Haircuts are a screaming nightmare and the dentist is worse. The clippers, the cape, the chair, the lights. We dread both. Has anyone cracked the sensory side of these without restraining a distressed kid?
4 replies
Tanya G
7 March 2026
Found a 'sensory friendly' barber via a local ADHD parents FB group — noise-cancelling headphones, no cape, he sits on my lap. Worth driving 40 mins for. Ask around, they exist.
Dr_mum_ot
8 March 2026
Desensitise in advance: play with clippers (off) at home, watch videos, do a 'practice' chair sit with no cutting. Tell the dentist it's a 'happy visit' first appointment — most paediatric ones will do a no-treatment meet.
Hannah W
8 March 2026
Wireless clippers + her choosing a show on the iPad + a treat after she names beforehand. The control of choosing the show took most of the fear out.
Sarah M
9 March 2026
A 'happy visit' first — I didn't know that was a thing. Booking one. And on the hunt for a sensory barber now. Thank you all.
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