For many parents of Autistic children, getting a hair cut can be a traumatic experience for them and their child. It's a task that needs to be done but the thought of it fills us parents with dread! We've tried many methods over the years so thought we'd share some of our #triedandtested tips that we've fine tuned with much practice, to see if they can help you too.

Our Experience Of Hair Cuts

Over the years i've tried numerous strategies for my son's haircut. I've cut his hair myself at home (resulting in interesting styles). I've had home visits from hairdressers and also visits to the barbers. My son (who has ASD and sensory issues) hated having his head touched and was particularly sensitive around his ears.  It was as if the act of cutting caused him physical pain – like he had feeling in his hair!

Over the years I have persevered and whilst still something of a tactical operation, I seem to have cracked it. I've found an understanding barber who we’ve been going to for a few years now. My son knows them and vice versa. We go together and I have my hair cut at the same time in the next chair.  He can even tolerate the clippers now and the promise of a treat (usually a cafe for cake!) often helps us get though the final few minutes when he’s starting to get fidgety.

Our Tips For Getting Through A Hair Cut

Find an understanding hairdresser

Whether having your child’s hair cut at home or at a barbers, talk to the hairdresser beforehand about your child, their condition and how they may react.   You may want to provide them with some information and give them some tips and suggestions on how to handle certain situations. For example: speaking calmly and using short, simple sentences.

Introduce your child gradually to the hairdresser

Visit the salon and watch someone they know (a sibling, friend or Dad) having a haircut. Show your child the hairdresser or barber that they will be having so they know what they look like. If possible, you could always watch them cut someone elses hair so they know it's nothing to be frightened of and it won't hurt.

Prepare in advance

Prepare your child for the hair cut by marking it on the calendar with a hair cut symbol so they know when it is coming.   Try to visit at a quiet time of day when you are unlikely to have to wait too long - first thing or end of the day could work well when it's unlikely to be too busy. You may want to book an appointment, explaining to the hairdresser that missing the allotted time could have consequences!

Manage expectations

Use social stories to explain about hair cuts and to prepare for the visit to the hairdresser.  Use a timer at the start of the cut so your child knows how long it is going to last.

Reduce uncomfortable sounds

Many autistic children are very sensitive to the noise of clippers.  Either ask the hairdresser to use scissors only and/or use earplugs to block out some of the noise.   You could also play your child’s favourite music to distract them and block out some of the background noise.

Sensory Resources

Fidget toys may also be useful to keep your child occupied during the hair cut. A favourite toy may provide some comfort and keep them distracted. We also find taking some sensory chews or a chewable comfort safety lanyard a great way to help manage anxiety, especially if your child is prone to chewing fingers or cuffs when they are agitated.

 

Weighted Therapy

A weighted lap pad, jacket or hug vest could be used to keep them calm. This may reduce anxiety whilst in the barber’s chair.

Keep it familiar

If your child is having their hair washed, ask the hairdresser not to use a strongly scented shampoo. Taking your own shampoo which will smell familiar to your child maybe be better.   You could ask the hairdresser to use the water spray to dampen the hair.  You could turn this into a fun activity for your child (get your child to spray the water on themselves for example.

Incentive

We always find a small reward like a chocolate bar at the end of the hair cut works wonders. This can also be used as an incentive for the next visit.

If you have any tips to share we'd love to hear from you! Get in touch via Facebook or Instagram.

By Andrew Caws
Managing Director of Sensory Direct & Parent of an Autistic Adult
July 2024