What To Expect
Calm, quiet, sensory-friendly and sensory-friendly hairdressing.
Designed to support autistic people, people with learning disabilities, people who experience anxiety, and anyone who would benefit from a calmer salon environment.
Some people like to know what will happen before coming to the salon in Downpatrick.
These short videos can help you become familiar with the salon, the people, the space, the tools and what appointments may look like.
You can watch the videos before your appointment, in your own time. There is no rush.
We are here to support you.
Our goal is to make your visit as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
Have a little look around Silent Cuts
For some people, seeing a place first can make visiting feel a little easier.
Who Will Be There
This video shows who may be in the salon, Olwyn and Brenda, and what days people may be there.
One-to-One Appointment
This video shows what a one-to-one appointment may look like, the salon door closed and a calm private space.
Where You Can Sit
This video shows different seating options, chairs, beanbags and floor space, and that you can move if you need to.
Tools & Sensory Experience
This video shows hair tools, sounds you may hear, sensory items and comfort items available in the salon.
How to Find Us
This video shows how to find Silent Cuts and the outside of the salon before you arrive.
Need More Information or have a question?
If there’s anything you’d like to know before your visit, or if the videos haven’t answered all your questions, please complete the form below and we’ll be happy to help.
Our Hair Styling Team
Olwyn and Brenda bring more than 55 years of hairdressing experience, alongside a deep understanding of autism, sensory sensitivities, and learning disabilities, helping to create a calm, welcoming salon experience.
Olwyn — Senior Hair Stylist
With over 30 years of hairdressing experience and a background as a support worker at Mainstay DRP, Olwyn understands the challenges some people face in traditional salons and now specialises in sensory-friendly and supportive hair appointments.
Brenda — Part-Time Hair Stylist (Thursday-Friday)
With over 25 years of hairdressing experience and lived experience of autism. Brenda helps create a welcoming, relaxed environment where clients feel understood and at ease.
Reviews
We’re proud to provide a welcoming, sensory-friendly and sensory-friendly salon experience. Here’s what some of our clients and families have said about their visits.
Ready when you are
We understand that booking a haircut can feel like a big step, particularly if salon visits have felt overwhelming in the past. There is no pressure to rush—take the time you need and get in touch whenever you feel ready.
You can book an appointment online at a time that suits you.
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: