Step-by-Step: Preparing an Autistic Child for Their First Haircut at a Salon

Preparing an autistic child for their first haircut at a salon involves breaking down the experience into predictable steps, introducing sensory supports, and using positive strategies that reduce anxiety. 

Children with autism often find haircuts challenging because of unfamiliar sensations, noise, and new environments. With proper preparation — including visual supports, familiar items, and gradual exposure — families can increase comfort and success during that first salon visit.

Why Haircuts Can Be Hard for Children With Autism

Many autistic children experience sensory sensitivities that make the feel of falling hair, the noise of clippers, bright lighting, or unfamiliar touches overwhelming. These sensory reactions can lead to resistance, anxiety, or behaviors that make a salon haircut more stressful.

Steps for Preparing an Autistic Child for Their First Haircut at a Salon

1. Talk About the Haircut Ahead of Time

Use calm language to explain what will happen at the salon. Show pictures or videos of haircuts so your child knows what to expect. Hearing and seeing the process before the appointment increases predictability. Visual schedules or social stories can break down each step — arriving at the salon, sitting in the chair, wearing a cape, hearing scissors, and getting hair trimmed.

Example from practice:

In our sessions at Apex ABA, some families create a simple picture sequence of the haircut routine and practice it at home. This makes the experience less surprising on the day of the salon visit.

2. Visit the Salon Before the Haircut

A short visit to the salon before the haircut day helps a child become familiar with the environment, lights, sounds, and staff. You can introduce your child to the stylist and allow them to explore the space at their own pace.

3. Bring Comfort and Sensory Supports

Comfort items like a favorite toy, blanket, or noise-canceling headphones help manage sensory input. Many families also bring ear protection for loud clippers or distractions like a tablet with preferred content. Salon visits can also be scheduled during quieter times with fewer people. 

4. Practice at Home Before the Salon Trip

Setting up a mock salon at home — with a chair, a towel, and a pretend cut — allows your child to become comfortable with the steps. Let them play with safe props first, then build up toward sitting for short periods.

5. Use Positive Reinforcement

Praise, small rewards, or a favorite activity after the haircut helps create a positive association with the experience. Even acknowledging small steps — like sitting in the chair — encourages progress.

Special Strategies That Help

• Break tasks into parts: Practice arrival, sitting, cape wearing separately.
• Noise management: Ask the stylist to use quieter tools or provide ear protection.
• Sensory toolkit: Bring items that calm your child, such as fidget toys or a weighted lap pad
• Short visits: Keep appointments brief to reduce sensory overload. 

Conclusion — Build Positive First Salon Experiences

Preparing an autistic child for their first haircut at a salon takes planning, sensory supports, and predictable steps. Research and practice show that gradually introducing the environment and process, using comfort tools, and reinforcing small successes can make salon haircuts more comfortable and successful.

At Apex ABA, we support families through everyday experiences as part of comprehensive ABA therapy. Our clinicians can help you build preparation strategies that fit your child’s sensory and communication needs.

Ready to make everyday moments more comfortable for your child?

Contact Apex ABA to schedule a consultation and build a step-by-step preparation plan for haircuts, transitions, and other new experiences that matter to your family.

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Sources:

1. https://abuhb.nhs.wales/files/childrens-ot/self-care/sensory-strategies-for-hair-cuts-pdf/
2. https://www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit/haircutting-training-guide
3. https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-haircuts/‍
4. https://washingtonautismalliance.org/sensory-friendly-haircuts-tips-and-list-of-stylists/