Our Story and Mission
Discover the heart behind Sensory Safe Salons™ - and why I built it
Learn about our journey, our commitment to inclusive experiences, and how we're making a difference for neurodivergent and trauma-affected individuals and their families.
Heartfelt beginnings
With over 25 years of experience as a hairdresser, and as a neurodivergent parent, I saw firsthand how overwhelming haircuts can be for many children and families.
When my own son’s first haircut took more than two hours, I began searching for a better way. Through learning about sensory needs, autonomy, and nervous system regulation, I quickly realised that the traditional salon experience doesn’t work for everyone.
That search became a passion: building calmer, more supportive, child-led and sensory-safe environments where children feel respected, understood, and able to participate at their own pace.
Today, Sensory Safe Salons™ exists to help families, hairdressers and professionals create more positive haircut experiences for every child.
What Is Sensory Safe Salons™?
Sensory Safe Salons™ grew out of that journey. What began as one salon - Sien Hair - and one toolkit - The Calm Cut™ - has now become an education, resource and advocacy platform dedicated to creating more inclusive, neuro-affirming haircut experiences everywhere.
I combine professional hairdressing expertise with lived experience as a neurodivergent parent to bridge the gap between families, salon professionals and allied health practitioners - building practical tools, resources and education that support positive haircut experiences for everyone involved.
Right now, that means The Calm Cut™ free starter toolkit for families - with professional resources for hairdressers and therapists in development. Down the track, this will grow to include certified training, accreditation, online courses, and a national directory of sensory-safe providers.
We believe every person deserves to feel safe, understood and respected in the salon chair.
“Every child deserves to feel safe, supported and understood during haircut experiences. My hope is to help professionals create more inclusive, compassionate and sensory-safe salon environments"
Kelly, founder of Sien Hair & Sensory Safe Salons™