Nor'West News: September 10, 2020

10
News
Keeping kids happy while cutting their hair
• By Bea Gooding
Thursday September 10 2020
A NEW salon dedicated
especially for children’s haircuts
aims to take the “shear havoc”
out of the ordeal, especially for
parents.
Decked with styling chairs
shaped like sports cars and fire
engines, Shear Havoc, which
opened last month, also caters to
the needs and requirements of
sensory children.
Owner and stylist Wendy Randall
knew the anxiety that came
with a child’s first few haircuts,
which was why she adopted an
individual approach to promote
inclusivity, such as lowering music
volumes and dimming lights.
“I used to live in Kapiti and
the children’s hair salons there
were doing well. Then I moved to
Christchurch 18 months ago and
thought the city needed something
similar,” she said.
“For me, it’s important for
every child to feel comfortable
coming in. They’re different,
they’re individuals so we can’t
have a one size fits all approach.”
While most adults found haircuts
to be a therapeutic process,
it was often distressing for young
children, which was why Randall
opened a space where kids felt
comfortable and at ease.
“Lots of kids don’t like having
their heads touched or are scared
ACCESSIBILITY: Owner
and stylist Wendy Randall
recently opened a new
salon, Shear Havoc, in a bid
to take the stress out of
children’s haircuts.
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of water, and normal salons can
be quite noisy with lots of people
around, so it can be distressing,”
she said.
“Having distractions like fun
chairs and iPads to watch videos
on has definitely made the experience
less stressful and endurable
for families.
“We also have test-drive appointments
where kids can come
in and meet stylists or have a
look around before they come
back again for their haircut to
help them deal with any anxiety.”
The salon had an abundance of
natural light to promote a warm
and fun atmosphere, with plenty
of space for kids to move around
and a play area filled with toys
and colouring-in activities.
Parents could also get their
haircut during their child’s appointment.
Randall said it has been “quite
busy” in the weeks following
opening day and felt a sense of
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pride due to the positive feedback.
“Kids are coming in and
enjoying themselves which has
clearly made it easier for parents,”
she said.
“It’s been reassuring to hear
that feedback because it means
that I was right with my idea.”
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