Kids don't like to sit still, period, so getting them to patiently endure a haircut can be quite a challenge.

At children's hair salon Just for Kids in Cool Springs, Ky., owner Sarah Yu employs every trick of the trade she can think of to turn a potential tantrum into a pleasant experience for everyone.

"We know how much kids hate getting water in their eyes, so we have a table with a sink at the end where they can lay down for the wash," says Yu.

Her kid-focused salon also offers race-car chairs, TVs equipped with video games, a popcorn machine and a prize box for the successfully styled child. "We make it fun for the kids so that it's not torture for the parents," Yu says.

Dawn Licht is mom to 4-year-old twins Conner and Alyssa; she says the kids love getting their hair cut. "As long as Conner can play a video game and Alyssa gets to look pretty, they're happy."

After the haircut is done, there's still the daily challenge of making a child's hair look presentable. Washing, drying, combing and styling can try the patience of the most Zen parent.

Stylist Honey West of Just For Kids recommends leave-in conditioner to everyone to ease the brushing experience.

"Anything you can do to prevent tangles is good," says West.

When faced with the inevitable post-sleep snarl, she relies on the basics: "Start at the bottom and slowly work your way to the top. Trying to comb down through the tangle never works."

Sharyn Willensky says 5-year-old daughter Madelyn hates to have her hair brushed, so she's pleased with the stacked bob she got recently.

"I threaten Madelyn and tell her we'll get it cut like Howie (Mandel, the bald host of NBC's 'Deal or No Deal')," she laughs.

"This is a good wash-and-wear cut."

SIX TRENDY CUTS FOR PRESCHOOLERS

Are there fashion trends for preschoolers? Absolutely. Although not as extreme as grownup fads, hair and clothing styles for young children do cycle in and out of fashion. With back-to-school haircuts on the horizon, here are six, easy-maintenance styles that flatter:

THE BUSTER BROWN

The semi-bowl cut, ideal for thick, straight hair. Smooth flyaways with a touch of shaping gel (brands with kid-friendly hair gel include Circle of Friends, Johnson & Johnson and L'Oreal Kids).

GLITTERY UPDO

Girls love shiny things. Bring the shine right into her hair with a double French braid looped together and coated with glitter hair spray for a simple, sparkly updo.

COLORFUL CREW

Spike up his long crew cut with colorful hair gels that wash out in one shampoo (such as Circle of Friends hair paint in blue and red). The color can be applied from root to tip or just used to streak small sections of hair.

TRADITIONAL BOB

Keep her thick hair tamed with a blunt-cut bob pulled back with a headband. Soften a coarse mane with a smoothing cream such as Mustela Hydra-Stick with Cold Cream.

LONG BOY CUT

Stick close to tradition with a simple boy cut made a bit modern by keeping the hair longer on top. Smooth hair with a combination detangler and conditioner after shampooing (for a fruity scent, try Suave for Kids Conditioner/Detangler in Go Go Grape).

THE STACKED BOB

The stacked bob, this season's most popular cut for girls, works on all types of hair. The shape is layered to create a partial wedge in the back and expose the nape of the neck.