What is a sensory-friendly haircut—and why does it matter?
Most people don’t realize how traumatic a traditional salon experience can be for an autistic child. In this post, I share what I’ve learned from blending my background in behavior therapy with cosmetology, and why I chose to unlearn everything I was taught in order to create a safe, respectful alternative. It’s not about forcing compliance—it’s about building trust, embracing flexibility, and centering the individual.

Discover a neurodivergent‑affirming hairstylist in Decatur, GA, offering sensory‑friendly haircuts for autistic and sensory‑sensitive kids. Learn why these compassionate, trauma‑informed cuts are different—from avoiding restraint to rebuilding trust—and get stories, tips, and insights from a former ABA therapist who truly understands.

Before I opened my sensory-friendly haircut studio in Decatur, GA, I was an ABA therapist helping autistic kids navigate a world not built for them. After years of seeing the trauma haircuts could cause, I knew there had to be a better way. Mane Characters was created to offer compassionate, consent-led haircuts designed for sensory-sensitive individuals.