORRIBLE. The stylists are typically skilled at cutting hair but they missed service day when at shear school. We tried to make an appt; would help if the phones were answered. Walked in, two stylists available; told no time but if we wanted to wait maybe someone wouldn't show. We waited. I know more about Michelle's new schedule of not working Mondays than I care to. The two stylists that chatted about that could have cut BIlly's hair instead. SIgns posted say "if you're five minutes late, we may give your appt away". Good to know they make courtesy calls at eight minutes past appt time. Be tardy and let your appetite for rudeness be hardy. Oh, and if they're paid by the cut, they clearly think the margins they're getting are good enough - seriously, two available stylists when we walked in and by the time we walked out, the third was free. And on the phone. read more

I take my two kids here and have for the past 3-4 years. My son is severely disabled, and the women here are always very patient and gentle with him. He looks great too! My daughter is a little tougher to cut, but they do an excellent job on her too. There are definitely stylists that I prefer, but all of them have done well by my children! Easy to park here as well most days and fairly easy to get a same day appointment. Wish they took credit cards. read more

My daughter is 4.5yrs, and we've been driving from SF to The Panda Room ever since her first haircut at 12months. They've always been on time for me. But don't expect to be able to walk in the place and get a cut. Appointments are necessary. At first I used to get frustrated to not reach a live person on the phone, but they ALWAYS return my calls. I find if I call just before they open, leave a message, and I get a call back as soon as they open. Same day bookings may not result in the ideal time, but they can usually squeeze you in. Best to book in advance. It's a popular place. I'm in the habit of arriving 15 minutes prior to the appointment so my child can play in the toy area. If that's not possible plan to stay for 10-15 min after. The kids love it! read more

They do a good job on my sons hair and gave a great play space for them while we wait, but it is cash or check only and pricey for a toddler cut at $30. Taken him multiple times because he is so comfortable and the hair stylist ate friendly, just wish it was a bit cheaper. read more

We've been taking our son to Panda Room since he was about 8 months old. His hair is thick and grows really fast, so I've lost count of how many haircuts we've had in his old age of 3.5 (probably 20+?). We always request Kim, who is friendly as ever, and does such an expert job of trimming our son's locks. If you are anything like me, when you find someone who does a consistently great job, you latch onto them for dear life. While we haven't gone to any of the other stylists, I will say that I always see very satisfied customers. Always looking forward to spending a half hour or so at Panda Room. In fact, we are headed there again on Saturday. Keep up the great job, guys! read more

We've been going here for a couple years now - taking both our boys for their haircuts and we LOVE Carolyn. I first thought cutting my kid's hair would be impossible, but she is an absolute pro - making it fun for them and even for the parents too. I've always thought she does a terrific job. A lot of the reviews complain about rudeness and such... I've seen a touch of that at times (maybe a little lackluster in the overall customer service now and then), but people come in without appointments and they come in late and the place is very busy. Panda Room is just doing their best to accommodate everyone in a timely manner. Overall - I'd highly recommend. Panda Room haircuts have always been a totally positive, looked-forward to event for us. And they make a big deal out of a child's first haircut - polaroid, certificate, sweetness - the works. It's a great place! Good play area too. read more

My son is 2 years old and we have been bringing him here since his second haircut ever. After just having an "ok" experience with his first haircut at a different salon, we decided to give this place a shot and got very lucky to get the BEST hairdresser in the salon to cut my son's hair. Her name is Naomi and she is amazing! my son clicked with her immediately as she has a wonderful energy about her that's calming to children, not to mention she gives beautiful haircuts. She is only there a couple days a week and is always booked in advance and for good reason. I highly recommend giving this salon and specifically her a shot. It is a clean and friendly environment and they are always on time, which is very valuable when you have a feisty toddler! ;) read more

Horrible experience and we will never go back. This was our second time to the Panda Room. The first time was not great, but not awful so we tried again. I wish we hadn't. The "stylist" was verty rude and unkind to my 2 year old son. He is scared of haircuts and was doing his best to sit still and not cry. She kept saying things like "If you squirm it will just take longer." While this may be true, it does not make it easier for the 2 year old. She also stopped in the middle of the cut to answer the phone, and then again to help some people who walked in and wanted to make an appointment. There was another stylist working on an older child who could have done these tasks. Her diversions made what should have been a 10 minute experience last 20 minutes. My son lost it at the end and started crying. The stylist offered him a lollypop without asking me if that was ok. She told me I was standing in her way (trying to distract my son with books and toys) even though I was standing exactly where she had told me to stand. Then when we got home I found a scissor-blade shaped cut on my son's neck, just under his ear. It is an afterthought that the haircut is not even good. It's all jagged on top and scraggly around the neck and ears. I wish I had just walked out. We will not go back. It's worth the extra few minutes in the car to go up to children's Hair club in Terra Linda. Eddie is fast and nice to kids. read more

