As many parents know, everyday things can be overwhelming for kids with sensory issues.
I know firsthand, as my son has had sensory issues since he was born. For example, since he was a toddler, he has struggled with many kinds of clothing including socks and many types of pants. Despite efforts like occupational therapy, he has continued to experience many sensory sensitivities, so as a result, accommodations have been made by us and anyone caring for him. It’s been tough, but these accommodations have helped him (and us!).
In addition, my son’s sensitivities have affected other everyday things in his life such as haircuts, so it’s been a journey making sure anyone cutting his hair is understanding and prepared for his special needs.
But then thankfully there are hairstylists like Charity Mohs who understand these special needs very well. Charity is a hairstylist in Edina whose daughter has had sensory struggles since she was born, and she has had to learn how to work with those needs in a world not always designed for kids like hers and mine. As a result, she designs appointments to accommodate unique sensitivity needs for kids, teens and adults.
I met Charity through the special needs support community, and I thought it would be great for her to cut my son’s hair. She does hair appointments on Wednesdays to Saturdays. Saturdays are the best day for sensory appointments, as she spaces appointment out and can take as much time as needed with each one. So we scheduled an appointment for a Saturday afternoon.
Charity has been a hair stylist since 2000, and is a stylist at District on 50th in Edina, where many stylists work together. The salon is beautiful and spacious, and there were a few other stylists working with their clients when we arrived.
Charity was ready for us and got to know us, instantly putting my son at ease. Then she took him back to a room with many comfortable hair-washing stations. I think he enjoyed the pampering…
Time for the haircut!
Now my son can be silly, but Charity had developed such a good rapport with him that he was in full-blown silly mode, and they were chatting and laughing the whole time. The fun conversation and her taking her time kept the haircut moving along smoothly.
At one point she let him hold a clip – things like this can help some kids’ focus.
“I look like Jimmy Neutron!”
One stylish, handsome boy.
All done!
The whole haircut took about an hour, which actually seemed to go by pretty quick.
To many parents, an hour sounds like a long time for their child to sit still – but in this case, the extra time definitely was a plus! Plus honestly, I think my son enjoyed all that time focused on him and making him look and feel his best.
After my son’s appointment, I scheduled my daughter’s hair to be cut as well. She had been growing it out long for a while so she could get it cut short and donate it to kids with cancer. (There are several places you can mail your hair to online, to be used by people with cancer.)
My daughter has always had long hair, so it was weird to watch most of it get cut off! But she was ready for it, wanting to try a new look. Plus, hair always grows back.
Charity put her hair aside to be bagged up for us to mail.
My daughter’s new pixie cut!
I guess this is a popular, cute style right now, and it’s certainly a lot easier to take care of than long hair! Her plan though is to try this out for a while and then grow it out again, to donate to kids with cancer again.
All done with their new looks!
Charity also gave us a tour of the salon, including the lower level which has everything from a nail salon to private offices for waxing, facials, and even cool sculpting.
Services and Pricing
Her services include haircuts, hair color, lip waxing and makeup application.
Haircuts for men, women and children are $70, and last for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, to allow for individual needs.
Overall we were very happy with our haircuts, and recommend her especially for your family’s special needs hair care.
Visit her website and the salon website for more information!
Charity’s website: https://www.charitymohs.com/
Charity’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/StylistCharityMohs/
District on 50th website: https://www.districton50th.com/portfolio/charity-mohs/
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/District-on-50th-Salon-Spa-111423826949489/
Salon address:
District on 50th Salon and Spa
3926 W 50th St
Edina, Minnesota 55424
Note: Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the salon is closed temporarily, but you can purchase gift cards for future bookings.
(Disclosure: Some of our services were provided as complimentary in exchange for our honest review. All opinions are 100% mine.)