A Calm, Inclusive Hair Salon in Downpatrick
Silent Cuts With Mainstay DRP
Silent Cuts is a sensory-friendly hair salon run by Mainstay DRP. It has been developed to support adults with learning disabilities and autistic people and is also open to anyone who prefers a quieter, more relaxed hairdressing experience.
The salon has been designed to reduce sensory overload and to provide a safe, supportive environment where people are treated with dignity, patience and respect.
Book Online Today
Find an appointment that suits your schedule and needs via our third-party booking system. We can’t wait to meet you!
You can even message us via our social medias – just click on the platform you’d prefer.
A Supportive Environment
We understand that going to a hair salon can be difficult for some people. Noise, smells, busy spaces, conversation and unfamiliar routines can all be overwhelming.
At Silent Cuts, we take time to understand individual needs and preferences. Appointments are flexible, and clients are supported to feel comfortable and in control throughout their visit.
There is no requirement for a diagnosis or referral.
Who Silent Cuts Is For
Silent Cuts Supports:
Adults with learning disabilities
Autistic children & adults
People who experience anxiety around haircuts
Anyone who prefers a calm and quiet salon environment
Family members, carers and support staff are welcome to attend appointments where appropriate.
How Silent Cuts Is Different
The salon has been designed with sensory awareness in mind. Support can include:
- A calm, low-noise environment
- Reduced sensory stimuli
- No hair colouring or strong chemical smells
- Minimal or no conversation, depending on preference
- No mirror option
- Extra time and breaks as needed
- Access to sensory tools
- Flexible seating arrangements, including alternatives to the salon chairs
Appointments are led by the needs of the individual. If something is not working, it
can be changed or stopped.
Designed For You
Flexible Booking
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Appointment options
Standard Appointments
These take place in a shared salon environment, with sensory supports available as part of the service.
One-to-One Appointments
These are available for individuals who require a more private or predictable setting. During one-to-one appointments, only one client is present in the salon.
Availability for one-to-one appointments is limited and must be booked in advance.
tel. 07592 522848
Call or text, we’re here to help!
Before & During The Appointment:
- Staff can explain each step of the haircut in advance
- Clients can choose how much interaction they want
- Breaks can be taken at any time
- Familiar people or items can be brought along for reassurance
Clients and carers are encouraged to share any information in advance that may help us provide the right level of support.
There is no pressure to complete an appointment if it becomes distressing.
Booking & Contact
Appointments are booked online through our booking system.
If you need support with booking, please call or text and a member of the team will assist you.
Book online
Call or text: 07592 522848
Get In Touch With Us
Good news: National Lottery funding awarded
Silent Cuts has been awarded £15,791 from The National Lottery Awards for All programme to support the development of our employability and training work.
This funding will help us deliver a supported employability programme for adults with learning disabilities, alongside the day-to-day running of the Silent Cuts salon. The programme provides opportunities for people to build confidence, learn new skills and gain real experience in a working social enterprise.
The funding supports:
- A dedicated Support Coach role within the salon
- Structured training and work experience in a real workplace
- A calm, supportive environment where people can learn at their own pace
We are grateful to The National Lottery and to National Lottery players for making this work possible. This funding helps us strengthen Silent Cuts as both an inclusive community service and a meaningful pathway into training and employment.
A Social Enterprise
Silent Cuts is a social enterprise operated by Mainstay DRP. Income generated through the salon helps support training, volunteering and employment opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults, while contributing to inclusive community services.
If you would like to discuss whether Silent Cuts is suitable for you or someone you support, please contact us and we will be happy to talk things through.