This month, Dementia Action Week runs from 18-24 May. Tim Scott-Wright, owner of The Hair Surgery in Stourbridge, is sharing his experience working with clients with dementia and helping other salons support their vulnerable clients, too.
According to Alzheimer’s Society, by 2050, around 1.4 million people in the UK are projected to be living with dementia, and as the UK’s ageing population continues to grow, it is a reality that is becoming increasingly common in our salons.
Tim says: “I have been working in the industry for 30 years, and over that time, I have often seen clients’ health deteriorate due to old age, but dementia is such a cruel disease that must be treated so sensitively.
“It’s particularly heartbreaking for me right now as some of my long-standing clients, who have followed me throughout my career, are now in their 70s, 80s and 90s and are living with dementia. I care about them a great deal, and I am passionate about making sure their salon visits are as safe and as comfortable as possible.”
Tim is sharing his experience to help raise awareness and offer practical guidance to fellow professionals navigating similar situations in their salons.
He explains: “Supporting clients with dementia isn’t about completely changing how you work or your salon set-up. It’s about awareness, communication and approaching situations with the right mindset.”
Educating Your Team
Ensuring the whole team understands how dementia can affect behaviour and communication helps build confidence and empathy. Regular team briefings can help staff recognise early signs such as confusion, anxiety or repetitive conversations.
Adapting Communication
One of the most important adjustments salons can make is in how they communicate. If a client repeats a story, you listen every time, and if they talk as if it were 30 years ago, you go along with it. Challenging a client’s memory can cause distress or embarrassment. Instead, stylists should aim to keep conversations calm and reassuring.
Creating a Safe Environment
Safety is another key consideration, particularly in busy salon settings where clients may become disoriented. Keep an eye out while being respectful. Don’t treat them as invalids. Simple adjustments such as seating them in a visible area, assisting them around the salon and having a general awareness of where they are can help keep them safe.
Supporting Families and Carers
Many clients living with dementia now attend appointments with partners, children or professional carers, often one of the first signs that additional support is needed. For families, maintaining a regular salon visit can be incredibly meaningful and a great comfort, keeping a piece of their routine and making them feel like themselves. Communicate with the family, be open and flexible – show them that they can trust their loved one in your care.
A Growing Responsibility for The Industry
With the number of people aged 65 and over in England projected to exceed 15 million by 2040, age-related conditions such as dementia will increasingly impact salons nationwide.
Tim adds: “The ageing population means we will see conditions such as dementia more and more in our salons. It’s vital that we can recognise the signs and have the tools to support these clients.
“As hairdressers, we build relationships that last decades, and we see our clients through every stage of life. This is just another example of what we do as a profession to be more than just a hairdresser.”
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