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For World Sight Day (8th October), Denman would love to raise awareness of the fantastic organisation - RSBC. The Royal Society for Blind Children supports blind and partially sighted children and young people, and their families. They offer a range of services including emotional support and practical advice for families, opportunities for children and young people to build confidence and skills through activities, and a specialist further education college.
For a person who is blind or partially sighted, styling your own hair or going to a salon isn’t always easy and can have a huge impact on a person’s self-esteem, confidence and their sense of identity and independence.
Leading hairstylist, Anna Cofone, hosted the first face-to-face hair care workshop at Hackney Depot on Friday 27th August 2021. This workshop was dedicated to the visually impaired young women from the Royal Society for Blind Children's 'Sisterhood' initiative.
The ‘Sisterhood’ started in the first lockdown of the pandemic as a response to the many young women and children needing their own, safe online space. Within the charity, they organised groups to share and discuss more personal issues.
They learnt how to use products, tools, including brushes, combs, pins, grips and hair bands, to create two simple and practical looks either on each other or on themselves.
Denman were delighted to collaborate, along with other brands, with the RSBC for this event and were thrilled to hear which Denman brushes these young women find work best for them.
Some of the favourite brushes mentioned by the girls were the D90L Tangle Tamer Ultra Bee, DPC1 Pin-Tail Comb, DPC6 Rake Comb, D6 Be-Bop Handy Detangler and the iconic D3 Original Styler 7 Row. It’s so important to know that these brushes have such a significant impact on their day-to-day routine.
It is also important to us that blind and visually impaired people feel supported in hair salons so here are a few tips to make salon visits easier for any visually impaired clients.
- Always ask your client if there is anything you need to know before the appointment and if they need any additional help.
- The biggest priority is to create a trusting environment for your client which comes from clear communication. This includes describing the salon surroundings and obstacles, but also what you will be doing step by step, especially things like spraying product or turning on the hairdryer.
- Always speak directly to the person and not through their companion, guide or other individuals. Address them by their name so they know you are talking to them.
- If your client extends their hand to shake, then do.
- Ask if your client would like to be guided to the chair and whether they would like your arm or for you to take theirs.
- When seating your client, put their hand on the back of the chair and they will be able to seat themselves.
- If your client would like a drink, do not fill the glass or cup to the brim.
- Do not leave or walk away without telling the person as this can be very embarrassing if they continue to talk to you when you are not there.
- Use words like "look" and “see" as they are part of everyone's vocabulary. Otherwise, both you and the client will feel awkward. But do not point or say “over there”. Instead, be specific about what you are describing.
- Feel free to offer advice on hairstyles and products you think would be good for the client.
- Do not automatically hold up the mirror to show the back of the haircut.
Every client should feel comfortable and confident, and a haircut and style can really transform how someone feels about themselves.
