VIDEO: Mansfield’s magical hair salon - Abrakadabra

As the name suggests it is a magical place where children can have their very own environment not simply as a place to have their hair cut and styled but a space to have fun.

This Church Side salon offers something different from the rest and has been styled on similar shops in the States and South America where its owner originates.

Alejandra Cooling-Valencia has brought the concept from overseas and transformed her salon into a play-room where youngsters, who might feel nervous about having their hair cut, feel more at ease.

Instead of a standard stool or chair, toddlers can climb aboard a motorbike or tuck into a racing car to get their locks chopped.

And whilst the stylist is trimming their tresses they can watch the latest movie at their very own flat screen.

“It is all about making youngsters feel relaxed and enjoying the experience,” said Alejandra who has employed four staff in the enterprise. “It should be fun and we don’t rush the process as we want them to come back.”

The downstairs is divided into two rooms. The first is for younger clients with the cars and murals painted on the walls, complete with colouring tables to keep the youngsters entertained.

The second room is for older children and is fiited out to a musical theme with electric guitar mirrors that flash and a nail bar for manicures and pedicures.

But it’s not just about decor. This salon has a conscience and only uses products to protect children with no sulphates and chemicals.

“We are competitively priced but also do what we believe is right for the safety of the client,” explained Alejandra. “Even in the adults salon upstairs if a client asks us for something we don’t believe is right, like bleaching black hair, we won’t do it.”

Abrakadabra offers the little touches other salons don’t from children’s favourite drinks and lollipops, to toy tiaras for little princesses.

I took my own two children for their back to school trims and was overwhelmed by the environment and friendly atmosphere.

At seven and 10, Grace and William were suitably impressed by their ‘treat’ and sat very still sipping juice, sucking a lollipop and watching Dispicable Me, while their hair was being coiffured.

Even the cartoon capes were donned with enthusiasm as they absorbed their surroundings.

Upstairs there is an adults hair and beauty salon complete with CCTV so the children can be entertained downstairs whilst mum is preened upstairs.

It seems Alejandra has thought of everything, as not only can she provide a framed first lock of hair, a party room is also on the premises.

Youngsters can bring up to 12 guests for a birthday treat or maybe a pre-prom preen at a pamper party in their Hollywood themed dressing room.

Complete with directors’ chairs, theatre styled mirrors, glitter-ball and disco lights,you and your friends can have their hair-styled and make-up applied by experts.

“I am currently waiting for my food licence,” added Alejandra. “As soon as I have it I can then provide party food too.

“We have had a wonderful reception since we opened and visitors have been amazed by the surroundings so I hope they return time and time again.”

Abrakadabra is open six days a week Mon-Sat and can be contacted by calling 01623 659755 or join them on Facebook.

See our video online at www.chad.co.uk.