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?
My traditional barbers shop. Been going there for over 30 years.
My children might start feeling completely unloved and ignored if I start wearing actual ear plugs. Tempting though.
I had the exact same issue and the same response from the company, but the small was far too small. I've been recommended some called Loop I think but they look a bit less discreet.
That's the make , I never tried them ,But have found some rubber plugs for heavy power tool use and they are best for me .Cannot hear with my hearing to well with them in but can hear thro conduction i have realised but it does put me into my own world and i have to watch out .
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.
Yes, that's the brand I have, Michelle!
I had trouble finding a good fit for one ear, but grateful they sent me the smaller size to try for free.
They're fine as long as I can keep popping it back into that one ear. I think it was the Calmer set. I keep forgetting to take them with me when I go out - I think they work best in noisier environments. Need to try this.
I'm open to other recommendations, too. I've got some reusable foam ear plugs, but not used them as much as I don't always want to completely block the sound.
I find it more tiring to be around people speaking other languages. My brain seems to try to translate even though it obviously can't. Part of my job involves using translators and it is exhausting.
Someone has suggested a brand of ear plugs to me before so I don't think it is. They recommended Flare to me. I like them but they aren't perfect so I'd like to try some other brands.
I used to live in Birmingham and went to the barber in my nearby Pakistani area, all the other clients were Pakistani chatting away in Urdhu, and I didn't understand anything, still noise but less information coming in. I don't have much hair so a quick buzz was all I needed.
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
I was just about to visit a barbers in March 2020 and the first lockdown went down. So I cut it myself and made a right mess.
In July 2020 I visited my usual cheap barber. Other barbers were appointment only, or £4 surcharge on top normal price for masks and extra cleaning etc.
Cut my hair again twice,. Made a total mess again.
Finally visited barber in May 2021, there were very few people and business as normal.
Now other barbers are almost back to normal, appointment systems have been abandoned and it's walk in only.
I hate getting my haircut. It's always a noisy environment with too many conversations happening and I hate when they try to talk to you.
Thank you! These are great tips. I was so busy getting nervous before the appointment that I forgot my ear defenders and ear plugs (I think I have some like you might be referring to). I find one ear plug often falls out as well - but at least it would have helped for the journey.
I was so nervous beforehand that I even forgot to check if I brought money with me! Thankfully, was already in my rucksack.
I gave up hairdressers for the reason of noise and chit chat years ago ,
but have discovered that using noise in headphones can help me in public places also earplugs for autistic people are getting more recommendations nowadays. I would put the name up but think may be against forum rules?