Spend a little time scrolling on Instagram and TikTok, or tuning into a health podcast, and odds are you’ll hear someone talking about ADHD, neurodivergence, autism, anxiety, or OCD. They’re disorders that a growing percentage of the population face and – thanks to increased awareness and acceptance – that people are not afraid to talk about.  

While each of these disorders has its own unique characteristics and diagnoses, they are often associated with a common thread: sensory processing issues. People with sensory issues experience stimuli differently, which can make common sounds and sensations feel overwhelming.   

It’s a reality that Sandy knows well. Sandy is the mom of two boys with autism and the general manager for a Great Clips franchisee who owns and operates 14 Great Clips® salons across California and Washington. Due to her personal experience with her sons, Sandy is very aware of customers in the salon who demonstrate sensitivity to salon stimuli — and she decided to do something about it.  

We sat down with Sandy to talk about the Sensory Friendly Day she launched at one of her franchisee’s salons in California and what it means for customers who have sensory processing issues. 

What role did your sons play in inspiring Sensory Friendly Day? 

Sandy: Even as an experienced stylist, I sometimes have a hard time cutting my boys’ hair. They have sensory processing issues, which makes everyday activities a challenge.   

My familiarity with my boys helped me realize the importance of training. I want our stylists to feel prepared to serve all customers, and I want all customers to feel welcome in our salons. 

How did you train the stylists in your franchised organization?   

I turned to Great Clips University, where I found autism training videos that were excellent. I decided to show the videos, but I wanted to also add a personal video from my son. 

What was the focus of your son’s video? 

It was a Q&A format. I asked him questions and he answered, offering the unique perspective of a salon customer with sensory processing issues. He’s 17 years old, and his answers made everyone emotional! Watching the stylists’ responses made me realize that we can do more as an organization, because our stylists truly care about making a difference. 

What types of insights did your son offer? 

He said the cape makes him feel hot, the clipper is really loud around his ears, and the feeling of the hair falling around his neck really bothers him.  He also talked about the need to feel understood. He said that when someone gets frustrated with him, he panics.   

Once your team was trained, how did you launch Sensory Friendly Day? 

We decided to test the concept at one of our salons on the second Tuesday of every month from 3-6 p.m. We use Facebook and several onsite marketing pieces to promote the special hours. We also set up a table with sensory toys and fidgets.  

Sensory toys? Like what? 

I teamed up with my kids’ therapist to develop sensory kits for customers who are stimming. Stimming is self-stimulatory behavior that can help a person manage anxiety and release nervousness. We supply sensory-friendly boxes for anyone who needs one. 

What other salon modifications do you make during Sensory Friendly Day? 

We make some important shifts: 

• We dim the music and keep conversations quiet. 
• We provide capes that are shirts, to prevent customers from feeling the weight and heat of an extra layer. We have these special capes available in child and adult sizes.  
• Our stylists use special shears that cut like a clipper, to reduce noise. 
• With help from a parent or another stylist, we use neck dusters, to prevent hair from landing on the customer’s neck. It’s probably the biggest improvement overall. This tool has helped my 8-year-old get a full haircut!

How have customers responded? 

The salon is a lot busier during Sensory Friendly Day than we are on a typical Tuesday. We don’t know which customers might have sensory issues, but I see adults not speaking, with their eyes closed, getting haircuts. It’s mostly kids, but we get adults that appear to appreciate the service, too. 

What’s the future of Sensory Friendly Day in your Great Clips franchised organization? 

We’re looking at rolling this out to additional salons. It’s a great initiative and really helps stylists feel proud that they can make everyone in the community feel included. 

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How about you? 

Are you interested in joining a salon brand that values compassion, inclusion, and respect for all? Check out the job openings at a franchised Great Clips® salon near you.   

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All Great Clips® salons are independently owned and operated by third party franchisees. Franchisees, not Great Clips, Inc., are responsible for all hiring and personnel matters at their individual salons.