Proper Cuts - A Community Treasure…read more
My boys are now 11, 4, and 2, and we've been loyal customers at Proper Cuts since April 22, 2023. Both of my younger sons had their very first haircuts here with Sam (4) and Shawn (2), and the experience has been nothing short of extraordinary.
As a parent of children on the autism spectrum (my 11-year-old is borderline autistic and my 4-year-old is Level 2, non-verbal autistic), I cannot overstate the level of care and concern this team shows. My family requires patience, understanding, and flexibility, and Shawn and his team consistently go above and beyond to provide superior customer service.
When my 4-year-old kicks, screams, and/or cries... Shawn calmly allows breaks to help him regulate. The entire shop joins in applause after each haircut, even on "challenging days," because they know he responds well to high praise. They've celebrated birthdays with my boys, and most recently, Shawn sliced his finger while carefully perfecting my son's haircut during a stimming episode... yet he never lost patience or compassion. Shawn is a perfectionist but also understands that my son runs on an internal timer, keeping haircuts under 12 minutes. (Yes, it's very specific because we timed it).
Chris, a neighboring barber to Shawn, noticed my son struggling to calm down and immediately brought over a lavender oil-soaked hot towel, which worked instantly. That thoughtful gesture inspired us to add lavender diffusers in all of our children's bedrooms!
Beyond their care for my family, Proper Cuts is a true pillar of the community. Just last week, they were brainstorming ways to provide free services to families impacted by the government shutdown and suspension of SNAP benefits. They even reminded me that we missed their annual Halloween block party, where they shut down the street, host food trucks, bounce houses, a DJ, and create a safe trick-or-treating experience for kids.
While they may not have formal academic training in special needs care, Shawn, Sam, Chris, and the entire Proper Cuts team have done a phenomenal job meeting my family exactly where we are. Their kindness, patience, and genuine care have made Proper Cuts more than just a barber shop! Proper Cuts is a part of our family. We refuse to go anywhere else, and I promise you will too.