Barbershop in Porto Creates Acoustic Room and Adapted Service for Neurodivergent Children

In Porto, Portugal, the opening of The Atypical Barber Shop marks a new trend in the barbershop sector by focusing on the inclusion of neurodivergent clients. The space, inaugurated in September, was designed to welcome the entire community but includes specific adaptations for those who need fewer sensory stimuli or more time during their service.

The initiative stems from the personal experience of founder Licínio Rodrigues, a Brazilian barber who received an autism diagnosis at age 27. This experience helped him understand the difficulties faced by his clients since childhood, leading him to create an environment where the first visit can occur without a haircut being performed, allowing the child to gain confidence in the space.

The location features a closed room that is acoustically isolated, equipped with children's furniture and decorative elements designed to reduce anxiety. Professionals from psychology, occupational therapy, and architecture contributed to defining colors, lighting, and aromas. The furniture is mobile, allowing the space to be reorganized according to the immediate needs of each family.

The process begins even before the client arrives. When scheduling online with the option for adapted service, guardians receive a message from the barber to identify specific sensitivities, such as aversion to water or the sound of clippers. In some cases, videos featuring the sounds of the equipment are sent so that the child can become familiar with them in advance.

Flexibility is a central pillar: if the young client is not comfortable, they can explore the environment and return on another day without cost for the unperformed service. Currently, Licínio personally handles these cases while training his team colleague. He plans to travel to Copenhagen to deepen his studies and eventually offer workshops for other professionals in the field.

Prices follow a standard rate card, with cuts starting at 16 euros, but adapted services have a reference hourly rate. The barbershop aims to prove that hair care can be accessible and welcoming for everyone, eliminating common barriers found in traditional salons.