Meeting clients where they are, even when a haircut doesn’t go to plan
I made a banana in a roll.
Nothing fancy. Just a soft roll, cut in half, with a banana inside.
And suddenly… I was back in Swanage.
Every summer as a child, we’d sit on the beach with bags of rolls and bananas for lunch. Simple. Slightly sticky fingers. Sand everywhere. Seagulls hovering.
But I also remember sitting there in a tracksuit…
You see, I’m allergic to the sun, and the combination of sun, sand and sea is a recipe for disaster.
Whilst everyone else was in swimwear, I was covered up.
And when I went into the sea, I had verruca socks on my feet.
At the time, it made me feel somewhat different.
A bit awkward. A bit self-conscious.
Not quite like everyone else.
It’s funny how one small thing, like a banana in a roll, can bring all that back.
The good memories… and the uncomfortable ones too.
And it got me thinking.
So many of the people I cut hair for carry these same feelings.
Feeling different.
Feeling self-conscious.
Not wanting attention.
Just wanting to feel comfortable and accepted.
For some, that might be anxiety around haircuts.
For others, sensory overwhelm.
For others, simply not liking change or unfamiliar situations.
That’s why I care so much about creating a calm and comfortable space, whether that’s in someone’s kitchen, living room, or care setting.
Because sometimes it’s not just about the haircut.
It’s about being understood.
Being accepted for who you are.
And feeling like you don’t have to explain yourself.
Small adjustments can make a big difference; taking time, explaining gently, working at a slower pace, or simply creating a familiar environment. These things aren’t complicated, but they can completely change how someone experiences a haircut.
Funny what a banana in a roll can remind you of.
