DS had his first haircut (a few days after his first bday) in Nov.
It was fairly cramped inside the barber shop - I kind of felt like we were in the way, and the seating was tight, but not terrible. (I can’t remember exactly, but I think there are only three, maybe four, barbers chairs inside.) Strollers were left right outside the shop.
Like others have said, they gave the kids things to distract them (stickers, a light up spinning toy (not to keep), bubbles). DS (like all my kids) actually already had a full head of long, curly hair; he got a standard “boy” cut (scissors, not a razor) and they gave us some of his hair to keep. They also gave us a first haircut certificate (with his name and date written in by the barber) and “first haircut” Mickey ears. He and my other kids got glitter in their hair (other kids did not get cuts).
Overall, it was a good experience - DS ended up with a nice looking haircut and we were happy with the keepsakes (hair and ears). I don’t think any of the kids we saw getting cuts (maybe six altogether) cried. We’d go back for haircuts.