Hair Care
Haircuts and brushing hair can be really challenging. The scalp can be a sensitive area to touch but there can also be many other sensory challenges, e.g. the smell of hair products, the sound of the scissors etc. These are some tips to help!
Brushing
Hairbrushes:
- some brushes may be easier to tolerate e.g. a paddle brush or tangle teaser
- try combing with a wide toothed comb
- try combs with wide handles for grip
Technique:
- use firm pressure rather than light touch
- comb through tangles at the end and work upwards to reduce pulling on scalp
- backwards chaining e.g. carer does most of the steps and child would do the last step and slowly increase to more steps
- they may find it more tolerable to brush it themselves so you can help with hand over hand
- a long handled brush can help them reach the back of their head and a mirror to help
- Head massage for a few seconds prior to all hair brushing can desensitise the area
Styling
- Tying your hair is a tricky task and requires lots of practise, try styles which are tied lower down the head as these are easier to manage.
- Practise on siblings or dolls or try using a hair styling head; they will be able to see what they are doing whilst practising.
Cutting
Preparation:
- choosing a smaller salon, off peak or a hairdresser that can come to your home
- a social story (a SaLT can support you in how to make one)
- take pictures of the salon and hairdresser before and visiting the environment before
- making sure your hairdresser understands your child's need
- Role play haircuts at home prior to the appointment e.g. using dolls making it fun.
- Try using deep pressure activities BEFORE the haircut e.g. massaging the head or shoulders.
During:
- try to make a calming environment, you could try ear buds or calming music if it helps to soothe from the noise. You could also try oral input such as chewing gum or chewable necklaces
- If they respond well to deep pressure, try a weighted blanket during the haircut.
- Use a visual schedule during the haircut appointment.
- Give the child something to fidget with or distract them with a video of something they enjoy.
- Consider bringing in their own towel or cape from home if they are sensitive to certain textures or materials
- We may recommend the use of sensory-friendly tools, such as vibrating clippers or scissors with rounded tips
Last updated09 Oct 2025