Haircuts for clients with autism
There are around 700,000 people on the autism spectrum in the UK. And for many, visiting the hairdressers can be overwhelming.
Daniel Cadey, Autism Friendly Development Manager at the National Autistic Society, says, “There are quite a few hairdressers who promote themselves as autism friendly. It can often be because they have a personal connection - a child who is on the autism spectrum for example - and understand why an autistic client might find a visit to the hairdressers difficult.”
Here, Daniel shares his expert tips for salon owners and freelance hair stylists on how you can help your autistic clients feel comfortable and reassured during their haircut.
What is autism?
According to the National Autistic Society, autism is a lifelong disability that impacts how someone communicates with and relates to people around them. It also affects how they experience the world around them. In the UK, more than one in 100 people are on the autism spectrum.
What are the common issues autistic clients might experience at the hairdressers?
There are various reasons an autistic person might feel uncomfortable having their hair cut. Daniel says, “Getting your hair cut is not an everyday practice, so for someone who likes routine and doesn’t like unexpected changes, having to go to the hairdresser would be something you’d need to prepare them for.
“Then you have the different sensory issues: you may have a loud salon with lots of lights and movement. Some autistic people have difficulties with their touch system and can find touch painful. This means they might struggle to have someone standing close to them and combing their hair. The smell of the products can also be difficult for someone who is autistic.”
“It’s about having an understanding and consideration as to why someone might be getting anxious and then setting them at ease.”
How can you support autistic clients?
The first thing is to make sure you understand autism and how autistic people see, hear and, feel the world differently to other people. Daniel says, “It’s about understanding why an autistic person might find it difficult to go to a hairdresser and working with that.
“For example, if a parent is wanting to arrange an appointment for their child, you could ask them to come in at a time when you’re not busy so it’s not as noisy. You’ll also have an understanding of why clients might want space, so you’ll know not to sit them in the middle of a bank of chairs.”
Here are more tips for making your salon or freelance business autism-friendly
Educate your team
It’s just as important to make sure your staff (if you have any) have an understanding of autism. “We have training on our website - online training - and our volunteer-led branches across the country would be happy to give advice to the individual, carer or parent”, says Daniel.
A great resource is the National Autistic Society website to find information about autism.
Create a video or storyboard
Another useful way to help customers - no matter whether you’re a salon owner or mobile stylist - is by creating a video or storyboard explaining what they can expect when they are having a haircut.
“Videos or photo stories so people know what the process is beforehand are a great idea”, says Daniel. “For a child who hasn’t had their haircut before, seeing what will happen is really helpful.” Put the video or visual story on your Facebook page or your website so customers can easily access it.
Ask them to come in before their appointment
Going to a new environment can be stressful so take it step by step. Ask your customer to come in before the haircut so they can see what the environment is like and what they’ll be experiencing.
Daniel adds, “Before the haircut, give them information about what is going to happen. Tell them what you’ll be doing and reassure them that they can talk to you at any time and ask you to stop if needed. It’s about having an understanding and consideration as to why someone might be getting anxious and then setting them at ease.”
Another good tip is to make sure your customer is in front of a mirror. That way they can see what is happening at all times and isn’t upset by any unexpected contact.
If you are a mobile stylist, arrange to visit them at home to introduce yourself and talk through what will happen when you cut their hair.
Limit the number of people your customer has to see
From the receptionist to the junior team member taking them to their chair, your customers probably interact with at least two people before reaching you. And for autistic people, this can be an issue.
Daniel says, “Sometimes having so many different interchanges can be a bit of a struggle so that’s something else to consider. A lot of it comes down to communication, whether that’s with a parent or the individual, and understanding what their preferences are.
“You will end up getting loyal customers because if you have that personal relationship they will continue to come back.”
Interested in applying for an Autism Friendly Award for your hairdressing business? Get in touch via autism.org.uk/autismfriendly or by emailing autism.friendly@nas.org.uk for more details.
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