How to make haircut time easier
Haircuts can often be uncomfortable for many youngsters. Thinking ahead can make all the difference when it comes to making the haircut experience as stress free as possible for you, your child and, the hairdresser or barber.
Regardless of where the cut takes place, at home or at a salon there are a number of ways tackle the challenge. Depending on where the child in your care fits on the comfort scale or the spectrum here are some suggested coping strategies that may have different levels of success. Please remember, what works for one child often doesn’t work for every child so you may need to try a few ideas:
ABA Therapy
Highly effective, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy can help children become more comfortable with getting a trim – says one mother. ABA uses a structured, step-by-step approach, breaking the process into smaller, manageable stages. Each stage is practiced separately until the child feels at ease before progressing to the next one. It is important not to move on to the following step until the previous one is fully mastered.
Steps in the Process
• Sitting in a chair near haircutting tools (scissors, clippers, hair dryer)
• Wearing a barber’s cape
• Hearing the phrase “it’s time for a haircut” while in the presence of the tools
• Allowing someone to comb their hair
• Staying calm when scissors are close to their hair
• Tolerating the sound of clippers being turned on near their head
• Enduring the touch of clippers or scissors on their skin
• Becoming comfortable with the use of a hair dryer
It is useful to role play this process at home before tackling the experience in the salon or a do-it-yourself version. Some children’s discomfort with haircuts can stem from a fear of getting hurt, anxiety at the sound and feeling of a buzzer, the choking feeling from the barber’s cape, or the itchiness from hair falling on skin. Wherever the discomfort comes from, it can be useful to root out the main cause of the fear with your child so you can better address it with them.
Tips for success:
General
• Offer a reward to try and motivate your child if you think it’ll help.
• Select a barber’s cape that is modified to prevent discomfort.
• Just use scissors, a buzzer is seldom necessary, scissors may be less ‘scary’. Opt for “Calming clippers” – to reduce noise and discomfort.
• Provide your child with a visual schedule of the haircut before and during the process, so they are aware of what is going on and can track the steps.
• Allow distractions and take breaks when necessary – while it may take longer it can lead to increased success. If you opt for a stylist ensure they are aware of this and block off an adequate amount of time.
At home
• Make shampoo and bath time as fun and speedy as possible. To help with this consider using a combination shampoo and body wash product.
• Show any hair care products – including shampoo and conditioner- that you plan to use and allow them to familiarize themselves with it in a safe manner, whether through smell or touch.
• If knots are an issue – use a leave-in detangler spray, and a wide tooth comb to massage out these knots.
• When brushing hair, first comb the ends and work your way slowly up towards the scalp to reduce/prevent tugging.
• If you want to use a hair dryer – ensure it is not on a hot setting, and set it to medium or low speed. Allow the child to feel the air on their hands or arms so they can get comfortable with the tool.
At the salon
• If possible – schedule a familiarization trip to the salon before the haircut. This will allow your child to get comfortable with the space before their appointment.
• Speak with the hair stylist beforehand about any sensitivities they should be aware of, and any accommodations you may be looking for during the appointment.
• Plan the appointment during a time when the salon is less busy or crowed so there are less distractions. Some salons may offer sensory-friendly times.
• Look for ways to reinforce positive behaviour.
Tools tips and tricks found in this article were sourced from various expert resources and parents. Many of them can be used to facilitate other sorts of appointments or experiences. It can often be helpful to inquire in local Facebook groups to see what options your community has for helping children with autism and other behavioural challenges feel less afraid or anxious.
Kylie MacKenzie is a freelance writer in Ontario.
Tips for stylists:
Speak in a low, calm voice, refrain from surprising a child from behind, ensure directions are simple and easy to follow, and wait for a response—some children require more time to process information or instructions.
Photo: Shutterstock.
