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Autism friendly barber - Scotland

aileanmohr

Hi everyone,

I’m Alan and I’m new here. Does anyone know of a good autism friendly barbershop in Scotland? Specifically Perth & Kinross, Dundee, Fife, or not too far away.

I’m wondering if anyone else has issues with going to the barbershop? As long as I’ve been getting my hair cut I’ve hated the entire process. 
I am not very good at small talk, however I can cope with that part. What I struggle with is the feeling of someone touching my head and hair, the noise of the scissors and clippers in my ears, and the smells (scented spray etc. & barbers who smoke). 

Thank you. 

  • I've always hated having my hair cut, right from when I was small. With hindsight I can see it was a red flag for autism that no-one back in the late 70s, early 80s was likely to pick up on. My wife cuts my hair and it's such a relief.

  • Hi Aileanmhor

    Just come across this chat, realise it's been a couple of years since you posted. There is a barber in Scone, Perth & Kinross, on the main street right next to the Tesco petrol station. He's been open a year or so now and I am always struck when I get my hair cut there by how gentle he is with the trimmers and scissors unlike many barbers who push your head around and batter you with the clippers. His shop is also quiet (no music when I go in) and usually quite quiet too with few other customers. I mentioned all this to my partner (who happens to be a mental health nurse) and he suggested that it might be a good barbers for anyone sensitive to noise or who hates the experience of being touched, whether they are autistic spectrum or just a small child or whatever reason. Barber shop is called "Top Cuts" (or something similar, he's not listed on yellow pages or google alas), cash only, open 7 days. I would hate for Scone to lose our first barber shop due to lack of custom and am also wondering if there's some way I can help publicise his shop to customers who hate the usual rough and noisy barber experience so any ideas there let me know

  • in reply to aileanmohr

    Hi , I can totally understand that. Something that has just occurred to me is that it may be helpful for you to contact a local National Autistic Society branch. Our branches offer support to local autistic people and their families. If you interesting in checking if there is a local branch near to you, please follow the link below: https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/local-branches.

    Our branches are volunteer-led, and as such every branch and group is different. Some are parent support groups, some provide support and information to autistic adults, while others have office premises and run their own a drop-in service. You will need to check with a branch directly for more information on whether they are able to provide some useful information on the barber query.

    Best wishes,

    Anna Mod

  • in reply to Anna Mod

    Hi Anna, 

    Thanks for the link. I have already tried practically all the suggestions that I’m comfortable trying - I’ve found that once I’ve asked a barber to accommodate me, I feel very guilty and won’t go back. 
    I have not tried asking a barber to come to my home yet though, that’s something I will look in

  • Hi , welcome to the online community and thank you for sharing. Although I couldn't find anywhere in your region that has an autism-friendly barber shop, I found this website with some useful advice on Getting a Haircut: https://www.scottishautism.org/services-support/support-families/information-resources/getting-haircut.

    Best wishes,

    Anna Mod