Shelby’s Hair and Beauty in Leigh is autism and SEN friendly

Shelby’s Hair and Beauty in Elmsleigh Drive, Leigh, boasts a specialised children’s room, designed to be able to host children to get haircuts from staff who are experienced in working with youngsters with special needs.

Owner Michelle Lott-Bone (known by friends and customers as Shelby) believes is the only in Essex to specialise in catering for people with special needs.

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Ms Lott-Bone, 50 who has owned the salon for 11 years, said: “I have autism in my family, and as someone with ADHD myself, I wanted to provide a space for people who may struggle with sensory overload.

Shelby's (Image: Michelle Lott-Bone)

“I wanted to create a business that is friendly and accommodating for people with special needs to use.

“We have created a calming, caring, and understanding space."

Michelle at work (Image: Michelle Lott-Bone)

The Leigh resident says the hair salon caters for all customers, not just those with special needs.

The salon boasts a specialised children’s room with racing car seats, toys, lava lamps, DVDs, dimmed lights, and sensory items to help parents get their young one’s comfortable and calm before a cut.

A child gets a cut (Image: Michelle Lott-Bone)

The shop also holds specialised sensory days, just for customers and children who struggle with large groups, loud noises or stimulation overload.

“We have a separate room for children, that parents can book out to themselves so it’s just them with no other distractions,” Mrs Lott-Bone said.

The children's room (Image: Michelle Lott-Bone)

“If anyone is struggling to get their children’s hair done, and a lot of parents can feel embarrassed with other parents looking on, we can offer a judgement-free space where we can do haircuts or their kids with the whole room to themselves.

Helping out (Image: Michelle Lott-Bone)

“We don’t just cut hair in the chair, it can be all over the place, on the floor, under the tables, on mom’s lap, we go with the flow and take the time to allow for meltdowns or behaviours that other salons aren’t equipped for.”

Calming environment (Image: Michelle Lott-Bone)