All images: Kate Dyer from Urban Safari
A trip to the hair salon can be a stressful experience for kids and their parents – but it doesn’t have to be. Dream Cuts, which opened at Westfield Marion yesterday, has promised to make your dreaded trip to the salon an absolute dream.
Dream Cuts is an inclusive salon that strives to foster a welcome and inclusive space for all children, including individuals on the autism spectrum.
To better understand children with sensory needs, Dream Cuts have completed the Autism Friendly Charter, which is an Autism SA initiative which assists businesses build understanding, awareness, and inclusivity for those on the autism spectrum.
One immediately noticeable offering is that children having their hair cut can play with digital entertainment provided in-store. In store, there’s two Nintendo Switches, three Playstation 5’s and multiple iPads. If there’s still some available, the children waiting for their appointment can also play on these devices as they wait.
Kids will also have access to rainbow-coloured fidget toys!
“A lot of thought has gone into the design of our beautiful new salon to make it feel like a dream for kids,” said Dream Cuts’ Marketing Manager, Lisa Chandler.
“The idea is to make the daunting experience of going to the hairdresser a fun and comfortable experience for kids – and an easier experience for the parents.
“We are an inclusive salon, so all children and parents are welcome and included. We encourage parents to come to our team, as we want to know how best to talk to your child. Some kids love noise and attention, while others don’t. We want to adjust to their needs and make it the best experience possible.”
The launch of the new store yesterday was a great success.
“The launch was amazing! Better than we anticipated. Lots of happy kids and happy parents!” said Lisa.
“Our hair salon was filled with bookings and walk-ins all day. The iPads and Nintendo Switches were a massive hit – none of the kids wanted to leave!
“We want parents to know that Dream Cuts is a once in a lifetime experience. It’s not just about getting your haircut. We want it to be the most wonderful experience for big kids and little kids.”
As well as a hair salon, Dream Cuts also doubles as an inclusive birthday party venue for kids.
A few party packages are available for kids to enjoy, catering to various group sizes and personal comforts. Dream Cuts will sort the party invites, so all the parents need to do is enjoy the day and bring a cake!
“We don’t provide a cake, but we make sure we sing happy birthday and give them a special birthday present,” said Lisa.
“We also give parents the option to substitute things from the packages, because we know all children are different and we want all kids to feel included.
“We’ve also got a beautiful photo wall designed by a local designer in Adelaide. We can get the kids to sit in front of it and pose for photos for the parents to take home.”
Find a list of the party packages here.
Dream Cuts is located at Shop 1120 (opposite Balfours Kiosk). Westfield Marion, 297 Diagonal Road, Oaklands Park, SA 5046.
More News
