For children with SEND, choose a salon that offers sensory-friendly haircuts, has a quiet environment, and uses specialized equipment. A visiting or mobile barber service can also be a good option for a home environment. It is helpful to bring comfort items, use pre-visit techniques, and make sure the stylist is experienced and patient, prioritizing a calm and low-stress experience over speed. Here are some top tips on how to make haircuts easier for children with SEND..

• Go when it’s quiet or ask someone to come to your home. Try to build a relationship with the stylist slowly, allowing child to sit in chair (if they want to) or watch at first and use a photo to tell the child that you are going.​
• Be aware of sensory issues. Try to demonstrate what is going to happen with a comb and let the child try the comb on their hair first. Use scissors only. If clippers are used some children might wish to use earplugs (introduce these in other contexts first).​
• It is essential that you always clearly communicate what is being done. ​
• Be creative. Make up a game. Simple things like counting to ten for 10 snips can be helpful. Allow your child breaks and use positive distractions from anxiety and discomfort. ​
• Use a toy that is really motivating for the child only when cutting hair (eg. cut 1, 2, 3 then give the child the toy, then count down to remove the toy and repeat). On the last cut say 1, 2, 3, finish.​
• Reduce the amount of time spent cutting hair to absolutely necessary. It may be helpful for the child to have a timer or a mirror.​