Haircuts can be challenging for many autistic children. The experience often involves sensory triggers — scissors or clippers near the ears, the sensation of hair falling on the skin, or the sound of buzzing trimmers. For some, the unpredictability of a haircut, the pressure to sit still, and the changing routines can create distress.
If going to a salon is overwhelming, cutting your child’s hair at home may be a better option. Doing it in a familiar environment, at your child’s pace, with their favorite comforts nearby can make the experience more manageable. However, cutting hair at home still requires planning, patience, and a tailored approach. Watching for self-soothing behaviors like hand rubbing can also help gauge your child’s comfort level and adjust the process accordingly.
Here are some strategies to make the process smoother for both you and your child.
Preparing for the Haircut
Success starts with preparation. If your child is anxious about haircuts, gradually introducing them to the process ahead of time can help reduce stress. Here are some things to consider:
Talk About It in Advance
Let your child know they’ll be getting a haircut. Some autistic children struggle with surprises, so discussing it beforehand allows them time to process. You can use simple language: “In two days, we’re going to trim your hair. It’s just a small change, and I will be gentle.” Visual schedules, social stories, or a countdown can also be helpful.
Show What to Expect
Watching videos or looking at pictures of kids getting haircuts can help familiarize your child with the process. If possible, demonstrate with a sibling or even on a stuffed animal. If your child uses AAC devices or has limited verbal skills, using pictures to show each step can provide reassurance.
Gather the Right Tools
Having the right haircutting tools can make a big difference. Sharp, quiet scissors, thinning shears for blending, and clippers with adjustable speeds can be useful. If your child dislikes vibrations, manual scissors may be better.
A cape or towel can help contain hair, but if your child refuses, an old T-shirt works fine. A spray bottle for misting hair can be gentler than a full wash before cutting.
Consider Sensory Preferences
Every child has different sensory sensitivities. Some may prefer their hair dry, while others tolerate damp hair better. If your child struggles with touch, brushing their hair beforehand can desensitize the scalp. Noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, or playing their favorite song can create a calming atmosphere.
Creating a Comfortable Environment
Making the haircut environment as relaxing as possible can reduce stress. To achieve that, you want to consider these strategies:
During and After the Haircut
Once you start cutting, patience and flexibility are key. You want to begin with small trims instead of big changes. Cutting just a little at a time helps your child adjust. If they resist, pause and try again later.
If they can only tolerate a few snips, that’s okay — you can always finish another day.
Sudden jerks or pulling can be uncomfortable. Move slowly and explain what you’re doing as you go. Saying things like “I’m just trimming a little bit on this side” can provide reassurance.
If your child starts feeling overwhelmed, stop for a moment. Let them move around, shake off any loose hair, or engage in a calming activity before continuing. Rushing through the process can make it more stressful, so breaks are completely fine.
Some kids may prefer standing in front of a mirror while you trim. Others may need to touch the scissors or clippers first before feeling comfortable. Let them be involved in a way that works for them.
Loose hair can be irritating. If your child dislikes the feeling of hair on their neck, keep a dry towel nearby to wipe it away often. Some children find it more tolerable if you cut their hair in sections and remove loose strands as you go.
The way you handle the aftermath can influence how your child feels about haircuts in the future.
Even if the haircut wasn’t perfect, celebrate their effort. Saying, “You did a great job sitting still!” or “I know that was hard, but you were so brave!” helps create positive associations. If rewards work well for your child, offering a favorite treat or activity afterward can reinforce the experience in a good way.
If your child dislikes the sensation of tiny hairs on their skin, offer a warm shower or use a soft towel to wipe off excess hair. Some kids tolerate a small handheld vacuum to remove loose strands.
If they refuse to bathe immediately, changing into clean clothes may be enough for them.
Each haircut is a learning experience. Take note of what went well and what needs adjusting. Did they prefer one tool over another? Was there a particular part of the process that upset them? Making small changes each time can improve the experience.
Final Thoughts
Cutting your autistic child’s hair at home can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right approach, it can become a more positive experience. The key is to focus on comfort, flexibility, and patience. By preparing ahead, creating a soothing environment, and adjusting to your child’s unique needs, haircuts can become less stressful over time.
Even if it doesn’t go perfectly, every small success builds towards a better experience in the future. At Golden Care Therapy, we provide high-quality ABA therapy in New York, New Jersey, Indiana, Georgia, and Florida, offering personalized support to help individuals thrive. Our dedicated team ensures every session is meaningful and progress-driven. Contact us today to learn how we can make a difference for your family!
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