Kindest cut: barber devotes day to boys with special needs

IT IS ‘AS MUCH FOR THE PARENTS AS IT IS FOR THE KIDS’

Johnny Parry with wife Zowie and daughter Nancy A THOUGHTFUL barber is opening his shop once a month just for children with special needs.

Johnny Parry, who runs Genesis Barbers, in Heanor, says the day is “as much for the parents as it is for the kids”.

Children with special needs often find the experience of having a haircut difficult or distressing, particularly affecting those with Down’s syndrome or autism.

That is why Mr Parry chose to dedicate one Sunday a month to serving boys who have special needs.

He said: “Everything is set up for them and it’s a day that’s especially given to these types people. The music is off. They have toys to play with, including sensory cushions.”

Mr Parry said there was a knack to keeping children with special needs happy while he was cutting their hair.

He said: “You have to be patient. They sometimes don’t want it done. It’s a challenge but the result of seeing them happy with it is totally worth it. I love it.”

When he is not cutting hair the 38-year-old also teaches kickboxing to children, including those with autism and Down’s syndrome. He has also been learning sign language for more than a year.

Mr Parry said he was not sure why he was so good at connecting with children who have special needs.

He said: “I don’t know where it comes from. I have always been quite good at cutting kids’ hair – between me and my wife we have five kids. It really started because I know someone with a Down’s syndrome kid and from there it escalated.”

Mr Parry, who lives in Ilkeston, said he did not know that there would be so many parents who wanted the service until he started offering it.

He said: “No one else is really doing this, especially in a small town like Heanor. It’s such a massive thing once you get into it – you realise how much demand there is.” Nicola Hodkinson, who took her son to Genesis Barbers for one of the dedicated Sunday sessions, called it a “wonderful idea” on a Facebook review.

She said: “Wow. What a difference today, taking my little boy in to have his hair done with Johnny on the pre-booked special needs appointments. It made it so much better for him. What a wonderful idea, guys.” Parents wishing to make an appointment for their son with special needs should send a message to the Genesis Barbers Facebook page. A haircut for boys costs £8.

The next event at the Ray Street barbers will be Sunday, January 6, between 9am and noon.