How do I help my child have easier haircut appointments?

Many kids have sensory issues around getting their haircut — the feel of another person touching their hair and skin, the noise of clippers or scissors, the sensation of cut hair falling, the strong smells of hair products — which can lead to behaviors while trying to resist or escape.

Here are some quick tips for making haircuts easier:

1. Find a barber with a great attitude.
2. Consider the timing of the appointment.
3. Prime your child with Social Stories and/or video modeling.
4. Ask for a tour of the salon during a pre-appointment visit.
5. Practice for the appointment with pretend play.
6. Decide on a reward for a successful haircut.
7. Pack comfort items.
8. Allow your child to say “no.”
9. Debrief after the appointment.
10. Be patient with the process.

For more details with examples, see our full article 10 Tips for Making Haircuts Easier for Kids with Sensory Processing Issues.