The cape. The chair that moves. The buzz of the clippers. For many neurodivergent children, a haircut isn't one event — it's a stack of sensory surprises in a small, bright room. A personalised visual story turns each of those surprises into something they've already walked through, so the real appointment becomes the second time.
This is an 8-page sample we made for a hypothetical child — built end-to-end in Lionmain so you can see exactly what your export looks like. Watch the video, or download the PDF. When you make yours, your child takes the lead role with their own photo, name and the real salon they're going to.
Name the salon and the hairdresser — "Sam at Curl & Co" turns a stranger into a familiar face before you arrive.
Show the chair going up and down. The moving chair is the moment most kids brace for; a picture takes the surprise out.
Include the cape. The feeling of something wrapped around the shoulders is a huge sensory event — name it in advance.
Explain the buzz of the clippers or the snip of the scissors. Sound is often the hardest part, not the haircut itself.
Add a "if I need a break" page — closing eyes, holding a fidget, or a signal your child can use without speaking.
End with what happens after: a mirror check, a lollipop or sticker, walking out with the new hair. A known ending steadies the middle.
Include these in your story so they aren't surprises:
The buzz of clippers and the whirr of a hairdryer — often the loudest surprise.
Water sprayed on the head or a warm rinse at the basin.
The cape brushing the neck, and the itch of loose hair on skin.
Sitting still for longer than usual with someone standing close.
Bright salon mirrors and lights, and the smell of product or shampoo.
Add their name, their photo, and the real salon they're going to — and Lionmain creates a personalised version in about three minutes. Your first story is free.
Create our haircut story →