Trimming the Worry Out of Haircuts at Wild Styles Children’s Hair Salon

I have always enjoyed the process of getting my haircut—someone else washing my hair and massaging my scalp; the feeling of being pampered for a few hours every 6–8 weeks; the smells of the fancy hair products. There is nothing I DON’T love about a trip to the hair salon! However, due to my son’s Autism and sensory processing needs, he dislikes ALL of the things that I love about haircuts. To him, haircuts are overstimulating, strange, painful, and anxiety inducing. 

Three years ago, when I was looking for a sensory-friendly hair salon for my son, I didn’t know where to even begin. However, through word of mouth from other mom friends, I heard about Wild Styles Children’s Hair Salon in Warminster, PA. Even with the stellar reviews and stress-free experiences my friends’ children had, I couldn’t trust that things would go the same way for my son. I was apprehensive, skeptical, and anxious about my son getting his haircut, but I took the leap and off to Wild Styles we went. 

After acquiring Wild Styles Children’s Hair Salon a few years ago, owner Alize Roman knew that many of her clients would have needs to be met during the process of getting a haircut. Never did she fathom that in 2023, approximately 50% of Wild Styles’ clients would be neurodivergent or have sensory processing issues. Voted “Bucks County’s Best Children’s Hair Salon” by the Happening List for the last 6 years, word has spread about Wild Styles and its promise to meet clients where they are while facilitating the most relaxing haircut possible. 

Through the years, Wild Styles naturally became known as a hair salon for children of all abilities. As more parents became open about their children’s needs, the staff made it a point to educate themselves on best practices for all individuals during their hair cuts. Manager Matthew Henshaw wants patrons to know that even if your child does not get their hair cut or you prefer to take them elsewhere, “We are always willing to try. We might not be able to get you there, and you might need to go somewhere else, but we are at least willing to try.”

While the initial hair appointment questionnaire gives caregivers the opportunity to explain any needs a child has prior to the appointment, the Wild Styles staff does not define their clients by those needs. Instead, they strive to support them in whatever ways they can. The staff is constantly making sure that there are enough accommodations for their clients such as: weighted blankets, fidget toys, tablets, TVs, background music, and the option of using the party room in the back if quiet and seclusion are needed during a haircut. Monthly staff meetings provide discussion and training on how to help clients who are having a difficult time during their haircuts.

Alize consistently raises the question, “How do we continue to come up with ways to keep the kids continuing with the haircut?” Some of the new ideas they have devised recently include an Autism Support tab on their website and a tactile social story presenting objects and scenes that children will experience when getting their haircut.

One of the most valuable accommodations that Wild Styles offers is a “preview day.” 

“We tell parents that they don’t need to schedule an appointment,” Alize said. They can just come in, the kids can scope out the salon, play with the toys and read some books. They see other kids getting their haircut so they know what to expect.” 

For children with Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, and other neurodivergent diagnoses, adequate preparation is key in helping to make a new event more manageable. 

The goal of Wild Styles Children’s Hair Salon is to create an INCLUSIVE environment where everyone is accepted. Wild Styles has achieved what special needs parents fight for each day—an inclusive world where everyone is welcome and can be together without judgment or explanations. 

As a parent, I have had moments where my son was overstimulated during a haircut, but the staff at Wild Styles allow for their clients to cope however necessary. If support people are involved in your child’s life, they encourage you to bring those people with you. It is truly a team effort in helping children be comfortable in an otherwise scary experience. At Wild Styles, the staff trims the worry out of haircuts, not just for the client, but for the families as well. 

Wild Styles Children’s Hair Salon is located at 301 York Road, Suite 101, Warminster, PA 18974. Call 215-394-8491 to make your child’s appointment today.