Hair Cut for Autistic Child: Tips and Strategies for a Successful Experience

One of the biggest challenges of getting a haircut for an autistic child is sensory overload. The sound of the clippers, the feeling of the scissors on their skin, and the sensation of hair falling on their face and neck can all be overwhelming. This can lead to anxiety, meltdowns, and even physical discomfort.

As a parent or caregiver, it can be difficult to know how to help your child through this experience. However, with the right strategies and preparation, you can make the experience more comfortable for your child and help them get the haircut they need.

Since every child is different, it took me a long time to finally write this post!  I am an OT, not a hairstylist!  As I put myself into the mind of your child, yourself and the sylist, I encourage you to really think about your child's needs and how you can make this experience the best one possible.  

Never force your child.  Because if you do, you are only making things harder the next time. 

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you purchase a product or service through my link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It is a complex disorder that can manifest in different ways and to varying degrees.

Characteristics of Autism

Children with ASD may have difficulty with social interactions, such as making eye contact, understanding social cues, and engaging in reciprocal conversation. They may also have repetitive behaviors or interests, difficulty adapting to change, and sensory sensitivities.

Sensory Processing Differences

Sensory processing differences are common in children with ASD. They may be hypersensitive to certain sensory input, such as loud noises or bright lights, or they may seek out certain sensory input, such as spinning or jumping. It is important to understand and accommodate these differences when providing haircuts for children with ASD.

When providing haircuts for children with ASD, it is important to create a calm and predictable environment. This can include using visual supports, such as pictures or social stories, to help prepare the child for the haircut. It is also important to use gentle touch and to provide breaks as needed to help the child regulate their sensory input.

Overall, understanding the characteristics of ASD and sensory processing differences can help provide a positive and successful haircut experience for children with ASD.

Preparing for the Haircut

Before taking your autistic child for a haircut, it is important to prepare them for the experience to ensure a successful outcome. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

Choosing the Right Salon

Choosing the right salon is crucial when it comes to getting a haircut for an autistic child. Look for a salon that has experience working with children with special needs. You may want to call ahead and ask if they have stylists who are trained in working with children with autism.

Educating the Stylist

It is important to educate the stylist about your child's needs before the haircut. Provide the stylist with information about your child's sensory sensitivities and any specific triggers they may have. You may also want to bring a picture of the hairstyle you want for your child.

My child didn't like the clippers, so we just did not use them.

Desensitization Strategies

Desensitization strategies can help your child feel more comfortable with the haircut experience. One strategy is to bring your child to the salon ahead of time to get used to the environment.

This is my favorite strategy for EVERYTHING. Drive by the salon. Let your child watch another child get a haircut. Do not even mention they will be getting one!

You can also use social stories or visual aids to help your child understand what will happen during the haircut.

Overall, preparing for a haircut for an autistic child requires careful planning and communication with the stylist. By choosing the right salon, educating the stylist, and using desensitization strategies, you can help your child feel more comfortable and confident during the haircut.

During the Haircut

Creating a Comfortable Environment

To ensure a successful haircut for your autistic child, it's essential to create a comfortable environment. Choose a salon or barber shop that is familiar to your child, and consider visiting it a few times before the actual haircut. Bring your child's favorite toy or blanket to provide a sense of familiarity and comfort.

You can also ask the hairstylist to turn down the music or avoid using any strong-smelling products that may cause sensory overload. Creating a calm and predictable environment can help your child feel more relaxed during the haircut.

Communication Techniques

Communication is key when it comes to haircuts for autistic children. Before the haircut, explain to your child what will happen during the haircut and what they can expect. Use simple and clear language and consider using visual aids like pictures or social stories to help your child understand.

During the haircut, use positive reinforcement to encourage your child's cooperation. Praise them for sitting still or for following directions. If your child is nonverbal, use gestures or a communication device to help them express their needs and preferences.

Distraction and Comfort Items

Distraction and comfort items can help your child stay calm and focused during the haircut. Bring headphones and play your child's favorite music or audiobook to create a distraction. Offer a fidget toy or a stress ball to keep their hands busy.

Consider using a weighted blanket or a compression vest to provide deep pressure input, which can be calming for some children with autism. These items can help your child feel more comfortable and reduce anxiety during the haircut.

As much as I am not an advocate of using a tablet to entertain your child all the time, this is a good use of tablet time

By creating a comfortable environment, using effective communication techniques, and providing distraction and comfort items, you can help your autistic child have a successful and stress-free haircut experience.

After the Haircut

Positive Reinforcement

After the haircut, it is important to provide positive reinforcement to your child. Praising them for their behavior during the haircut and their new haircut can help them feel more confident and happy. You can also offer small rewards such as a favorite toy or treat to further reinforce positive behavior.

Ensuring a positive haircut experience for an autistic child involves careful preparation, communication, and adjustment to their sensory needs. By choosing the right salon, preparing your child through desensitization strategies, and employing comfort measures during the haircut, you can significantly reduce the stress associated with this routine activity.

It's important to remember that each child's experience with autism is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Celebrate the small victories, like a successful visit to the hairdresser, and use them as stepping stones for future challenges. Your patience and understanding as a parent or caregiver can make all the difference in helping your child navigate their sensory world with more confidence and less anxiety.