Sensory hair salon opens at North Lakes

An accessible hairdressing salon for those who find the hustle, bustle, noise and smell of regular salons difficult to cope with has opened at North Lakes.

It’s called Sensory Salon, offering a one-on-one experience for clients which removes the barriers faced by those with disabilities or simply an aversion to busy, noisy salons.

The salon is based at Supreme Community Care, 4/8 Burke Crescent, North Lakes, and is run by experienced staff.

It is fully accessible for wheelchairs and walkers, with a pivoting basin for those who cannot transfer to a normal chair, has sensory sound, aromatherapy and lighting options, a tactile wall and anti-gravity massage chair.

There is a galaxy projector to create a calming atmosphere, a humidifier to ease strong scents, and games and toys to distract people who find it hard to remain settled.

Supreme Community Care owner and CEO Branka Rovic says the salon had a soft opening earlier this year and is the first purpose-built salon of its kind in Queensland.

“The support workers would come back and say it’s just overwhelming for them to go to a salon … they can’t do it in their wheelchair. That’s really how it started,” Branka explains.

So, the team created the salon from scratch including elements known to put clients at ease. There is one hairdresser for the person or group using the space at a time, making it a personalised experience.

They want to make sure the person receiving the treatment feels like the most important person in the room, and completely at ease.

“We do a lot of education, so it’s not like … come in and just get your hair done. We’re talking to people about personal grooming and how they can look after their hair and use different products … getting ready to go out socially, out on dates, for job interviews,” she explains.

The staff can also liaise with support workers to refer clients for other services as needed.

Open to everyone

Sensory Salon is a NDIS and DVA-approved provider, but services are not limited to NDIS or DVA clients. They are also available to anyone who is keen for a different hairdressing experience.

“It’s been going really great. The way that people walk in and they float out and they’re so happy,” Branka says.

Clients fill out a form listing their preferences, so the team can set up the room for them before they arrive.

Branka says the prices are on a par with regular hair salons.

To find out more, head to the Facebook page or phone 1300 911 884.