More Than Lashes: Why Beauty Must Be Neuro-Inclusive
For many, a visit to a lash salon is a moment of relaxation and self-care. But for neurodivergent adults, including those with autism or ADHD, getting a beauty treatment done can be overwhelming. Lying still for several hours with your eyes closed with bright lights, different sounds and smells isn’t always relaxing, but can feel like sensory overload.
At The Lash Surgery Salon, we specialise in lash extensions and lash training courses in South London, focusing on creating inclusive beauty spaces where every client feels safe.
Why Inclusive Beauty Matters
Around 1 in 7 people in the UK identify as neurodiverse. Interestingly, a recent study by salon software provider Vagaro found up to 50% of beauty professionals identify this way too. Despite this, beauty training courses rarely cover wellbeing or how to adapt services to accommodate sensory sensitivities.
Many clients may search online for:
“I find salons overwhelming”
“Anxious about salon appointments”
“Scared of going to the salon”
As part of neurodiversity awareness week we wanted to highlight why Inclusive beauty is more than just aesthetics, but about creating accessible beauty spaces for all.
The Psychology behind a Sensory-Friendly Salon
As the founder of The Lash Surgery Salon, I have a bachelors and master’s degree in psychology. My years of clinical experience as a counsellor helped identify how lash techs interact with clients can directly affect their clients comfort.
Currently, there is no guidance within the beauty industry or from neurodiverse organisations on how to adapt beauty services for clients with ADHD or autism. From adjusting communication styles within salons to offering a sensory-friendly salon experience, there is a need for the beauty industry to evolve.
Review: “Lauren was so patient, kind, and sympathetic, she understands your needs."
At the Lash Surgery, our “your appointment, your way” ethos means we adapt to you.
How to create Sensory-Friendly Lash Appointments
Lying still for several hours during a lash extensions appointment can be difficult. For clients with autism or ADHD, the sensory stimulation of a salon (lights, sounds, scents) and the demand for stillness can trigger anxiety, restlessness, or even shutdown.
Simple solutions such as offering clients fidget toys can help clients feel more grounded, regulated, and in control during their appointment. It’s a small adjustment with a big impact on comfort, inclusivity, and client retention during lash services.
We also offer sensory-friendly lash appointments which include scent-free treatment rooms, dimmed lighting or the option for ‘silent’ sessions.
To ensure clients are comfortable with sudden movements whilst their eyes are closed, we narrate each step of the treatment; Plus, every new client receives an adapted consultation and patch test to ensure their safety and comfort.
Making simple, yet impactful adjustments to clients appointments leads to increased client retention.
How to find inclusive Lash Training
We believe inclusive beauty should be the industry standard. At The Lash Surgery Academy, all our lash-extensions training courses and advanced workshops include modules on wellbeing, business skills and branding. Our “Inclusive Beauty” online course launches in spring 2026, and was designed to provide guidance to beauty professionals and salons owners on how to adapt their services to become truly inclusive.
Looking for a sensory friendly salon?
Visit The Lash Surgery Salon in Tooting, London, where we provide a welcoming environment and safe space for all. To book a neuro-inclusive appointment, simply select the "sensory-friendly" option as an add-on when booking at no extra charge.
A big thank you to Lauren for writing this blog for us. We also wanted to highlight a few additional resources if you’d like to explore this topic further:
How Fidget Toys Support Your Neurodiverse Clients
https://lashbase.co.uk/blogs/news/how-fidget-toys-support-neurodiverse-clients?srsltid=AfmBOooSE9L-qxnJe2NNF3hjbXMT2ekeZ2aIH-XMt96iW6xpklI4wuw0
How to Create an Autism-Friendly Salon and Grow Client Loyalty
https://professionalbeauty.co.uk/autism-friendly-salons-tips?fbclid=iwzxh0bgnhzw0cmtaaynjpzbexd1hhtfv1yxveujm3se81wqeeapyf12u9jq9mhmgqyvq1u2nbpwycyuoa3qarkdf1z9fhhcjqbhmjpxhvbq0_aem_4q_g-vy4v570eyqbfzvolq
Vagaro Survey Highlights Neurodiversity in the Salon & Spa Industry
https://www.vagaro.com/en-gb/news/press-release/vagaro-survey-highlights-neurodiversity-salon-spa-industry
We’d also like to draw your attention to The Lash Surgery Inclusive Beauty Online Course, which you can learn more about here:
https://thelashsurgery.com/upcoming-workshops
