Like most people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory issues with hair care are a common problem.
Discover tips and techniques for a stress-free hair cut for an autistic child. This is your guide to sensory-friendly grooming.
Finding the right barber shop or hairdresser for your autistic child can be a difficult task. Getting a haircut can present a number of sensory issues for an autistic child, including the feeling of the scissors, clippers, and comb on their scalp. To make the experience more manageable, it is important to have strategies in place to make the process smoother.
Each morning unfolds like clockwork in our household. We rise and shine, then seamlessly move through our established morning rituals. Bath time has always been a staple in our child’s routine, primarily because he seems to revel in the sensation of water caressing his skin. So you can imagine my bewilderment when I discovered he has sensory challenges specifically related to hair care. It was a moment that left me grappling for solutions.
Why do autistic kids struggle with haircuts?
Autism spectrum disorder affects individuals in a variety of ways, and one aspect that many autistic people experience is sensory processing issues. These challenges can make everyday activities, such as getting a haircut, overwhelming and difficult. Sensory processing issues can cause certain sensory inputs, such as the sound of hair clippers or the feeling of scissors on the scalp, to become overwhelming or even painful for autistic kids.
Imagine the first time your child sits in the hairdresser’s chair. The bright lights, the loud voices, and the unfamiliar sounds can be extremely overwhelming. It’s no wonder that many autistic children have a hard time sitting still or cooperating during haircuts. However, understanding your child’s specific needs can help you navigate these difficulties and create a great experience.
Regardless of my efforts to simplify the hair-washing process or prep him for haircut day, his screams made it sound as if he was in agony. Each cry tugged at my heartstrings. Compounding the issue was his hair texture; his curly locks seemed to have a knack for getting all tangled up, making the situation even more challenging.
What sensory issues are affected by a hair cut for an autistic child?
Haircuts can be a sensory minefield for individuals with different sensory needs, like those on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing disorder. Here are some sensory issues commonly affected by the haircut experience:
Tactile Sensitivities
Water Temperature: Some kids are extremely sensitive to water that’s too cold or too hot.
Touch: The sensation of scissors, clippers, or even the feeling of hands touching the scalp can be overwhelming.
Hair Tugging: The act of combing or pulling hair taut for the actual haircut can be a stressful experience.
Auditory Sensitivities
Sound of the Clippers: The snipping sound of scissors or the buzzing of electric clippers can be startling or even distressing.
Background Noises: Salon chatter, loud noises, or the sound of blow dryers can contribute to sensory overload.
Visual Sensitivities
Flashing Lights: The salon’s lighting can sometimes be too bright or flicker in a way that’s disturbing.
Proprioceptive and Vestibular Sensitivities
Seat Height/Position: Being elevated in a barber chair can cause issues with spatial orientation.
Head Movement: Tilting the head back for washing or moving it for various angles of cutting can be disorienting or uncomfortable.
Olfactory Sensitivities
Smells: The scent of shampoos, conditioners, or even sanitized tools can be off-putting for some.
Emotional and Social Sensitivities
Stranger Anxiety: Being touched by a stylist they don’t know can be stress-inducing.
Expectation Anxiety: Not knowing exactly what’s going to happen next can make the experience nerve-wracking.
Understanding these sensitivities was the first step in making the haircut experience more comfortable for him. I often asked his occupational therapist for her input as well.
How can you help prepare your little one?
Visual Aids
Before the haircut appointment, try to create social stories or a visual schedule to help prepare your child for what to expect. Use pictures or drawings to show them each step of the haircut process, from sitting in the chair to getting their hair washed and trimmed. By familiarizing them with the routine, you can help alleviate any uncertainties or anxieties they may have.
Practice Makes Perfect
Before the actual day, have a “dress rehearsal.” You can use pretend play scissors and replicate the entire haircutting process at home. This way, your child will know what to expect, and it might lessen the anxiety.
Do A Little Research
First and foremost, it is important to find a hair salon or barber that is understanding and accommodating of children with sensory issues. Not all salons may have experience or training in working with autistic children, so it is crucial to do your research beforehand. Utilize social media platforms to gather recommendations from other parents in similar situations. Our son’s barber doesn’t specialize in working with children with special needs, however, he listens and is very patient. Most importantly he makes our son feel safe.
Tools and Techniques to Reduce Sensory Overload During Hair Cuts
Haircuts can be overwhelming for autistic children due to the sensory challenges they face. However, there are various tools and techniques that can help reduce sensory overload and make the experience more comfortable. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Noise-canceling headphones: Many autistic children have heightened sensitivity to sounds. Providing your child with noise-canceling headphones or ear plugs can help block out the sounds of clippers, hairdryers, and other loud noises in the salon, making the experience more bearable for them.
- Calming music: Playing calming music during the haircut can help create a soothing atmosphere and distract your child from any distressing sounds. Choose music that your child finds calming or familiar, such as their favorite songs or instrumental tunes.
