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 browse the interweb to find the haircut I want and show the hairdresser the photo. If I like the resulting haircut - I take selfies to show them next time.
If someone is going to be up close and in my personal space, I'm much more relaxed if they appear female.
RE: Talkative hairdressers
After showing the photo and answering any questions about it, I tell them I'd rather relax than talk and close my eyes. I've never noticed any negative response to this.
You're very wise. People do tend to get very frustrated if you just ignore them. They probably don't really enjoy talking about mowing the lawn, or boring people's holidays lying on a beach in the sun with strangers either, and knowing they don't have to could be nice for them. Hairdressers can be autistic too, too.