CUTTING COURSE TRAINING: special needs & AUTISM

IN PREPARATION

Every child and every haircut is different! Think of haircuts as a chance to learn what your child is sensitive to. We recommend that you keep a journal of your findings, and take pictures so that you can show your child’s accomplishments to them when they need it in the future.

Scheduling is important. Consider what time of day your child tends to be the least overwhelmed. It's a good idea to try haircutting at multiple times to help you determine which time is easiest. Avoid trying to give your child a haircut immediately after school, or after other activities or during unfortunate times when your child is under the weather or tired.

If your child needs routine, it’s best to set up when haircuts will be happening. Haircuts can be traumatic for some kids, so it’s best to put haircuts on the calendar at regular intervals: every two to four weeks, however waiting too long between trims can be negative towards achieving a successful service. 

It's important that your child understands what this haircut is all about before it begins. Try acting out the scenario with a doll or a stuffed animal, starting with sitting in a chair and wearing the barber cape. Use toy clippers to show them the next steps during a haircut, and encourage them to participate and see if they want to pick their style. It’s beneficial to begin this preparation a few days prior so that your child feels informed when it’s time.

Keep focused on the haircut. Your child may feel like they’re in danger so it’s tremendously important that you keep things under control.

BOYS HAIRCUTS

Most boys’ hairstyles are short on the sides and longer on top. This is a simple, straightforward cut that we recommend. 

Here’s a starter plan:

  • Start with trimming the back and sides with clippers or shears depending on style of haircut. Use simple blending techniques that will get you the fastest results, as these haircuts are time sensitive.

  • Proceed with extreme caution around the ears, as the client most likely with be very sensitive in this area. 

  • Trim the hairline with trimmers for the sides and nape area. Then to achieve a longer cut for the top you can use shears or clippers depending on how textured, coarse, curly, or straight the hair is. If you are cutting wet hair, be advised to cover the eyes of your client as water dripping in their eyes can be a trigger.

  • Dry the hair with a towel. Most children with extreme sensory triggers will not tolerate the blow dryer for style. 

  • Clean your client well then apply product for desired style.

Use your scissor or trimmers that are not too sharp or make load noise around sensitive areas like around the ears and neck. Since these areas can be tough for kids, we recommend using the “count to 10” method. When you start cutting, start counting from 1 to 10, and then take a break. This way, your child will know that it will all be over by 10. Additionally, have a control consult with the parents. Parents should help control their energy and keep calm and positive at all times. This is highly important in training the child to be completely comfortable with getting a haircut.

If you need your child to follow a direction, for instance, “keep your head down,” you may find that it helps to repeat this direction in reassuring way. “Thank you” or “Good job at keeping your head down!” are great encouraging phrases. Use phrases like “Almost there!” or “Just this last bit” so that your child knows that the misery will be over at some point.

Speaking of breaks, take plenty of them. It may take 45 - 60 min to complete the haircut. You may even want to split it up over an entire weekend. Be patient, the accomplishment is very rewarding.

Remember to take notes on the specific things your child likes and doesn’t like.

GIRLS HAIRCUTS

Most girls get their hair washed, cut, and blow-dried.

If the child has hair washing discomfort, advise the parents to have her come in with her hair washed and brushed out. 

If the girl is not comfortable with the heat or noise of a blow dryer, take a dry towel and squeeze out any excess water out. You can achieve a pony tail or soft braid for style. 

Avoid harsh or strong smelling products that can cause triggers. 

If child is comfortable, always proceed with extreme caution with shears, blow drying, and hot tools, as children with special needs tend to react extremely spontaneously and fast at times.

AVOIDING STIMULI

For some children, haircuts are associated with unpleasant sounds that they dislike. Here are some ideas for how to shift their attention away from the haircutting process:

  • Video / phone / tablet games

  • Put on their favorite movie or album

  • Sing a song

  • If necessary, use earplugs

Talk to your child about what they enjoy and as well what they really don’t like, so you can avoid triggering them or plan to use positive distractions to achieve your goals instead. Most importantly, don’t give up the gift of grooming a child with such challenges—the compliments they will receive make it all worth while.

Final Tips

Reward your child with something they like. You know they deserve it.

When you’re finished, take a picture, give them some space, let them breathe, and acknowledge them by name to say your good bye with the upmost positive energy. Create an atmosphere where they will look forward to returning. Express your pleasure and gratitude to the parents for being trusted to provide services, and encourage them to rebook before they leave, as this creates a routine service for their child and is the best way to have calm and successful future services.