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?
Things that worked for me:
Finding a small quiet barber and going there at their least busy time (ie if it's packed just don't go in)
Always going to the same one - and they really don't mind if you ask to wait for the person you know.
Take a picture of what you want (maybe of yourself from when you liked your hair?!)
That's all out of the window now as I decided to grow my hair from crew-cut down to my shoulders and I haven't had it cut for 2.5 years (and have moved town). I am massively not looking forward to a totally new experience...
I have a fascination with long hair!
I have a fascination and love of long hair!
I literally just ticked off a bucket list item - growing my hair as long as I could - because of this! Sadly, the only thing stopping me from growing it longer was the sensory stuff - it would get trapped anywhere and everywhere, I couldn't really rest without having to check where it was. I miss the length, but I don't miss the neck aches and hair pulls. I'm also mesmerised by long hair and how it moves!
And the moulting too... when my hair is too long, it ends up everywhere! Even taking a shower causes a major shedding.