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SN children

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

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Original poster

Haircut help

10 replies

OddFodd · 09/12/2013 13:03

DS is getting massively stressed about going to the barbers. I've tried preparing him in advance (usually advance warning works better with him) but last week he told his teacher that he wanted to kill himself on the day we had planned to go so we cancelled. I told him he could decide when he went and he chose today. But of course, now it is actually today, he was chanting about it all the way to school and I'm not sure how he's going to be later.

He hasn't had his hair cut since August because I put it off as long as possible.

Any tips? I'm absolutely dreadful at doing it and last time I did, he said it was worse than going to the barber because he ended up covered in so much hair

He can barely see at the moment, his fringe is so long

OP posts:

Perchkin · 09/12/2013 13:12

Try another barbers/hairdresser?
The only reason I say that is because we found a fantastic hairdresser who was very patient, very kind, who could chase a small moving boy around in the seat without constantly telling him to stay still, and who could cut really well with lightning speed! It made the haircuts possible and tolerable for DS. He even liked going because he wanted to see her (and she gave him biscuits ;)).
She has however left the country :( and DS is not enjoying going for a hair cut these days. I am however searching for someone equally good again.

PolterGoose · 09/12/2013 13:23

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

OddFodd · 09/12/2013 13:39

Good ideas - I could try a different barber although he said he didn't want to go anywhere different. There's a new one open which is always empty so that might help.

Clippers may also work, especially if I can make it quick - 6 minutes is astoundingly fast!

I will ask him what he thinks would be best. Glad I'm not the only one. He said to me this morning that he wishes hair would just stay the same length for ever and I have to say I agree!

OP posts:

lougle · 09/12/2013 15:05

Does he go to mainstream or SS?

DD's SS have a hairdresser who comes in to school and cuts hair for a donation (proceeds to the school). Parents have to come in to accompany. It might be worth suggesting if SS.

We have a lady who comes to the house (a former SN worker, actually) which saves the stress of 'going to the hairdressers'. Could you see if there is a mobile hairdresser your DS takes to?

boobybum · 09/12/2013 15:32

How about one of those mobile hairdressers that will come out to your home - perhaps he might be more comfortable in his own environment?

Original poster

OddFodd · 09/12/2013 16:05

Haven't been to the barber; he had a meltdown when I went to collect him (he's in ms, lougle) :(

We've agreed I can trim his fringe for now.

I think one of my friends uses a mobile hairdresser so I'll give that a go and see how he gets on with that before I splash out on a Wahl - cheers all :)

OP posts:

starofbethlehemfishmummy · 09/12/2013 16:59

We use a mobile hairdresser - she's an older lady retired from running her own salon. Thinking someone older.might have more patience?Ours trims my hair too.

Original poster

OddFodd · 09/12/2013 17:27

Weirdly, apart from the first time I took him (when you would've thought someone was scalping him), he's quite calm in the barbers and doesn't make a huge fuss (except you're not allowed to use the dryer on him). He was fine when he went in August - my mum took him and he was like a lamb apparently.

So I think it's other stuff (ie the xmas preps at school) which are turning him into a ball of anxiety and the barber is just one stress too far.

OP posts:

maxybrown · 10/12/2013 11:49

Oddfod my DS actually falls asleep now in the barbers every single time and I swear it is a coping mechanism.

He gets very stressed about going even though he has been to same one for 4 years - he still has not spoken a word to him. He is really nice though (the barber) and deals with it all perfectly.

I think it is more the thought and the discussion that stresses him out - like I say he falls completely asleep now (hmm could do with barber coming to house each bedtime, maybe then he'd go to sleep before 11.30pm) and I have to hold his heavy head up so it can be finished!!

TrucksAndDinosaurs · 10/12/2013 14:39

DS is almost 3 and we have a mobile haircut man.
First we watch youtube vids of haircuts.
Then I put a tight sun suit swim top on DS which protects his skin from the cut tickling hair. A polo neck
would also work.
He sits on my lap and I sit on a plastic beanbag.
Clippers, screaming, mini snickers.
I hold him in position while he begs to stop :(
Then we both get in shower together and rinse off the hair.

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