Sensory overload- haircut time

Most moms love spending hours at the salon with the full treatment. We can’t get enough of brushing, snipping, conditioning, straightening. And the results? Priceless. It is a reality escape to be beautifully pampered and to return home looking like a million bucks.

Is this a different story for your child? Can’t even get your child to sit in the chair? How exactly do you explain the procedure involving scissors to a crying two year old? Typically, a haircut is not high on the list of preferred activities for any child.

Here are some very helpful resources for you to explore before your little one needs their next hair cut. These tips are geared toward children with Autism; however, they may be helpful for every child.

Visit this Autism Speaks website – “Tips for a successful haircut” for great tools to print a visual chart of each step of the haircut, a video about haircuts and many other helpful tips to help reduce sensitivity.
Here is another article for you to explore, with more helpful tips for a successful, stress-free haircut. This website lists great ideas including, bringing along an Ipad with favorite games, choosing the best time of day for your child’s schedule, bringing diversions and packing in rewards for success.
You may consider buying a book for your child that depicts a child getting a haircut. Maybe you want to get creative and make a social story about getting a hair cut that your child can relate to.
“There is an app for that”- Toca Hair salon is an app that allows children to create different hairstyles after washing, cutting and blow drying. The manipulation and creativity may help your child prepare.