Adult haircutting experiences

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?

Parents
  • I've not been to a hairdresser/barber for years, I use electric clippers now to do my own grade-3 all over.

    However, back when I did go to get my hair cut by a professsional, I didn't so much mind having my hair cut, but there is always this inane chatter that they try and I'm just there thinking "I don't know you, why would I want to have a conversation about my life?" Also there was the issue where I never knew what to ask for - the only times I ever tried anythign different was when a friend came with me and gave suggestions, otherwise I'd just ask for it to be the same but shorter. 

Reply
  • I've not been to a hairdresser/barber for years, I use electric clippers now to do my own grade-3 all over.

    However, back when I did go to get my hair cut by a professsional, I didn't so much mind having my hair cut, but there is always this inane chatter that they try and I'm just there thinking "I don't know you, why would I want to have a conversation about my life?" Also there was the issue where I never knew what to ask for - the only times I ever tried anythign different was when a friend came with me and gave suggestions, otherwise I'd just ask for it to be the same but shorter. 

Children
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