Haircuts can be tough for any child, but for autistic children, they can feel like a major challenge. As a parent living in Sutton Coldfield, I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming the sounds, smells, and sensations can be for my son. Over time, and with help from autism friendly barbers in Sutton Coldfield, we’ve developed a way to make the experience calmer and more predictable.
Below is what’s worked for us, based on the exact steps other parents have shared — and with every part tailored to families here in Sutton Coldfield.
Autistic children often have heightened sensory sensitivities. Something small — like the feel of hair falling on their neck — can cause real distress. Add to that the loud buzz of clippers, bright lights, or unfamiliar smells, and it’s easy to see why a simple haircut can be such a big hurdle.
Some of the most common triggers I’ve seen include:
Recognising these challenges is the first step toward finding a solution.
Not every barber has the patience or understanding to adapt for children with sensory sensitivities. Autism friendly barbers in Sutton Coldfield take extra steps to make children feel safe. They may offer:
Searching for “autism haircut Sutton Coldfield” online or asking other local parents is a good way to find the right person.
For us, preparation is everything. Here’s what helps:
Book the earliest slot in the day so it’s quiet. Avoid busy Saturdays. Call ahead and let the barber know your child’s needs. If possible, visit the shop beforehand so your child can see the space without pressure.
Visual aids can make a huge difference. I sometimes use a “haircut story” — a simple set of pictures showing each step: arriving, sitting down, snipping hair, and leaving. Autism friendly hairdressers near me have even given me small photo guides to use at home.
A good autism friendly hairdresser will:
Many in Sutton Coldfield are happy to turn off music, avoid clippers, or even cut hair outdoors in good weather.
Look for reviews from other parents. Ask if they have experience with sensory sensitivities. See if they can offer:
Before booking, I usually ask:
Comfort is key. Sometimes we bring a favourite song to play quietly. Other times, I’ll hold his hand during the cut. We’ve even brought our own cape when the salon ones felt scratchy.
Some autism friendly barbers in Sutton Coldfield use techniques like:
Be clear and specific. For example:
“He doesn’t like clippers but is fine with scissors.”
“Please explain before you touch his hair.”
“He may need to get up for a moment halfway through.”
After the appointment, let your child decompress. We usually go for a walk in Sutton Park or grab a snack at a quiet café. Avoid rushing to another busy errand straight away.
The first time we got through even half a haircut without tears, we celebrated with ice cream. Each success — no matter how small — makes the next appointment easier.
Stick with the same barber if possible. Keep a similar routine each time. And most importantly, remember that progress can be gradual — and that’s okay.
If you live in Sutton Coldfield and have been struggling, know that there are autism friendly hairdressers near me who truly understand. With preparation, patience, and the right support, haircuts can go from dreaded to manageable — and maybe even enjoyable one day.
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