Hairy Phonics
Hairy Phonics: A focused sequence teaches digraphs through animation, tracing and blending games. Ranked #41 of 48 in Phonics Apps by our editors (4.7/10); pricing: Paid; best for children ages 4–6 beginning phonics.
At a glance
- Editor score4.7 / 10
- PricingPaid
- Best forChildren ages 4–6 beginning phonics
- Free planNo
- Instruction focusPhonemic awareness
- Facts checked29 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Teaches nine consonant digraphs and floss doubles in a structured sequence
- Uses animations to connect actions with sounds
- Combines finger tracing with games blending phonemes into words
Where it doesn't
- Requires a paid purchase and has no free plan
- Focuses on digraphs and floss doubles rather than broad phonics coverage
- Available on iOS and Android only
Our verdict on Hairy Phonics
Hairy Phonics 1 is a mobile phonics app from Nessy Learning Ltd for children ages 4–6 who know the alphabet and are beginning phonics. Its defined focus is consonant digraphs and floss doubles: sh, ch, th, ck, ff, ll, ss, zz and ng. Nessy describes the app as developing phonemic awareness. The sequence is suited to early learners who need structured practice with these letter patterns, rather than a general-purpose reading curriculum.
The activities pair different modes of practice around the same sounds. Phonic animations connect an action with a sound, children trace letters with a finger, and games ask them to blend phonemes into words. This combination gives the app a clear instructional focus: connecting sounds and letters, then using those sounds in word blending. Families looking for a narrow, guided introduction to digraphs may find that focus useful; those seeking broader phonics topics should compare alternatives with a wider scope.
The app is listed for iOS and Android, so it fits households using Apple or Android mobile devices. Hairy Phonics is paid and has no free plan, so buyers should expect a purchase rather than a free tier. It is most appropriate for children at the alphabet-to-phonics transition who are ready to practice the listed patterns. It is less suited to learners who need alphabet instruction, broader phonics coverage, or access beyond mobile devices.
Hairy Phonics pricing
Hairy Phonics fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Age range | 4–6 years |
| Instruction focus | Phonemic awareness |
| Progress tracking | Not verified |
| Offline access | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | iOS, Android |
| Learner profiles | Not verified |
| Deployment | Mobile |
| Platforms | iOS, Android |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Paid |
| Website | nessy.com |
| Facts checked | 29 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Hairy Phonics
- Reading EggsA structured phonics-to-comprehension program with extensive books and family reporting.9.0
- StarfallA low-cost phonics and reading library for families, teachers, and schools.8.6
- Lexia Core5 ReadingA school-focused reading program pairing adaptive practice with educator-guided intervention.7.7
See all Hairy Phonics alternatives →
Used Hairy Phonics? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Hairy Phonics for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Hairy Phonics is listed in our Phonics Apps directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/hairy-phonics/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/hairy-phonics.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update