Hair cutting

Helping your child get their hair cut

This guide is to help make haircuts easier and less stressful for your child.

What can be difficult?

Some children find haircuts uncomfortable or upsetting. This may be because of:

• The feel of brushes, scissors, clippers, or hair falling on their skin
• Pulling on the scalp
• Past experiences of pain or discomfort
• The salon environment (noise, bright lights, strong smells)

Top tips for getting your child’s hair cut:

• Try to find a hairdresser who understands sensory needs.
• If possible, cut your child’s hair at home, as this may feel safer.
• Go slowly and build up to new sensations.
• Offer choices and use distractions your child enjoys.

Before getting their hair cut:

• Encourage your child to move their body beforehand (for example, walking to the hairdresser).
• Let your child wear a small weighted backpack (such as one with small water bottles) to give firm pressure on the shoulders.
  You can also buy weighted hairdressing capes.
• Give your child a firm head massage before and after the haircut, if they like this.
• If using clippers, let your child hold them first to feel the vibration, or use a vibrating toy.
• Tell your child what tool will be used next (brush, scissors, or clippers).
• Plan a fun activity afterwards so they have something to look forward to.

During the hair cut:

• Use a visual timer to show how long each part will take.
• Use a mirror so your child can see what is happening.
• Allow movement breaks if needed.
• Use distractions that work for your child (tablet, toy, video).
• Use headphones with music they like or to reduce noise.

Try to make the environment calm:

Hair salons can be busy and noisy. Try to:

• Go at a quiet time of day.
• Ask the hairdresser if they can:
  • Lower the lights
  • Turn off background music
  • Avoid using a hair dryer