My kid used to go to Kids Cuts in SF, but lately we've been going to Marin for his hair cuts (I have family there, so don't be fooled -- I don't make the extra trip just for his haircuts). He's had a half dozen cuts at Panda Room, and although their customer service leaves a little to be desired, he's had a good cut every time. read more

WOw, I am surprised at all the negative reviews of the Panda Room. I have been taking my kids there for years and they have always been professional and polite. My son loves getting his hair cut while playing with the basket of toys on his lap and love playing on the toys afterward. It is definitely a no frills place but they get the job done for a great fee! read more

The service is the worst, the ladies there are extremely rude, with the kids and moms. Never never come back again. read more

My nine year old daughter and husband both had their hair cut last weekend at the Panda Room. We were so happy with the convenience of them being able to get their haircut at the same time and both of them loved the cut! Everyone was super friendly and we loved the beautiful decor, it looked newly updated and I was told that the daughter of the previous owner owns it now - happy it's still a family fun business! I highly recommend this lovely salon for kids and adults! read more

My son loves getting his hair cut at Panda room. We found Xia, who just kills it with my son's hair. The stylists are so skilled at cutting children's hair, which makes such a big difference. His hair always looks awesome when he gets it cut (which grows like a weed). read more

Michelle was GREAT. She took so much time to make sure my daughter had a wonderful first hair cut experience. Highly recommended.

Older lady with short dark/ grey hair is horrible. Last time we went she butchered my child's bangs, they were so choppy I'm pretty sure I could have done a better job myself. Since I have taken my child before and been happy with other hairdressers, I decided to go back and the same lady was there and was incredibly rude. We did not have an appointment so I understand if you don't have time, but don't give me attitude and mumble under your breathe, I am happy to take my business elsewhere. I feel sorry for the other hairdressers that work here, because this one employee is going to cause everyone to lose business. I will not go back and will not/ do not recommend this place to anyone, unless she is gone. read more

Don't go here expecting that they will honor your appointment. I called the week before and scheduled an appointment for 10 am -- the first appointment of the day. We arrived and there were no other customers. There was a woman behind the desk (later learned her name was Connie) who was on the phone. When she finished her call, Connie seemed to be shocked that someone with a small child would walk into her salon at that time. She asked who we were and when I gave her my grandson's name she looked down at her book and said she didn't have his appointment. Instead of then trying to figure out what went wrong and how to accommodate me (again, there was no one else in the salon so perhaps she could actually give him a haircut??) she asked if the person I spoke to when I scheduled "had a heavy accent." Not sure what that was supposed to mean. In any case she asked if I could come back in an hour which would not work for my schedule. Then she got back on the phone. I told her I was going to recount my experience on Yelp. Perhaps that is why someone else from the salon called a bit later to say that the appointment issue was not Connie's fault and that they found my appointment on another day. She said the appointment was made by "someone who used to work here." When I said that there was no one else there and why couldn't they keep the appointment she said something about Connie being on the phone. I think rule number one when it comes to customer service is you deal with the customer physically in front of you and place the customer on the telephone on hold. I realize that mistakes in scheduling happen. But it was clear that they were not interested in trying their best to correct their error but just make excuses. read more

I have been taking my children to the Panda Room, both in Corte Madera and Novato, for several years. My older son had been particularly difficult with haircuts in the past. I generally take my boys to see the same red haired woman for cuts. She has always been exceedingly patient my oldest and he has since gotten over his anxiety with haircuts. I have been taking my youngest to her since he was a newborn. Now 4, he sits quietly and patiently during his cuts. This woman really knows what she's doing and I feel confident trusting my babies' precious little heads in her hands. Obviously, giving haircuts to small children is not always smooth sailing. However, through patience, repetition and yes, sometimes a little restraint, my children now sit calmly and leave with fabulous cuts every time! read more

I've taken my very fidgety grandson to get his hair cut there a few times and they've been great every time. He's not the easiest kid to keep entertained but each stylist did a great job with his hair and his experience. I can't imagine it's an easy job to do, but you'd never know it from their attitude or the actual haircut. read more

Never returned phone calls when I tried to get an appointment. Rumors of their rudeness are well-founded.

