'A milestone for inclusivity' - Barbershop to open in Derry for neurodivergent individuals

In celebration of World Autism Awareness Day on Wednesday, 2 April, Derry will welcome the launch of its first ever barbershop designed solely to cater for the needs of neurodivergent individuals later this week.

Diverse and Dapper will be opened by Derry man Aaron Dentith and the barbershop will provide a calm and inclusive environment for those with additional needs.

As many with sensory sensitivities such as anxiety or neurodivergence can often find such trips to the barbers overwhelming, this new establishment aims to reshape this experience for them. 

Commenting on the need for such a space, Aaron said: "Something as simple as a haircut should be an enjoyable experience for everyone, but for many individuals, it can be a source of stress and discomfort. At Diverse and Dapper, we are creating a space where all clients feel safe, accommodated, and valued."

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He added: "This isn’t just about haircuts—it’s about dignity, confidence, and ensuring that no one is excluded from self-care experiences that many take for granted."

In order to ensure a personalised and relaxed experience tailored to each client's needs, the shop will operate by appointment only. However, there will be one day a week reserved for walk-in services to allow the broader community to experience the barbershop's unique approach. 

The official grand opening will take place at 84 Duke Street in the Waterside at 1pm on Saturday, 5 April. Everyone in the community is invited along to meet the team and learn more about this valuable new service.