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 absolutely hate them - but then I have an aversion to persons standing close to me with sharp objects and the social chit chat.
Since lockdown I just use the clippers every couple of months (went full Buddhist one month - which I quite liked).
Ethan said:Since lockdown I just use the clippers every couple of months (went full Buddhist one month - which I quite liked).
I've done the opposite. Have not cut my hair at all since February 2020 and grown a beard so it's very long now! It's the first time in my life I've had long hair or a beard.
Really not looking forward to going to the hairdresser but I don't think I can go on looking like I've been stranded on a desert island for much longer.
I'm hoping to go full Buddhist one day! I think I would be hooked! (Except for the cold!) But I think not yet. Maybe when my hair is much more grey and frazzled. Only a few days ago it was down to my tail bone... Any hair cut leaves me in shock, so I'm trying to be sensible here, too!
Would love to shave my head in solidarity with someone going through chemo and for charity... but am NOT hoping for that situation to arise... Glad it hasn't yet, i.e. noone close to me is getting chemo.