Haircuts and dentist visits are often hard for children because they combine unfamiliar places, close touch, loud sounds and strong smells, which can overwhelm a child's sensory processing (the way the brain receives and responds to sensory information). The best next step is to prepare gradually and, if distress is intense or frequent, to seek a professional assessment. Support is available at Bloom Beyond Enabling in Al Jaddaf, Dubai, including occupational therapy for sensory and daily-living challenges.
Many Dubai parents tell us that a routine trip to the barber or the dental clinic can end in tears, hiding or refusal. It can feel embarrassing and exhausting, but it is rarely about "bad behaviour". For many children, these experiences are genuinely uncomfortable or frightening, and their reaction is their way of telling us so.
Think about what a haircut involves: a stranger standing close, a cape around the neck, clippers buzzing near the ears, hair falling on the skin and the instruction to sit still. A dental check adds bright lights, tastes, unusual smells, a reclined chair and tools inside the mouth.
Each of these can be hard on its own. Together, they can push a child past what they can manage. Children also cannot always explain what bothers them, so the distress comes out through crying, pulling away or refusing to go.
Some children are more sensitive to touch, sound, taste or smell than others. Various studies suggest that sensory differences are very common in autistic children, with many estimates falling somewhere between 70% and 90%, and sensory reactivity is part of the diagnostic criteria for autism in the DSM-5. Sensory differences are not limited to autism, however, and can also appear in children with ADHD, anxiety or no diagnosis at all.
A child with heightened sensitivity may experience the buzz of clippers or the scrape of a dental tool as painful rather than merely annoying. Another child may seek out sensation and struggle to keep still. Understanding which pattern applies helps us choose the right kind of support, which is where occupational therapy can make a difference.
Preparation works best when it is calm, short and repeated over time. Some ideas many families find useful include:
Use a simple social story or picture sequence showing what happens, step by step, so your child knows what to expect. A behaviour therapy team can help you build one that suits your child.
Play "barber" or "dentist" at home with a favourite toy, a comb or a soft toothbrush, and let your child take the lead in the role play.
Visit the salon or clinic first without any appointment, just to look around, say hello and leave while things still feel positive.
Book quieter times of day, ask whether a quieter room is available, and let your child bring a comforting object, ear defenders or a favourite song.
Gradual exposure means breaking the experience into very small steps, such as sitting in the chair for a minute, then wearing the cape, then having the scissors touch the hair, and celebrating each success. If your child becomes upset, pause and return to an easier step rather than pushing on.
Calming routines before the visit, like deep pressure hugs, slow breathing or a short walk, can help your child arrive feeling more settled. Consistency matters more than speed. Expect progress to be uneven and keep each experience as positive as you can.
It is worth speaking to a professional if your child's distress is severe, if it affects other everyday routines such as bathing, tooth brushing or dressing, or if it is leading to avoided dental care. An occupational therapist can look at how your child handles sensation and daily tasks, while a clinical psychologist can help if fear or anxiety seems to be the main driver. Please avoid trying to self-diagnose; a proper assessment gives you clear, individual guidance.
Families across Dubai and the wider UAE are increasingly seeking early support, and starting early can make everyday routines feel more manageable for the whole family.
Yes, many children find these visits uncomfortable at some point. When the distress is intense, happens every time or does not ease with preparation, it may be linked to sensory sensitivities, anxiety or difficulty coping with unfamiliar situations, and an assessment can help clarify what is going on.
It might be, but a single reaction does not tell us that. Strong responses to touch, sound or smell across many daily situations are worth discussing with a qualified therapist, who can observe your child and explain what they notice.
No, forcing a child usually increases fear and makes the next visit harder. Short, predictable, gradual steps with plenty of praise tend to build confidence far more effectively.
Yes, therapists can help children build tolerance step by step and teach regulation strategies. Progress varies from child to child, and your therapist will tailor the approach to your child's needs and pace.
Bloom Beyond Enabling offers occupational therapy at 601, 602 & 701 Al Nastaran Tower, Al Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai. Our team can assess your child's sensory and daily-living needs and plan support with your family.
If haircuts, dental visits or other daily routines are a struggle for your child, we would be glad to help. Please call +971 4 554 5234 or +971 52 600 4107, email bloom@bloombeyond.me, or visit us at 601, 602 & 701 Al Nastaran Tower, Al Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai. You can also arrange an assessment online with our Dubai team.
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