Bobos Barbers methods and approach aim to help make haircuts and the barbershop more accessible to those with anxieties, additional needs, ASD or SEN. Having your haircut can be overwhelming, it can be scary, it may trigger social anxieties, and most commonly sensory overloads. This is because the experience is very physical, involving touch and many new and sometimes unpleasant sounds and senses.

Our adaptable and experienced methods aim to alleviate some of these fears, to help our clients grow in confidence and eventually enjoy the haircutting experience.

We use several tactics, that include the use of IPads, cartoons, food and drink, toys, bubbles etc. But mostly we have found that we are able to make good progress when forming a trust and friendship with our clients. By Introducing them to our equipment, talking, and finding out what they do and don’t like. The secret formula very often is simply being kind and patient!

We are always open and honest, and sometimes it may not be possible to achieve a haircut on your first visit. If a child’s anxieties are strong, it may be that we may need to formulate a plan to build their confidence, and try to achieve smaller milestones on each visit to build up to that full haircut! For example a child that doesn’t like any form of contact, we may want to try to achieve stress-free hair-brushing to start.

Our Specialist appointments are available with the members of our team that have been trained in our methods, these appointment allow for 40 minutes, this is longer than a standard appointment to allow extra time. This time will be used to hopefully achieve a haircut, but if not our Barbers will also use this time to discuss with you a plan, stepping stones and to build trust with the client.

We are adaptable! Believe us it wouldn’t be the first time if we cut hair outside, on the floor, in someone’s car, or whilst walking round a room! We have seen it all, and are up for the challenge! So as parents and carers we also want to alleviate your worries. Traditionally we understand it can be stressful to bring a child into this situation, but we want you to know we understand, we don’t judge, and we care very much! Team Bobos Founder Alexandra, started working this way a number of years ago, her own son has ASD and so she is very passionate about helping children and families with additional needs feel included, and to be able to have a stress free experience.