Northampton hair and beauty salon to offer specific appointments for children and adults with additional needs

For some, going to the hairdressers is challenging, so this business owner wants to help alleviate the stress and worry
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A Northampton hair and beauty salon will soon offer appointments specifically for children and adults with additional needs.

Rapuzel’s in King Edward Road, Abington is a new salon, which opened on April 12 when personal care services were allowed to reopen in England.

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The owner, who has more than 20 years experience as a mobile hairdresser, is now planning to launch a scheme where one day a week is set aside for children and adults with additional needs, when appointments can take longer, music can be turned off and more.

Staff are hoping to provide a calm atmosphere for those who might be concerned about attending a hair or beauty appointment.Staff are hoping to provide a calm atmosphere for those who might be concerned about attending a hair or beauty appointment.
Staff are hoping to provide a calm atmosphere for those who might be concerned about attending a hair or beauty appointment.

Joanna said: “I’m really passionate about helping people with additional needs.

“My son has ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and it has been hard to find a hairdresser who was willing to take longer to cut his hair, as originally he didn’t want me to because I’m his mum.

“I want to offer longer appointments, pre-visits if needed and whatever each individual needs.

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“We are willing to go the extra mile to make sure it’s right.

Rapunzel's opened in Abington in April.Rapunzel's opened in Abington in April.
Rapunzel's opened in Abington in April.

“Staff are all very friendly, understanding and realise that it can take a lot to visit a hair salon. All staff are patient, welcome questions and have a great sense of humour.

“There is a massive gap in the market for this at the moment.

“We want to provide others with the same opportunity as our family do to feel comfortable whilst having their hair and beauty needs met.”

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The business owner is setting aside Tuesday for additional needs appointments from May 18, but says individuals are welcome to come in on other days, if needed.

The salon now wants to offer specific appointments for children and adults with additional needs.The salon now wants to offer specific appointments for children and adults with additional needs.
The salon now wants to offer specific appointments for children and adults with additional needs.

As well as longer appointments, Joanna and her team hope to create a calm atmosphere, give customers the choice of music or to turn it off completely and the harsh smells or products will be removed.

Sensory toys can also be provided, iPads can be brought in for distractions and photos of hair and beauty treatments are posted on social media if clients want to look beforehand.

Joanna, who suffers with alopecia, is also keen to offer wigs at just over wholesale prices to help others with the same or a similar condition.

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She added: “It infuriates me when I try to get wigs that places charge three times to sell them in retail.

“So I also want to offer a service that gets wigs to those who want them for just a little over wholesale price.”

Search ‘Rapunzel's Hair and Nail Salon’ on Facebook to find out more and book an appointment.

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