Does anyone have any tips to get a toddlers hair cut

[broomers]

DS is 2.5, he's had about 4 haircuts not at a hairdressers and absolutely hates it, is hysterically crying and trying to escape. It takes all my strength to hold him in place sat on my lap so the poor hairdresser doesn't cut him.
I've trying rewards / taking an iPad / pretending at home etc.
I've been trying to brush his hair, using a hairdryer (on low heat gentlest power setting) makes him hysterical too). I was hoping it might desensitise him to having people and things around his hair but no progress.
He desperately needs another hair cut and I'm dreading it!

Also forgot to say I take him older brother (5) and he sees him having his done and not reacting at all and has seen DH have his haircut. Also tried one of the hairdressers with the car seats they can play in while it's been done but no help I'm afraid!

Sometimes it’s just brute force like this till they are old enough to understand.

Are there any barbers or hairdressers who specially cater to children?

There’s one of those near me. They have little cars for the children to sit in, and they put on CBeebies to distract them.

Used to manage DIY haircuts by me cutting their hair whilst they were asleep( front and sides) and did the back whilst they were engrossed in favourite tv programme. Needs must!