Hair cut anger

[hamletomelette]

Hi, my DS15 ASD has always struggled with haircuts.
I don't think it's so much sensory issues. I mean he does have these and this is contributing to an extent.

But without fail on exit from the salon he becomes very angry - the hair cut isn't right - the hairdresser is stupid and why can't she ever get it right. He will come home and be furious and becomes completely overwhelmed.

The after effect can go on for days, he will not accept that he looks ok, and it will only be someone at school that can tell him it's alright and he becomes ok with it.

I just don't know what to do to help him. I think he has such a static image of what he's expecting that any variation is too much maybe? I mean the hairdresser is doing what he asks.

I would love for haircuts not to be this stressful for him forever.
Has anyone any ideas at all that might help? 😬

Thanks

I'm really not sure on this one. My DD will only trust one hairdresser and often moans about how she cuts her hair, even though she won't agree to trying anywhere else.

Could you talk to the hairdresser and ask if he can be booked on at a quieter time?

Is it very bright and noisy in there usually? Does he have the flare bud things got his ears whilst he's in there?

Would he agree to having a hairdresser come to your house instead?

Hello OP, my DS is the same. He is 12 and we must have taken him to around 10 different barbers and salons over the years. The resulting meltdowns have meant we can't go back to the same one twice which is embarrassing. Now I have to cut his hair (badly) at home because he is just too anxious.
I think it's a mixture of sensory overload plus the dislike of change. The best haircut he ever had was at an autism friendly salon where he could play Xbox during the haircut. Somewhere like that might be worth a try?

I think try asking him to take a photo with him of exactly the hair cut he wants would help. Also get his to ask where the ' in trend' haircut place his mates are getting their hair cut :. Going to a trendy place may give him a sense of confidence as well.