It’s easy to take certain things for granted — like sitting in a chair and getting a haircut.

But dementia has a way of turning ordinary moments into challenging ones.

A haircut might seem quick and easy to you or me. For someone with dementia, it can feel overwhelming or frightening..

Here are some of the hurdles I’ve seen — and that I wish more people understood:

• Strange Surroundings: New places can be disorienting. Bright lights, mirrors everywhere, buzzing tools — a salon can feel like sensory overload.
• Mirrors Can Be Confusing or Frightening: Seeing their own reflection might confuse someone with dementia. They might not recognize themselves and think a stranger is staring at them, leading to fear, anxiety, or anger. Mirrors can also make it hard for someone to tell how many people are actually in the space, which adds to confusion or a feeling of being crowded.
• Noise and Smells: Blow dryers, scissors, clippers, hairspray — the sensory soup can be overwhelming for someone whose brain already feels overloaded.
• Touching and Personal Space: Having someone touch their head, ears, or neck might feel invasive or even threatening. Especially if they don’t remember why they’re there.
• Fear of Sharp Objects: Scissors near the face can trigger fear or suspicion. I’ve known people who thought the stylist was trying to harm them.
• Difficulty Sitting Still: Dementia can bring restlessness. Sitting in a chair for 15 or 20 minutes can feel impossible.
• Trouble Understanding Instructions: Simple directions like “Tilt your head forward” or “Look down” might be confusing. Or forgotten the second they’re spoken.
• Emotional Vulnerability: A haircut can be a reminder of changes in appearance, aging, or hair loss — all sensitive topics, even more so for someone living with dementia.
• Embarrassment or Shame: If someone fidgets, resists, or becomes upset during the haircut, they might feel embarrassed afterward — even if they can’t fully explain why.
• Caregiver Proximity: Many salons or barbershops simply don’t have space for a caregiver to sit nearby. Being separated, even for a few minutes, can be terrifying for someone with dementia — and stressful for the caregiver, too.

That’s why it’s important for stylists to know if a client might be living with dementia. When they’re aware, they can adjust how they communicate, slow things down, explain each step, keep mirrors covered if needed, and create a calmer, safer environment. A little understanding can mean the difference between a stressful ordeal and a peaceful visit.

None of this means haircuts are impossible.

It just means they take more planning, patience, and understanding.

• Go at a quiet time of day.
• Explain each step gently.
• Stick with the same stylist if you can.
• Ask the stylist to cover mirrors if they cause distress.
• Keep appointments short when possible.
• Let the salon know ahead of time that you’d like to stay close if possible.
• Offer lots of reassurance.

Above all, remember this:

A person with dementia isn’t being difficult. They’re having difficulty.

Going to a hair salon can be challenging for someone with dementia. A few small modifications can make all the difference.

Note: If you are looking for a Dementia Friendly Hair Salon in Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Iowa, I highly recommend Wendy Weber Salon Suite. Wendy has done training with me that is above and beyond our Iowa Dementia Friendly Business and Organization Training. She has experienced dementia in her own family and is passionate about providing comfortable salon experiences to those with dementia.