How often do you think about the weight of your hair? Probably never, but for kids with sensory issues, the feel, weight, and movement of their own hair can be a huge distraction. If you get your hair trimmed a bit, you may notice how different your head feels for days afterward! A haircut can make it hard for you to focus on tasks, from schoolwork to eating a meal. Also, a new hairstyle that involves moving your hair in a new direction (for example, braids, cornrows, combing it up, or shifting a center part to the side) and keeping it in this new position can cause tears. and cries for pain relievers and cold compresses. Sensation of sensitive scalp may continue for days.

If you are a parent, talk to your child about new hairstyles and haircuts beforehand so that you can anticipate the change in feelings. Don’t schedule your haircut for a day before you need to be especially focused and anxiety-free, like the night before school pictures are taken or before a big test, or the first day of soccer practice. Give her a head massage before cutting (press a vibrator or vibrating toy on her head if you prefer). Let him hold the buzzing clippers and don’t use them if the noise and vibration are too disturbing for him. Bring a towel and clip instead of using the scratchy vinyl cape with Velcro closure, and bring an extra clean shirt to change into in case your hair gets combed despite the cape. If you can, plan a shower or bath after the cut so you can rinse off any hairs that are still attached to your skin.

Also be careful about the smell and texture of personal care products. Let your child choose which ones are tolerable and ask the barber or hairstylist if he or she can schedule an appointment when no harsh chemicals are used on another client.

And with younger children, avoid using the term “haircut” – the idea of ​​getting a haircut can be nerve-wracking. Say “We need to get your hair cut and styled” or something like that.

Be nice to your child after a haircut. Offer praise and even a reward for overcoming what may have been an extremely unpleasant experience for him. Allow him to wear a hat, perhaps a fitted knit one, if it helps him deal with the feeling of having less hair on his head.

Of course, many children have difficulty with haircuts. But kids with sensory issues or full sensory processing disorder have exceptional difficulties. You may want to consider a simple, low-maintenance hairstyle for your child to limit the need for frequent hair handling or handling.