Manta’s Cuts stylists receive special training, based on the autism speaks® Successful Haircuts for Children with Autism Guide, to meet the needs of children with autism. We have provided some information and tips on how-to-make your child comfortable with coming to our salon.
SENSORY DISORDERS AND HAIRCUTS
Let’s break down why a typical haircut might be difficult for someone with a sensory disorder.
Touch and sound are two major triggers for sensory-sensitive individuals, and these two elements are also a significant part of a haircut. When your child comes to the salon, we drape a cape around them to minimize skin irritation from hair clippings after the haircut is finished. We try to make this fun and can put the cape on in a superhero style; however, it can be an uncomfortable fabric around their neck and may trigger discomfort.
Our hairdresser will comb and run their fingers through your child’s hair, and they will also use scissors or clippers near their ears. All of this touching and the noise close to the ears could cause your child to enter “fight or flight” mode, resulting in squirming and screaming.
Touch and sound are two major triggers for sensory-sensitive individuals, and these two elements are also a significant part of a haircut. When your child comes to the salon, we drape a cape around them to minimize skin irritation from hair clippings after the haircut is finished. We try to make this fun and can put the cape on in a superhero style; however, it can be an uncomfortable fabric around their neck and may trigger discomfort.
Our hairdresser will comb and run their fingers through your child’s hair, and they will also use scissors or clippers near their ears. All of this touching and the noise close to the ears could cause your child to enter “fight or flight” mode, resulting in squirming and screaming.
The auditory system’s job is to alert us to potential danger before we see it coming. During a haircut, there are clippers, scissors, or maybe a blow dryer making noise behind or beside you, but it may not be in clear sight. Typically, our brain collaborates with our auditory system to reassure us that we are not in danger in this situation; however, if there is a disconnect, fear could be triggered.
Without preparation and communication with our stylist, your child may experience sitting with an unfamiliar person, wearing an uncomfortable cape, and having their head and hair touched and trimmed with loud tools. The good news is that with modifications and preparation, we can make the experience much more enjoyable.
HAIRCUT SERVICE MODIFICATIONS
These are some service modifications that can help ease haircut anxiety include:
- AVOIDING DIRECTLY SPRAYING the hair with a water bottle instead we can wet a comb or hands to gently dampen hair.
- ELIMINATING CLIPPERS AND TRIMMERS and using only scissors. This makes for a quieter haircut but it also affects the styles of haircuts we can provide.
- Turning your child away from the mirror during their haircut.
- UTILIZING DISTRACTIONS, from movies to bubbles to books. Please feel free to bring the child’s favorite distractions.
- FIND UNCONVENTIONAL LOCATIONS where your child is more comfortable. This might be in front of the sink or seated on the pirate ship.
- FORGO USING A STYLING CAPE and bring spare clothes for your child to change into after their haircut. This will reduce after-haircut irritation caused by tiny pieces of hair.
- OTHER you know your child best let us know if you have a suggestion.
Please, let us know if you which for us to use any of these modifications.
TIPS TO HELP MAKE HAIRCUTS EASIER
- COME IN FOR A PRE-APPOINTMENT. It will give you and your child a chance to become acquainted with the environment and more comfortable with the process. Your child can play, look around, and just get the feel of the salon before getting their haircut. You can stay for as little or as long as you like….we enjoy the company!
- SCHEDULE AN EARLY AFTERNOON WEEKDAY APPOINTMENT when the salon is quieter. There will be fewer distractions for the client, and our stylist will have the time and space needed to complete the haircut.
- When scheduling, please LET OUR STAFF KNOW OF ANY PARTICULAR SENSITIVITIES the client may have.
- Consider CHOOSING AN EASY TO CUT AND MAINTAIN HAIRSTYLE. Your stylist will be more than happy to help you with this decision. If it is possible, let your child choose their haircut style.
- IDENTIFY REINFORCERS your child likes, such as a cherished toy, book, or special treat. Let your child know they can earn the item as a result of successfully completing the haircut or completing a predetermined number of steps. If the reinforcer is not something that you can bring to the salon, have a picture you can show the child to help remind them what they are earning.
- Manta’s Cuts will support SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS WITH AN INCREASING NUMBER OF STEPS till your child is comfortable with coming in for a complete haircut. When every appointment is successful, it should be remembered as a positive experience and will make future haircuts easier.
- READ A BOOK. Read a story about getting haircuts and how it can be exciting! Here are two highly recommended ones! It’s Haircut Time and I’m Not Scared No Way.
- PLAY SALON OR TALK ABOUT THE STEPS OF A HAIRCUT
- This salon playset can make the play more realistic.
- 1) Going to the salon.
- 2) Checking in (either virtually or inside).
- 3) Meeting their stylist.
- 4) Getting up onto the chair and sitting nicely.
- 5) Placing their hands nicely on their lap and away from their face or hair.
- 6) Allowing the stylist to put on a haircut cape (optional).
- 7) Getting their hair damped and combed.
- 8) Sitting calmly while their hair is trimmed.
- 9) Receiving their reward for a GREAT JOB!
At Home Care & Grooming
- Let the child touch and smell any products, such as shampoo or detangler, before applying them.
- Keep shower or bath time quick but fun. If it helps let them have one or two toys they can play with.
- Rinse shampoo out until the water runs clear this will help reduce knotting.
- Rinse shampoo out until the water runs clear this will help reduce knotting.
- Traditionally, using a wide-tooth comb will create less tension on the hair and may be more comfortable. Today there are a variety of combs and brushes designed to make brushing more gentle.
- If you wish to blow dry your child’s hair turn the dryer on to a cool or warm setting with a slower speed. Before blowing the hair, blow some air on your child’s hand or arm this will help ease any fear.
- Paddle or vent brushes are typically the best to assist with the drying as they shouldn’t put a lot of tension on the hair.
- Always start at the ends when brushing or combing hair as this helps remove tangles gently.