- Visual supports: Visual supports, such as a visual schedule or social story, can help your child understand and anticipate each step of the haircut process. Use pictures or simple drawings to outline the sequence of events, from sitting in the chair to getting their hair washed and trimmed. This visual guidance can reduce anxiety and help your child feel more prepared.
- Gentle touch techniques: Some autistic children may have heightened sensitivity to touch, particularly when it comes to the feeling of scissors or a comb on their scalp. Discuss with the stylist or barber about using gentler touch techniques or alternative tools that may be more comfortable for your child, such as using a brush instead of a comb.
- Breaks and rewards: Recognize that your child may need breaks during the haircut to cope with sensory overload. Discuss with the stylist or barber about allowing short breaks throughout the process to give your child a chance to regroup and relax. Additionally, consider implementing a reward system where your child receives a small reward, such as a favorite treat or activity, after the haircut. This can serve as positive reinforcement and make the experience more motivating for them.
Discover tips and techniques for a stress-free hair cut for an autistic child.
Rewarding and Positive Reinforcement After the Haircut
After successfully navigating the haircut experience with your child, it’s important to provide them with rewarding and positive reinforcement. By celebrating their accomplishments and acknowledging their efforts, you can help build their confidence and make future haircuts a more positive experience. Here are some tips for rewarding and providing positive reinforcement after the haircut:
- Praise and encouragement: Take the time to acknowledge your child’s bravery and resilience during the haircut. Let them know that you are proud of them for sitting still and cooperating. Use specific and positive language to reinforce their achievements. For example, you could say, “You did a good job staying calm and still during the haircut. I’m so proud of you!”
- Small rewards: Consider implementing a reward system where your child receives a small treat or activity after the haircut. This can serve as positive reinforcement and motivate them for the next visit. You could offer their favorite snack, a special toy, or a fun outing to their favorite place.
- Verbal reminders: As you leave the salon or barber, remind your child about their successful haircut experience. Talk about how well they did and highlight the positive aspects of the experience. This can help reinforce their confidence and build a positive association with future haircuts.
- Celebratory activities: Plan a special activity or outing to celebrate their successful haircut. This could be a trip to the park, a visit to their favorite store, or a fun family outing. By making the post-haircut experience enjoyable, you can further reinforce their positive feelings towards haircuts.
- Keep the positive momentum going: After a successful haircut, continue to reinforce the positive aspects and celebrate their achievements. Share the story with friends and family, highlighting your child’s bravery and cooperation. By continually emphasizing their success, you can help build their confidence for future haircuts.
Getting a hair cut for an autistic child doesn’t have to be a bad experience
Remember, every child is unique, and what works for one child may not work for another. Pay attention to your child’s preferences and adapt the rewards and positive reinforcement techniques accordingly. By providing praise, and rewards, and celebrating their accomplishments, you can help make haircuts a more positive and manageable experience for your child.
When our son was little, I constantly felt judged for not doing “enough” with his hair. Every grooming session was a struggle, often leading to meltdowns. I found myself constantly having to explain the situation to people who thought I wasn’t doing enough. Letting his hair grow out wasn’t an option either, as that would only make it more unmanageable. Ultimately, I knew I was doing the best I could, given the circumstances. Just be patient and open to trying different techniques until you find what makes your kiddo most comfortable.
So, the next time the topic of a hair cut for an autistic child comes up, you’ll be armed and ready! Let me know how it goes, and share your tips or stories below!
What are people thinking? Your son’s hair is glorious! His hair does seem a little dry? Maybe it’s just the photos. His curls look super cute in the last photo.
Yeah his hair sucks up everything I put in it like a sponge.
We adopted our little girl. She has c3 hair that sucks everything up we put on her hair as well. Doing her hair is always a melt down. She screams so loud we have been struggling with her hair since she was 4 months old. She has PPD with Severe sensory issue when it come to her hair. I normally try to keep twists or larger braids in her hair but when we are in public people always make comments that make me feel as I’m not doing enough.
He is beautiful!
Thank you for this! We (but especially I) get so much criticism from family and others about my son’s hair. It gets discouraging because it may seem to others like I don’t really care about his appearance which of course I do. They just don’t understand the struggle of hair day!
Yes I definitely understand I’m currently dealing with my 3 year old daughter and it’s awful. Both my husband and I try to accomplish getting her hair done and we still don’t manage well. Since she has started preschool it has gotten worse.
As a fellow barber, I can definitely relate to the challenges of working with kids who have sensory sensitivities. It’s great that you highlight the importance of understanding each child’s unique needs and finding ways to make the experience comfortable for them. I’ve found that having a calm, quiet environment and using visual aids can be really helpful. It’s also important to be patient and flexible, as even the best-laid plans can sometimes go awry. I always make sure to let parents know that it’s okay if their child needs a break or doesn’t want to cooperate at first. By building trust and rapport, we can make the haircut experience a positive one for everyone involved.