When you walk into a salon, you expect more than a haircut — you expect connection, confidence, and a moment of care. But for many deaf and hard-of-hearing clients, something as simple as communicating their hairstyle can become a stressful barrier.
London-based hairdresser Jo Haywood, who works in Kensington, is on a mission to change that.
Meet Jo Heywood: The Hairdresser Bringing BSL to the Salon
Jo specialises in providing sign language care appointments for deaf and hard-of-hearing clients. Rather than relying on scribbled notes or awkwardly pointing at photos, Jo communicates directly through British Sign Language (BSL), easing consultations and creating a comfortable, empowering salon experience.
“Being understood changes everything,” Jo shares. “Speaking to my clients in their language helps them feel confident from the moment they sit in my chair.”
Why Inclusive Hairdressing Matters
Hairdressers are in the business of making people feel good — and inclusivity simply widens the number of people who get to feel that way.
Jo explains that without accessible communication, many clients worry that the stylist doesn’t really understand what they want. They may ask themselves:
- Did they understand which part of the picture I liked?
- Are they guessing what I’m saying?
- Can I ask questions easily?
With BSL or other communication accommodations, clients can express every preference — even the small details that make or break a haircut. Feeling fully considered and included turns an ordinary appointment into an uplifting experience.
You Don’t Need to Know BSL to do More Inclusive Hairdressing
While Jo has formal BSL qualifications, she emphasises that full fluency isn’t the only route to accessibility.
There are many simple, effective steps any salon or stylist can take:
1. Offer Online Booking
Phone calls aren’t accessible for everyone. Online booking systems, now common in many salons, make a huge difference.
2. Caption Your Social Media Content
Reels, tutorials, and announcements should always include captions. It’s better for accessibility and better for engagement — you won’t lose viewers who watch without sound.
3. Learn a Few Basic Signs
Even one sign — hello, welcome, thank you — can instantly put clients at ease and show you’re making an effort.
4. Do a Pre-Appointment Consultation
Jo recommends sending questions or requesting reference photos through DMs or email before the appointment. This allows:
- Clear discussion of the desired style
- Time to think before replying
- Less pressure during the appointment
- Transparent conversations about pricing
Written pre-consultations remove guesswork and ensure everyone arrives informed and confident.
Building a Relaxed, Enjoyable Salon Atmosphere
A salon is more than a place to get your hair done — it’s a social experience. Jo explained how she strives to include deaf clients in group conversations, banter, and laughter within the salon.
“No one wants to feel like they’re missing out,” she says. “Even hearing people get paranoid when others are laughing — imagine how heightened that is when you can’t hear the conversation.”
By signing back what’s being said or explaining shared jokes, Jo keeps clients connected to the wider salon community.
Learning BSL Can Be Easier Than You Think
Jo encourages hairdressers to start small. You don’t need a full course to make progress — even small, daily practice helps.
On her Instagram, Jo shares “one sign a day” through Stories, making learning bite-sized and fun. By the end of a year, learners can build an impressive vocabulary without ever stepping into a classroom.
Practice also becomes easier when shared. Jo even teaches her colleagues in the salon, helping create a more inclusive hairdressing environment for everyone.
It’s a Language That Helps Beyond the Salon
Sign language isn’t just valuable for communication in the salon — it can become a helpful everyday tool. From communicating in loud clubs to signalling through a window, signing has countless practical uses. With sign language increasingly discussed as a potential GCSE option in UK schools, younger generations may soon grow up with even greater awareness and skills.
You Don’t Have to Be Perfect — You Just Have to Start
One of Jo’s biggest messages is that you don’t need to sign flawlessly to make an impact.
“When I started, I wasn’t great,” she admits. “I still get things wrong. But clients are so kind — they finger-spell, they teach me, and we learn together.”
Approaching clients with kindness, patience, and an open mind goes far further than perfect grammar ever could.
Final Thoughts: Inclusivity in the Salon Begins With Intention
For Jo, inclusive hairdressing isn’t about perfection — it’s about making people feel seen, supported, and understood. “Just start,” she encourages. “Learn one sign. Add captions. Take a moment to write things down. Every little step helps someone feel more comfortable.” By welcoming everyone into our salons — not just those who communicate like we do — we transform not only the services we offer but the community we create.
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