Published on 12, July, 2020
Just been for my first hair cut in more than 2 years.
Since the lockdowns I've enjoyed the quiet, the routines, the lack of pressure to be out in busy places socialising.
Went back to somewhere I have been before and I was totally unused to it. Pains, sensory overwhelm, couldn't understand convos, went into my shell and could have agreed to anything (but thankfully a day later I can see I didn't have my head completely shaved or anything too drastic, haha, phew.) When I eventually got home I was ready to meltdown. Fearful of the sudden change to my hair.
Last time I was there I had no idea I was autistic. I don't remember SO much overwhelm, but I do remember it being a 'bigger' experience but couldn't pinpoint how. Yet I also remember some times of complete quiet - which tended to be when there was lots of white noise from hair dryers, etc. I could zone out, kind of an out-of-body experience, but also ran the risk of getting disorientated and forgetting what I'm supposed to do, leading to panic.
I totally understand that hairdressers and barbers could be hugely overwhelming places now, and I'm seriously considering cutting my own hair, but I don't think I'd do well with that at all so for now I'll continue putting myself through this as infrequently as I can...
What are your experiences with hair cuts - especially before and after the lockdowns?
Also, have any of you ever confided in a hairdresser / barber about being autistic? Did it help?
I gave up on them you walk in full of pompus teens staring at you. You wait 30 to 45 mins depending on the day you go in. The conversation is so forced plus having to stare in the mirror just feels weird. Barbers talking turkish to each other it's rude to not talk in a Language everyone can understand. It's all over a bad experience. Plus them f*****g the hair up and cutting the moles then slapping that *** on you that stings without you knowing. Right now i cut my own at home with a razor
My usual barber is very traditional. It's almost nineteenth century. It's in the basement of Leeds market, very cheap and I feel as if I'm in the 1920s, 30s or 40s.