AUTISMHAIRCUTTIPS

Autism Haircuts Tips and Management Strategies

If you have an autistic child, you may understand the challenges of getting a haircut.

For many autistic children, the sensory experience of getting their hair cut can be overwhelming and uncomfortable.
This can make it difficult for parents and hair stylists alike to give the child a proper haircut.

However, there are strategies and techniques that can make the experience more comfortable for the child and easier for everyone involved.
One Of The Biggest Challenges Of Getting A Haircut For An Autistic Child Is Sensory Overload.

Why Do Autistic Children Struggle With Haircuts ?

Many children with autism have a heightened state of sensory sensitivity, making the sounds, sights, and physical sensations of a haircut overwhelming.

The buzzing of clippers,
the closeness of scissors to the skin,
and even the new environment of the salon can all be uncomfortable in their own right.

Common behavioral responses can be anxiety, restlessness, and resistance.

The sound of the clippers, the feeling of the scissors on their skin, and the sensation of hair falling on their face and neck can all be overwhelming.
This can lead to Anxiety, Meltdowns, and even Physical Discomfort.
As a parent or caregiver, it can be difficult to know how to help your child through this experience.
However, with the right strategies and preparation, you can make the experience more comfortable for your child and help them get the haircut they need.
Never force your child
Because if you do, you are only making things harder the next time

Tips For Getting Through A Hair Cut

Find An Understanding Hairdresser

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

Toys And Tools For Kids With Special Needs

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.
Taking some sensory chews or a chewable comfort safety lanyard is 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

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.

Preparing A Child With Autism For A Haircut

When it comes to any changes in the usual routines of an Autistic Child, preparation plays a major role.
This is especially true for changes that include sensory experiences, such as hair cutting.

Get Your FREE Gift HERE AND GIVE Parenting Support for your Autistic Children With Their Haircut

Here’s how you can prepare:

Use social stories and visual aids: The social stories are very beneficial for the kids to understand what will happen during a haircut.
Set out to create a very simple story with pictures about what to expect, from arriving at the salon to sitting in the chair, getting hair washed, and eventually cutting.3Pick the right time and environment:
Book an appointment at a time when the salon may not be too busy so that they won’t get overstimulated.
Ensure calmness and familiarity in the environment.

Communicate clearly: Explain clearly to your child what they can expect in simple, uncomplicated terms. You may say, “We’re going to go to the salon to get your hair cut.

The stylist is going to take scissors and make your hair shorter.

This may just feel a little tickly, but we can take breaks if you need to.”

Calming Autism Haircut Tips

Reduce sensory overload: Allow them to wear noise-canceling headphones, which can cancel out the clipper’s sound.
Let them wear a comfortable cape or bring one from home if they don’t fit well in the one at the salon.
Take breaks: Give the child breaks in between to not overwhelm them with the haircut.

It is through this that you can manage their anxiety and make the experience more tolerable.

Positive reinforcement: Reinforce the child’s good behavior with attention or a small treat.
For example, “You did such a great job sitting still!
After the haircut, we can go get your favorite treat.”
These small steps in success can help to associate haircuts with fun.

How To Choose An Autism-Friendly Hairstylist

If you want to have your next visit with a hairstylist, it’s very important to find one who will be very patient and willing to understand autism.

Look for a stylist who has some experience working with autistic children.
Contact a few of them ahead of time and describe your child’s needs so you know if they are just right prior to scheduling the appointment.
Ask as many questions as you need about their approach and techniques.

You could say, “Do you have any experience in cutting the hair of children with autism?
What sort of precautions do you take to make the experience comfortable?”

Stress-free Autism Haircuts Verdict

By being aware of their Special Needs and Using Customized Strategies, Parents and Caregivers can make the haircutting experience complete for the child.

Patience,
Preparation,
and Positive Reinforcement –
According to many –
are the keys to making a positive, completely stress-free haircut experience And You And Your Hair Dresser Can Make It Happen

So……….With Planning and Forethought,
Haircuts Do Not Need To Be Stressful For You Or Your Kids With Autism., Be Positive