Jungle Hair and Beauty Ltd helps children to cope with haircuts – finally, a place of belonging for SEN children.
By Ruth Kettle-Frisby – Guest Writer and Community Activist
Ruth is passionate about fostering positive change within the local community and regularly contributes insights and stories to The Havering Daily.
Jungle Hair and Beauty Ltd is a wheelchair accessible, SEN-friendly salon on the ground floor of Romford Shopping Hall. Far from being simply an add-on or afterthought, its inclusive ethos prioritises understanding and dignity at every level, which becomes apparent from the moment you walk in.
Lee Seaton is the heart, soul and mastermind behind Jungle Hair and Beauty Ltd: the glowing result of her expertise, experience, and everything she’s learned over the years from parent carers and children in Havering who are disabled or have special educational needs (SEN).
“Every child is unique, and so is every appointment. We’re here to help them feel safe, calm and confident.”
Customers can expect:
- Consistency of stylist
- Two transitional stages, with a development plan to aid with the transition from Full SEN to Pro SEN (see end of article for details)
- a designated quiet sensory room with blocked windows for anyone who needs a private and discreet appointment
Every element has been considered to the finest detail, including:
- a charming animal theme and an array of sensory toys and ipads on offer
- sage green interior to create a calming atmosphere
- investment in powerful professional hairdryers that are much quieter
- space to self-regulate, stretch legs, and let off a bit of steam in between cuts
“I wanted it to be perfect so that it helps everyone”
For context, white salon walls can compound anxiety in children who may have experienced trauma in clinical environments, and many disabled and neurodivergent families experience public and professional ignorance, judgement and unacceptable behaviours such as staring during hair appointments.
There can be the additional stress that in the event of a meltdown, abandoning mission mid-haircut has immediate consequences that can only be rectified through a process of booking a future appointment, which may well have a similar outcome.
Every consideration – from the warm interior design, to the nature of the appointments themselves – has been taken to make Jungle Hair and Beauty Ltd a safe, caring, trauma-aware environment for anyone who needs it.
You can book your appointment at Jungle Hair and and Beauty Ltd here:
https://www.fresha.com/en-GB/a/jungle-hair-and-beauty-romford-43-market-place-qx67z5lv
- FULL SEN – Private Sensory Appointment
- 30 minutes
- £21
- PRO SEN – main salon space, with the option to use the private sensory room
- 15 – 20 minutes,
- £18
Ruth Kettle-Frisby
Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!
We have created community pages where we will share our up-to-date stories happening in the area. Add the area closest to where you live.
Discover more from The Havering Daily
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.