Haircuts can be very challenging for those of us on the spectrum. The sounds, the smells, the lights, the physical contact and more. However, when you find the right barber/hair stylist, the experience can be tolerable if not enjoyable.
Although the occasional touch and the smells that surround me when I get my hair cut generally do not bother me, unless it is a strong smell, as an Autistic adult, my sensory challenges that are most troubling for me during a haircut is sight and sounds.
The lighting and other visual input gets to be too much for me.
The sounds, including either a TV or music playing, the buzzing of clippers, and the multiple conversations going on, also become too much for me.
Many places where you can get your haircut have horrible acoustics – and the echoing of every noise only amplifies the sounds.
Over the years I have found some strategies that help me endure the haircut experience.
First, I keep my eyes closed from the moment I sit down in the chair to the moment I am asked to look at the haircut. This helps me cut down the visual sensory overload that I often experience.
Most barbershops are not built for sound absorption, They do not have carpeted floors to soften the sound as they are harder to clean after a person gets a haircut. Most places have at least a radio playing music or a TV on with the sound on for the customers to enjoy during their haircut in a space that is more space than objects, which allows the sound to echo throughout the entire shop.
For years I had to endure the noise when getting my haircut as most places are either part of a chain or a franchise operation that is designed by a corporation and none of these places I have found were designed with Autism in mind.
By accident, while looking for a more accommodating place to get my hair cut, I found the perfect place. Each barber/hair stylist worked in a cubicle and the floor was carpeted – it really helped me manage my sensory challenges.
On top of all of that the barber I had not try to engage me in small talk. Small talk is difficult for me as I never know what the other person expects me to say in RESPONSE; therefore I avoid small talk whenever possible.
Jenni, the barber who cut my hair, did an excellent job. She took her time and paid close attention to detail which resulted in the haircut taking a bit longer than normal along with getting the best haircut I have had in years!
When it was time for my next haircut, Jenni no longer worked at that establishment, but I was able to locate her and book an appointment at her new location.
The new place she works at has a challenging parking lot for a person who has a physical disability (I am also physically disabled from an incomplete spinal cord injury) and the acoustics inside are not Autism friendly. The entire shop is a giant room with nothing to break up all the sounds.
My first few appointments with her were in the morning, when all the other barbers and stylists are coming in and starting their day by chatting with each other while music blares loudly in the background.
I really liked how Jenni cut my hair, and I did not want to try to find a new barber as change is hard for me. Therefore, on my next visit I wore tiny earbuds in my ears to help, but they kept falling out and Jenni could not cut around them.
That is when we, my wife and I, shared with Jenni I was Autistic and the challenges I have with all the noise in the room due to my sensory issues.
Jenni was very understanding.
The next time I contacted her for a haircut she said she remembered that I prefer early morning appointments – before her co-workers arrived. I took the first early appointment she had. On the day of the haircut Jenni made sure the music was off, and the shop was as quiet as possible for my haircut – which I sincerely appreciate.
The only noise that was a bit troublesome was the noise that was caused by my wife and Jenni engaging in small talk. The only other sensory issue I experienced was the cold feeling on the shaving cream Jenni used to get a good shave along my neck.
Haircuts can be manageable when you have a barber/hairstylist who understands your Autism and is willing to work with you to make the experience sensory friendly as possible.
For this to happen it starts with you having the confidence to advocate for yourself. If the first barber/hairstylist does not understand or support your Autism, there are plenty more in the world. Don’t give up. You will find one and remember you must do your part to make the experience sensory friendly – which means you many have to endure some discomfort to get a great haircut
