The Neurodivergent Barber

🎄 Merry Christmas from the neurodivergent barber🎄

This time of year always makes me pause and reflect. Not just on Christmas itself, but on the journey, the challenges, the wins, and the people who’ve trusted me along the way.

Being a neurodivergent barber isn’t always easy. Some days are loud, unpredictable, emotional, and physically exhausting. Some haircuts take seconds… others take patience, understanding, space, and time. I’ve been hit, sworn at, had scissors knocked out of my hands, and watched fear take over little bodies that just don’t know how to communicate what they’re feeling yet.

But I’ve also seen bravery.

I’ve seen first haircuts turn into proud smiles.

I’ve seen kids who once couldn’t enter the shop sit calmly in the chair.

I’ve seen parents cry with relief because someone finally gets it.

And that’s why I do this.

Thank you to every family who’s trusted me with something that might seem small to others, but is huge in your world. Thank you for your patience, your honesty, your kindness, and for allowing me to work at your child’s pace, not the world’s.

Thank you to everyone who supports inclusion, accessibility, and understanding, especially during a season that can be overwhelming for so many neurodivergent people.

This Christmas, I’m grateful. Grateful for trust, for growth, for community, and for the reminder that doing things differently doesn’t mean doing them wrong ❤️

Wishing you all a calm, safe, and gentle Christmas ✨

Some days this work hits different.

People see the videos, the success stories, the “Craig works magic” comments… and they think I’m the answer to every haircutting struggle.

But the truth is, I’m not here to “fix” a child. I’m here to honour them.

What really upsets me is when families come to me expecting a quick result, a perfect haircut, or some miracle moment but the child in front of me is scared, overwhelmed, anxious, or already carrying trauma from past experiences. I see it in their eyes, in their body language. And then I’m told things like, “We just hold them,” or, “We just need to get it done.”

No.

Absolutely not.

I will not allow parents to restrain them either.

A haircut is never worth causing fear, panic, or trauma. Ever.

My whole approach is and always will be trust before trauma. If a child doesn’t trust me yet, then the haircut can wait. If they’re scared, we slow down. If they need time, space, or a completely different approach, then that’s what we do. And sometimes… that means the haircut doesn’t happen that day. And that’s okay.

I wish more people understood that building trust is the real work. The haircut is just the outcome.

I’m here for the child, their safety, their comfort, their autonomy.

Not for the pressure.

Not for the expectations.

Not for the quick win.

If you come to me, come knowing this:

I will always choose the child’s wellbeing over the scissors.

Every. Single. Time.

Trust before trauma, always. ❤️

✂️ Haircut Hero Moments ✂️

Daily, I have the privilege of cutting the hair of a neurodivergent children. As many of you know, haircuts can be a challenging experience for them. When the scissors got too close for comfort and the move during the cut, I instinctively threw my hand in the way to protect the child from any potential harm.

I'd rather take the injury myself than risk causing them any trauma. It's moments like these that remind me why I do what I do. This to ensure every child feels safe and cared for. 💖

Navigating Challenges with Positivity and Patience

I experience a unique challenge while working with one of the students. During his haircut, he got a bit restless and injured me. But instead of focusing on the mishap, I chose to see it as an opportunity for positive reinforcement.

Throughout the haircut, every time he got a bit too nippy, we did a high five. This simple gesture helped him regulate his behavior and turned a potentially stressful situation into a positive learning experience. It's moments like these that remind me of the importance of patience, understanding, and the power of a positive approach.

Celebrating Neurodiversity 💪

Today, I want to share my journey as a neurodivergent barber who is making waves in our community. Despite facing unique challenges, I have mastered the art of barbering and created a welcoming space for clients of all backgrounds.

Despite facing unique challenges, their dedication and passion shine through in every haircut. I have turned Craig's Barber Shop into a sanctuary where everyone feels valued and understood. This story is a powerful reminder that neurodiversity brings incredible strengths and perspectives to the day to day life.

Let's continue to support and celebrate neurodivergents who are breaking barriers and redefining success. 💇‍♂️✂️✨

This so amazing 😍

Bolton barber cuts the stress for young neurodivergent clients

Exciting News: The TES Show is Coming Up North!

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be attending the TES Show up north! 🎉 This is such an incredible opportunity to explore the latest trends, innovations, and advancements in the SEND industry. I can't wait to connect with other SEND professionals, gain new insights, and bring fresh ideas back to my community.

Looking forward to the networking, learning, and all the exciting conversations ahead. See you there!

Outreach and Advocacy: No Days Off, I Don't Care!

This week has been non-stop at shop and my days off I been at The Space Centre in Preston on Sunday and Rumworth School today but every minute has been worth it! From working with disabled and neurodivergent individuals, I’ve been focused on helping them access something many take for granted, a comfortable and accommodating haircut experience.

Each haircut isn't just about style; it's about creating a safe and inclusive space, building trust, and breaking down barriers that many neurodivergent clients face in typical salon environments. I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to this amazing community, and I’m committed to continuing to make salons more accessible for everyone!

Let’s keep pushing for change, one haircut at a time! 💇‍♂️💇‍♀️💡