Very disappointing experience! I've cut my son's hair in the past (with absolutely no experience or training) and it's a simple retro bowl cut. I decided that though I was getting the job done, someone with training would do better. The first time we went, Naomi did a "fine" job on my son's hair. If we had gone head to head in a cutting competition we probably would have tied. I wasn't going to go back but needed a last minute cut for my kiddo, and with limited options, I sucked it up and gave it another chance. HUGE MISTAKE. I was really specific - keep it long, angled on the sides with a little layering. He got a total mullet. We are talking layered on top, super short on the sides and cut straight across above the ears and long in the back. If I wasn't so annoyed it might have even been funny. She hacked my son's hair and wouldn't admit it or even acknowledge that it wasn't what I, or any parent, would ever want. I honestly was most concerned that she thought it was a decent haircut. I won't go into the rudeness we experienced since really I've said enough. I will note that the family that came in for the next appointment took one look at my son's hair and left. Point made. read more

Because of their convenient location I've taken both my kids (3 year old daughter and 6 year old son) here on a number of occassions. We have had most if not all of the "stylists". Each time we go I give specific input on what I want, and what I don't want. It's rare that I like the result and even rarer that I love it. I'd said 3 or 4 times out of 5 the results are truly awful, including my experience last weekend. Both my kids are walking around now looking like they cut each other's hair. And at $22 a pop I realize I'm the dumb one. I've had too many bad experiences to go back. I'm heading to Tammy's on E Blithedale in Mill Valley since I've heard the results there are consistently good. read more

I've been to the Panda Room in Corte Madera a few times for my daughter as a last resort (i.e. my hairstylist, who does an awesome job for $10, is unavailable). My last visit was a disgrace. Not only was the stylist rude, she also managed to destroy a simple bang trim on my daughter's stick straight hair. And then proceeded to charge me the $22 fee, versus the $10 bang trim fee. Not sure what else to say - except that we can all do better than this. read more

I have been taking my son here for 3 years. Yesterday was the last time. We usually get the woman with blonde hair (I forgot her name) she is great! This review is not about her.. It's about the other "stylist" she cut my sons hair in about 3 mins and was done without asking me if it was okay. I felt rushed out of there. After,I paid I realized he had a bowl haircut. I took him back in for a little more off the top. Chop chop chop and he was done again. Now, we were left with an uneven bowl haircut. Not to mention she said "no matter what I do you will still be back in 3 weeks". Well, actually no I won't ! Ended up at super cuts and they saved the day ! read more

very friendly staff. they were great with my kid and gave him a pretty good hair cut. lots of toys of your kid to play with before and after. read more

For Halloween, my 5 yr old surprised us with his decision to dress up as a punk rocker; a main part of his rocker vision was a Mohawk. I brought him to Naomi at Panda room- I couldn't be happier with the outcome! I was nervous/apprehensive about my little guy getting a Mohawk; Naomi was very patience throughout the entire process. She clipped the sides one level at a time so I could see the contrast between lengths and monitor how extreme the outcome would be. Her lines are exact & the strip of longer hair centered perfectly!! I don't know how she managed to keep such precision working on a wiggly 5 yr old. Once his Mohawk was complete, being the artist she is- Naomi faded a few lines on one side to give it a unique/signature look. The finished product looks INCREDIBLE! We have received so many compliments from both parents and kids- some even considering the same edgy cut for their little ones. Initially I had planned on returning his hair back to a buzzcut after Halloween- but I LOVE how great it looks on him- so we've decided to keep it this way for however long he wants. I wish there was a way I could post a few pics for anyone reading this to see what an amazing job she did! For anyone in need of a talented/kid friendly hairstylist- I strongly recommend Naomi or any of girls at Panda Room!!! In addition to great stylists- the salon is set up for kids with books/toys/playroom, their hair products are all natural/ high-quality, it is SUPER clean- and price wise, totally affordable!!! Thank you Naomi & Panda Room ladies for such a great experience- look forward to seeing you again in a few weeks :-) Best! Brianna & L. read more