Beyond the Buzz: Turning Haircuts into a Positive Experience for Sensory-Sensitive Children with 'My Routines'

By: Kevin Simmons, M.S., CCC-SLP

For many children, a simple trip to the barbershop can be overwhelming. The loud buzz of clippers, the feeling of hair falling on their skin, the bright lights, and the unfamiliar touch can all contribute to sensory overload. For children with sensory sensitivities, such as autistic children or sensory processing disorder, haircuts can be uncomfortable as well as distressing.

As a pediatric speech therapist and sensory barber, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles children face during haircuts and the relief that comes with a sensory-friendly approach. That’s why I offer sensory haircuts—not just as a service, but as a therapeutic experience that supports a child’s comfort, confidence, and communication skills.

Why My Routines?

Children with sensory processing challenges often benefit from visual structure, predictability, and step-by-step guidance. My Routines provides clear, visual instructions for common self-care routines, especially getting haircuts, reducing uncertainty and helping children understand what to expect. These cards serve as a visual schedule, promoting independence while offering reassurance through familiar, structured steps. I wanted to create visuals that reduced the fear of the “unknown,” provide another method of communication, and support self-advocacy.

By breaking down the haircut process into simple, easy-to-follow visuals, My Routines empowers children to feel in control, promotes smoother transitions, and helps families, therapists, and barbers create positive, stress-free haircut experiences.

How My Routines Supports Daily Routines

• Visual Schedules: The cards break down activities into manageable steps, making tasks like tooth brushing, dressing, washing hands, and haircuts more approachable.

• Choice and Control: Children can use the cards to indicate their readiness for each step, fostering autonomy in daily routines.

• Emotional Regulation: Including cards that represent calming strategies (deep breaths, sensory breaks) helps children manage stress and sensory overload.

• Clear Communication: Parents, educators, and therapists can use the cards to explain self-care tasks in a structured, easy-to-understand way, reducing verbal overload and increasing comprehension.

Why Sensory Haircuts Matter

Sensory haircuts are more than just a trim—they are an opportunity for children to build tolerance to sensory experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

By incorporating sensory-friendly techniques, we can transform haircuts from a dreaded experience into one that fosters self-regulation and independence. This approach includes:

• Gradual Desensitization: Allowing children to experience the tools (clippers, scissors, etc.) before the haircut begins.

• Music and Distraction Techniques: Using calming music or preferred sounds to create a soothing environment.

• Choice and Control: Letting children have a say in the process, such as choosing the cape or taking breaks as needed.

• Pressure and Deep Touch: Applying firm pressure (e.g., weighted blanket) rather than light touch to reduce sensitivity and anxiety.

Bringing Sensory Haircuts to Therapy, Classrooms, and Homes

The benefits of sensory haircuts + My Routines extend far beyond the barbershop. Parents, therapists, and educators can incorporate sensory-friendly strategies + My Routines into daily routines to help children develop coping mechanisms. For example:

• Therapists can use pretend play with toy clippers and combs to prepare children for real haircuts. Additionally, using My Routines deck can facilitate functional sequences, help with transitions (visual schedule), respond to wh- questions and promote problem solving via visual scenes provided. 

• Educators can introduce sensory-friendly discussions about self-care and personal grooming in a supportive way. Using the My Routines deck can generalize skills outside of the classroom. 

• Parents/Caregivers can practice haircut routines at home with gentle exposure to different textures and sounds. Practicing hair routines by giving visuals can help support the child outside of the haircut experience/environment (practicing with a trusted individual such as family).

Creating a Positive Haircut Experience

My goal is to ensure that every child feels heard, understood, and supported during their haircut. By blending my expertise in speech therapy with sensory-friendly barbering, My Routines allows for those opportunities to occur with a space where children can experience success—whether that means completing a full haircut or simply taking a step forward in their sensory journey. My Routines allows me and many others along this sensory haircut journey to experience that success. 

Through community support and education, sensory haircuts can be made accessible to all children who need them. Together, we can turn haircuts into moments of empowerment rather than anxiety. Thank you for taking the step to learn more about sensory haircuts with My Routines.

Bonus Content (Regulation and How To Fade - Step by Step)