JENICKA CAREY

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 Committed to providing exceptional care for every guest, especially those who require therapeutic sensory-friendly services. To ensure a comfortable, unhurried experience, we offer the option to extend your appointment to 30 minutes for an additional $25.00. Providing extra time for breaks, communication needs, emotional regulation, & tailored grooming without rushing the process.

 Because therapeutic sensory appointments are designed to be flexible & responsive to the individual needs of our clients, service times may occasionally run longer than expected. This means that if the appointment before yours is a sensory session requiring extra care, your appointment may be slightly delayed.

 A text will be sent to notify you 60-90 mins prior if this occurs.. Please watch for updated notifications. 

The goal is to ensure every guest receives focused attention.

~Toddlers 

Goals: Desensitize to environment, gain trust, normalize touch and sound.

Steps:

1. Pre-Visit Prep:

• Ask parents to play with pretend scissors/clippers at home.

• Send photos/videos of the stylist and salon.

2. First Visit:

• No cut expected; focus on exploration and comfort.

• Sit in parent’s lap, show tools, let child touch them.

3. Next 2–3 Visits:

• Gradually introduce touch on head/shoulders.

• Allow them to hear clippers/scissors without cutting.

4. By 4th–5th Visit:

• Begin micro-cuts: 1-2 snips or clipper buzzes.

• Use distractions like bubbles, mirrors, or singing.

5. Ongoing Progress:

• Work up to full haircut slowly over months.

• Use consistent language, smells, and faces.

~Children 

Goals: Build autonomy, predictability, reduce sensory triggers.

Steps:

1. Consult and Assessment:

• Ask about triggers (clippers, sounds, lights, pressure).

• Create visual schedules or social stories.

2. First 1–2 Visits:

• Start with washing or brushing only, or just a small trim.

• Reward systems (sticker chart, token, etc.) introduced.

3. Visits 3–5:

• Consistent stylist, gentle introductions to tools.

• Start small trims, praise small wins.

4. Visits 6+:

• Encourage more involvement (e.g., choosing cape, tools).

• Begin styling, shaping haircuts based on comfort.

5. By 6 months+:

• Should be able to tolerate a full appointment with breaks.

• Continue positive reinforcement.

~Pre-Teens and Teens 

Goals: Give autonomy, reduce shame, create safe space for self-image.

Steps:

1. Pre-Visit Chat or Form:

• Ask directly what they like/don’t like.

• Use inclusive, respectful language.

2. First Visit:

• Empower with choices (music, chair height, cape).

• Ask permission before each step.

3. Visits 2–4:

• Normalize process with honesty (“This might feel cold.”).

• Breaks allowed. They can use noise-canceling headphones or fidgets.

4. Ongoing:

• Invite them into hair education—what’s being done and why.

• Mirror use for involvement.

5. Long-Term:

• Support identity and self-expression (style, color).

• Respect boundaries and encourage dialogue.

~Adults 

Goals: Respect autonomy, build trust, empower self-care.

Steps:

1. Intake Form/Consultation:

• Discuss previous trauma, sensitivities, and preferences.

• Offer private or low-stimulus setting.

2. Visit 1:

• Keep it minimal: simple trim or consult-only.

• Build relationship and control (“Let me know when you’re ready.”)

3. Visits 2–3:

• Build service length gradually.

• Offer calming options (weighted cape, low lighting, quiet room).

4. Ongoing:

• Reflect on progress.

• Introduce advanced services (color, treatments) if desired.

5. Long-Term:

• Celebrate trust-building and encourage regular self-care routines.