Tips For Haircuts
Haircuts can be overwhelming for children, especially autistic children, or those with sensory challenges. When we went for our first haircut, we wanted to ensure it wasn’t a traumatic experience. It wasn’t easy at first, but over time, things got better and better and both boys now get through their haircuts with ease.
I wanted to share some tips/recommendations that may be helpful for you as your prepare your child for their haircut appointment(s):
Bring your child with you to observe while you get your haircut. This will give them a chance to see what they can expect. Consider visiting friends/family members while they’re getting their haircut with your child as well. This will help expose them to the “hair salon” environment that can be loud, busy and overstimulating.
Do some research to find a hairdresser that is understanding and has experience with autistic children.
Prepare your child and start talking to them about their upcoming appointment. Mark it on the calendar and make it exciting by pairing it with something they enjoy as a reward, so that they can look forward to it.
Leo’s first haircut at Melonhead.
4. Book your appointment at a time when the hair salon isn’t busy - We usually book the first appointment of the day.
5. Come prepared to your appointment with noise cancelling headphones, your child’s favourite toy, or even a new surprise toy that will help distract them during the appointment.
6. Be sure to pack a change of clothes as some children may be bothered by the hair that falls on their clothes as it’s being cut.
7. The sound of clippers can be especially intolerable, so you may want to ask your hairdresser not to use them.
8. Some children don’t like to get their hair washed and may be especially sensitive to shampoo smells they’re not used to, so ask your hairdresser to use a spray water bottle instead.
9. Distract your child while they’re getting their haircut with fidget toys and consider bringing a weighted lap blanket. Bring a visual timer as it will help your child see a beginning and an end to their appointment. We use visual timers for various tasks and activities (nail cutting, toothbrushing, etc).
10. Be sure to reward your child after their appointment. We found a hairdresser in a shopping mall with rides and would always pair the boys’ haircuts with a fun outing afterwards.
I hope these tips are helpful!
As a reminder, haircuts can be a very overstimulating experience. It’s important to stay calm and be understanding to support your child’s needs. If you don’t get through your first experience with ease, don’t worry - Keep trying and with practice, things will get easier.
I frequently share updates on my Instagram page @natalieabkariancimini and you’re welcome to send me a DM if you have any specific questions.
Lots of love,
Natalie Abkarian Cimini
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: For Little Monkeys Charity is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com or Amazon.ca. None of the links are sponsored and the recommendations are 100% based on my own opinion/experience.
Lorenzo distracted with bubbles while he gets his haircut.
We have stuck to this routine since the boys had their first haircut and spend time at an indoor amusement park as their reward.
Leo watching a show on the TV in the hair salon while he waits for his appointment.
