Hi, I’m Jonny, and I’m the proud owner of The Lad's Lounge. After serving 17 years in the British Army, I found myself on a very different path — one that’s deeply personal and close to my heart. My journey into barbering began not as a career move, but as a way to help my youngest son, who is non-verbal and autistic.

Like many parents in similar situations, I found it incredibly difficult to take him to traditional barbershops. The unfamiliar environment, the sensory overload, and the lack of understanding made haircuts a stressful and often distressing experience for both of us. So, I made the decision to take matters into my own hands — quite literally — and enrolled in a barbering course, simply so I could learn to cut his hair at home. But what started as a solution for my son quickly became a passion.

As I looked around my local area and searched online, I was surprised — and disappointed — to find that very few barbers had any training or awareness in working with neurodiverse clients, especially those with autism. That moment sparked something in me.

I decided to extend my training and completed a specialised Autism Hair Training course. Through that experience, I realised how much of a difference a calm, understanding, and sensory-aware approach could make — not just for my son, but for many others in similar situations. That’s why I opened The Lad's Lounge — not just as a traditional barbershop, but as a safe, welcoming space for everyone, including those who find standard haircuts challenging. Whether you’re neurodiverse, have additional needs, or just prefer a quieter, more understanding approach, you’ll find a patient hand and a warm welcome here.

So, The Lad's Lounge was launched, a mobile service specifically catering to neurodivergent clients, including those with autism. This venture was inspired by my son's traumatic experience getting a haircut, highlighting the challenges some individuals with autism face in traditional salon settings. The service prioritizes giving clients ample time — over an hour — to ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience.

Key Aspects of the Service
Mobile Service
The business operates on a mobile basis, bringing the service directly to clients, which can be significantly less stressful than visiting a busy salon.
Extended Appointment Times
A primary focus is on providing ample time for each appointment, recognising that individuals with autism may need more time to process and adjust to the haircutting process.
Understanding Sensory Sensitivities
The service acknowledges and addresses potential sensory sensitivities triggered by the sights, sounds, and textures associated with haircuts.
Collaboration and Awareness
The Lad's Lounge contributes to broader efforts to raise awareness about autism and haircuts, working alongside organisations like Autism Barbers Assemble to educate other barbers and hairdressers on how to create a safe, inclusive environment for autistic clients.
Why This Matters
Haircuts can be a significant source of anxiety and distress for some individuals with autism due to sensory processing differences, fear of the unknown, and other factors. By providing a tailored and understanding approach, The Lad's Lounge helps to alleviate these challenges and promote positive, empowering experiences for every client.