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Back-to-School Haircut Guide for Encino Parents

Published July 27, 2026 · 4 min read

Every August, the same thing happens: the week before school starts, every barber shop in Encino gets slammed. Parents remember all at once that picture day is coming, and everyone shows up in the same three days.

Here's the simple fix — get it done early. There's no rule that says a haircut has to happen the week of the first bell. Two to three weeks out is actually better: hair grows out just enough to still look sharp on day one, without needing a touch-up right before pictures.

By age, what to ask for

Younger kids (5 and under) usually do best with something low-maintenance — a simple, even trim that doesn't need daily styling before a parent's had coffee. Elementary-age boys can start having real opinions here, and a clean fade or a longer, textured top both hold up well through a full school day. Teens usually know exactly what they want walking in — the job is mostly execution and a good consultation.

Skip the week-of rush

If you're local to Encino, LAUSD and LAUSD both start August 13, and LAUSD (Encino-area) starts August 12. Working backward from those dates, the sweet spot is roughly the last week of July through the first week of August — early enough to beat the rush, late enough that it still looks fresh on picture day.

Whenever you end up going, the same thing holds true: come in with a photo if there's a specific look in mind, and don't be afraid to say "keep it simple" — some of the best back-to-school cuts are the ones nobody has to think about again until October.