Tipperary hair expert launches guide for salons on how to be neurodivergent-friendly
Tipperary business owner Melissa Hayward has created a free guide for salons and beauty professionals to better assist and serve their neurodivergent customers
Roscrea hair extension educator Melissa Hayward has recently launched a free guide to help salons and beauty professionals welcome every client, including those who are neurodivergent.
Melissa, who is autistic, created the toolkit from her own experience of more than 20 years in the hair and beauty industry and says that the toolkit “offers simple, practical and mostly free changes that any salon can make, with kindness at its heart.”
"I know first-hand that a salon can feel warm and welcoming for some people and completely overwhelming for others," said Melissa.
"Hairdryers, music, bright lights, small talk and a stranger touching your head can be a lot. I can't talk on the phone, so even booking an appointment can be a barrier. Our whole job is making people feel good, and I wanted to help salons do that for everyone."
Some experts estimate that around 15 to 20% of people are neurodivergent, which includes people who are autistic or have ADHD, dyslexia or dyspraxia. The toolkit shows salons how small changes can make a big difference, such as offering online and text booking, quieter appointment times, clear written instructions for staff and explaining each step of an appointment before it happens.”
"This isn't about being perfect," said Melissa. "It's about making sure nobody walks into a salon and feels like they don't belong. Most of the changes cost nothing at all. They just take a bit of understanding"
The 31-page toolkit covers:
- Welcoming neurodivergent clients and supporting neurodivergent team members
- Booking without the phone
- Unconscious bias, explained simply
- Every hair type, skin tone and body
- Accessible salon spaces and inclusive social media
- Hidden disabilities, including the Sunflower lanyard and JAM Card
- Ready-made scripts for tricky moments
- A salon self-check, templates and a 30-day action plan
Melissa describes the toolkit as a living resource and is inviting salon owners, stylists and people with lived experience to share their own ideas so it can keep growing.