Calm, quiet, sensory-friendly hairdressing…
Getting a haircut isn’t always simple.
Silent Cuts is a sensory-friendly hair salon in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, offering calm, low-stimulation hair appointments to people who find traditional salons overwhelming.
We are open to anyone who prefers a quieter, more relaxed hairdressing experience.
Calm, quiet, sensory-friendly hairdressing…
A calmer way to get your hair cut. Silent Cuts is a sensory-friendly salon in Downpatrick, created by Mainstay DRP. Just a quieter way to get your hair done. Silent Cuts is a social enterprise created by Mainstay DRP, making everyday experiences like a haircut more accessible for everyone.
Supportive Environment
We understand that going to a hair salon can feel overwhelming for some people. Our salon is calm, quiet and sensory-aware. We take the time to understand your needs and work at your pace.
- Flexible support tailored to individual needs
- Quiet, low-pressure spaces with reduced stimulation
- Time to feel comfortable, settled, and in control
We support clients from Downpatrick and across Northern Ireland who benefit from inclusive, quieter, sensory-aware appointments.
Not sure what to expect?
You can watch short videos to see what a visit to Silent Cuts might look like before you come.
They’re especially helpful if you feel anxious, prefer to plan ahead, or are looking for an autism-friendly salon experience.
Who it’s for
Adults with learning disabilities
Autistic children and adults
People who feel anxious about haircuts
People with sensory sensitivities
Anyone who prefers a calm environment
Anyone who prefers or would benefit from a private appointment
We adapt to what works for you.
How Silent Cuts Is Different
No requirement for a diagnosis
Quiet haircut appointments available
Flexible seating
One-to-one appointments
Familiarisation visits
Private haircut appointments available
More Than A Salon
Silent Cuts is Mainstay DRP’s first social enterprise.
Every appointment helps support wider inclusion within our community.
Create training and employability opportunities
Support one-to-one appointments and familiarisation visits
Provide additional time within appointments
Maintain a calm, inclusive environment
Regular appointments
Our regular appointments are open to anyone who would prefer a calmer, quieter hairdressing experience.
Some people enjoy conversation during appointments. Others prefer very little talking. Both are okay here.
We’ll follow your lead and work in the way that feels most comfortable for you.
- Quieter appointments
- Sensory-aware support
- Private appointment at selected times
- Regular appointments include an additional 10 minutes
- Parent, carer or supporter attendance is welcome
Before your appointment
We’ll email a short pre-appointment form to help us understand what may help you feel comfortable.
One-to-one appointments
One-to-one appointments are designed for people who may need additional time, privacy or support during a haircut. Appointments are usually around one hour long and are shaped around the individual.
They can include breaks, flexible seating and sensory-aware support.
We work at your pace, with no pressure and no surprises.
- People who feel overwhelmed in busy salons
- Autistic children and adults
- People with learning disabilities
- People who may need more time or flexibility
Before your appointment
We’ll email a short pre-appointment form to help us understand what may help you feel comfortable.
Familiarisation visits
Familiarisation visits help you feel more relaxed and confident with the stylist and salon before having a haircut.
Visits take place gently and step-by-step, with no pressure for a haircut to happen.
- Seeing the salon
- Meeting the stylist
- Exploring the seating options
- Getting used to the tools
- Sensory-aware interaction and support
How Visits Work
Visits work best when booked over consecutive weeks where possible.
First visit = around 10 minutes
Visits 2–3 = around 10 minutes each
Visit 4 = up to 20 minutes and may include a haircut if the client feels comfortable.
The first visit can be booked online. The remaining visits are arranged in the salon.
Payment
First visit: £12
Visits 2, 3 and 4: Free 💚
Before your visit we’ll email a short form so we can better understand what helps you feel comfortable.
Not sure which service is right for you?
That’s okay. Some people need extra time, extra support and help. Others want a quiet, easy cut. We’re here to work with you and we’ll help you decide what feels most suitable.
Services & Prices
Regular Appointment
From £10
One-To-One Appointment
From £12
Familiarisation Visits
First visit £12 – Visits 2-4 Free
Pay It Forward Fund
A haircut shouldn’t cost more just because someone needs extra support.
For some people, having a haircut can take a little longer. They may need time to become familiar with the salon, a private appointment, sensory adjustments or the flexibility to pause and take a break.
The Pay It Forward Fund helps us provide this additional time and support without passing the full cost on to the customer.
Your donation helps provide: