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.