A Markethill hairdresser has been praised for “championing neurodiversity” when a 15-year-old client was permitted to attend her appointment with two bunny rabbits.
Owner of salon Studio44, Lynsey Cartmill has received adulation from her local community after allowing her young neurodiverse client, Abbie to hold her pets during a routine haircut with stylist Denise Morrison.
Lynsey and Denise have been cutting Abbie’s hair since the salon opened four years ago and, in that time, have built up a special rapport with the young girl who has severe learning difficulties.
Lynsey explained: “We have built up a good relationship now but it did take a while for Abbie to feel comfortable.
“She hates getting her hair done and I’ve been working with Abbie’s mum to establish an environment that she’s more comfortable in.
“She comes in usually in the mornings when it’s quieter and she would have brought her wee dogs and teddies in and that would have brought a bit of comfort.
“But the animals! It’s the difference of night and day. The difference that those animals make is incredible and we always make sure that if there’s anyone else within the salon that they are happy enough that the animals are there.
“We usually try to have at least 15 minutes when there is no one in so it’s a calm environment, it’s her environment and it’s her time to get her hair done.”
And the bunnies weren’t the first furry visitors to accompany Abbie on her makeovers.
Added Lynsey: “We have had lambs in the previous time. It could be anything and they always come in two! She has lambs, the bunnies and she has had kittens in too. It’s like Noah’s Ark!”
For Lynsey, it’s important that Studio44 is a safe place for all of her clients where each can enjoy the same level of care and attention.
Said Lynsey: “I always try to make adjustments. Some of my neurodiverse clients prefer different things like they maybe don’t want their hair too short, or the salon to be too nosiy. I always try to make them feel safe, reduce the noise for them or give them their own space.
“I want everyone to feel equal and to be able to come in and enjoy a haircut without it being a traumatic or stressful experience.
“As a parent myself, if it was my child I would just want someone to do that for my child and for me.”
Abbie’s mother, Sharleen McMurray was one of the first to praise the salon saying: “Thank-you Lynsey and Denise for the wonderful job you do with Abbie each time she comes to get her hair cut. These girls go above and beyond to make Abbie’s visit as stress free as possible including allowing all the livestock!”
Another said: “Thank-you for providing this much needed service.”
“Great to see that Studio44 are championing neurodiversity,” added another.
