Searching for a disability-friendly salon? 7 tips to help you.

Finding the perfect beauty salon can be challenging enough, but for those with specific needs it can be a very stressful experience. Fortunately, there are ways to make the search easier. Discover my tips to find a suitable salon because we all deserve to be able to look forward to a safe, positive and enjoyable experience.

The Equality Act 2020

The UK Government introduced the Equality Act 2010 to legally protect people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society. It replaced previous anti-discrimination laws with a single Act, making the law easier to understand and strengthening the law in important ways to help tackle discrimination and inequality. All salons will need to support this but some will go that extra mile and I encourage you to read on to discover my top tips.

How can you find an accessible salon near you?

The best way to start your search is by speaking with friends and colleagues. Ask for recommendations for salons that are friendly to patrons with disabilities. Through word of mouth, you can get valuable insight into the salons likely to offer the most inclusive experience. You can also use online resources such as disability support networks or disability forums to find recommendations from those who have had success in finding an accommodating salon in the past.

Create A Checklist Before Your Appointment

Once you have shortlisted a few local salons, create a checklist of aspects that are important to you. Then, before booking an appointment, ask questions about the salon’s accessibility options. For example:

• What parking and/or public transportation is available?
• Is the facility wheelchair accessible?
• Will the salon have someone available to help you with getting in and out of the salon chair, if needed?

Understanding all the details before booking will help ensure your salon experience is as worry-free as possible.

Wheelchair Users

Many salons will advertise if wheelchair access is available. But the best way to be sure is to call ahead and double check for yourself. At Bella’s Beauty & Hair Lounge, our clients tell us what they value;

• A ground floor level salon with doors that open automatically from the parking / drop off area to provide easy access for wheelchairs, double buggies, etc.
• Car parking is on-site and free with easy access to the salon entrance (the car park is right outside so no difficult roads or kerbs to navigate).
• Rather than designated areas for wheelchair seating inside the salon, all of our stations accommodate wheelchairs and have sufficient space around them to make maneuvering hassle-free. Members of staff will always be on hand to help set up the space just for you.

Noise levels

Noise in salons is common and a regular part of life. However, noise can be stressful for customers with high anxiety or autism and it's really important to us that we provide a safe, positive and enjoyable environment. We are happy to adjust the music level if requested or support clients using ear protectors (we can even recommend a relaxing Spotify playlist for clients who bring their own noise-canceling headphones!).

Look for Special Features or Services

Different salons have various features or services to make them more disability friendly. Examples include chair-side coloring, flexible appointment times, and accommodating staff. You could also look for services that don’t require you to enter the salon space such as color delivery pick up or virtual hair consultations. For example, we offer no mirror appointments if requested on booking. Then you don’t have to sit staring at yourself if you don’t want to. All of these can make getting a great salon experience more accessible to everyone!

Top tip: Refreshments and on-site facilities

Our clients are able to enjoy the on-site cafe / bistro that is right next door to Bella’s Beauty & Hair Lounge! Why not make it a day out or enjoy a coffee with friends!

What’s your superpower?

“When haters go after your looks and differences, it means they have nowhere left to go. And then you know you’re winning! I have Aspergers and that means I’m sometimes a bit different from the norm. And - given the right circumstances - being different is a superpower. #aspiepower”

– Greta Thunberg, climate change activist.

As the owner of a salon, with my own diagnosed ‘superpowers’, it was very important to me to create a disability friendly business (I prefer “superpower-friendly”!). Whether you happen to be a mum with a buggy, or a wheelchair user navigating the salon space; or an anxiety sufferer in need of a safe environment , we understand and will make every effort to ensure you have an enjoyable salon experience. 

I hope these tips will help you to find that perfect salon that can cater to your needs. And if you are generous enough to consider Bella’s Beauty & Hair Lounge, know that my team and I look forward to welcoming you and your superpowers to our salon!