Alice Dawkins..................................................................................................................................................................
ACCESSIBLE
to all
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Alice Dawkins considers how you can create an inclusive salon experience for disabled and neurodiverse clients.
Visiting the salon is an enjoyable and anticipated activity for most, but for those with mental, sensory or physical disabilities, this can be a daunting and often uncomfortable experience. More than 15% of the population is neurodiverse and 16 million Brits live with disabilities, so ensuring that facilities and services are accessible to all is essential, especially in the hair and beauty industry. Here are some ways you can make your services and environments more accessible and welcoming to neurodivergent and disabled clients.
Consider salon accessibility Prioritising salon accessibility is paramount to foster inclusivity and meet the needs of a diverse range of clients. Salons should be equipped with ramps, spacious entryways and easy navigation to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges. The hair styling space itself should also have plenty of room for mobility aids like wheelchairs, scooters and walkers and have disabilityfriendly hair washing stations so that services are not limited by needs. Including these features in salon designs and layouts will demonstrate understanding of the struggles experienced by those with disabilities and appeal to a broader customer base. 50
Adapt services to meet sensory challenges For neurodiverse individuals, the normal salon experience can be incredibly overwhelming as some may have heightened sensitivities to sound, light, and touch. Tailoring the salon environment to work for people with these sensitivities will make the experience much more enjoyable. For example, consider opting for lighting that can be easily adjusted and allow in as much natural light as possible. Music and general noise should be kept to a minimum and adapt services to help clients cope. One stylist shared on TikTok how she accommodates clients with sensory issues by discussing any triggers ahead of an appointment and providing solutions
