Exclusively Inclusive

Can you relate to any of the following terms;

Social Discomfort, Autism, Asperger’s, ADHD, OCD, Anxiety, Neurodivergence, Sensory Overload, Panic, Depression, Embarrassment, Two-Spirit, LGBT, Small Talk Fear, Rumination.

If so, then do you also avoid going to a salon?

Is it your worst fear (Tonsurephobia)?

Would you like to go but cannot get past the feeling of anxiety?

At Shades & Fades we can help!

We want to promote neurodiversity and support as many people as we can who maybe don’t go to a salon or get anxiety when they do go to a salon due to sensory overload or social discomfort.

There are many reasons why we avoid these types of situations but that doesn’t mean that we can’t face it together.

Some children and adults with neurodevelopmental disorders prefer to opt for a mobile hairdresser or settle for a relatives or guardians ‘DIY’ haircut. Sometimes it can be because it is easier for the person who takes them and deals with their potential behaviours. Other times it may be that the person themselves cannot face a room full of strangers. Maybe, like me, you suffer from psoriasis or similar skin conditions so you’re avoiding the potential embarrassment.

After growing up in a foster home with children from all backgrounds, ethnicities, mental developments and different social class divides I witnessed an array of reasons that can cause anxiety.

I was a mobile stylist for 12 years so as I could continue to work with adults and children with mental health which I did for 16 years.

I am also a Dementia Friend.

I would get many appointments for clients who felt like they needed a mobile stylist because they would never be able to feel comfortable in a salon. However, entering this client’s ‘safe space’ can also cause more pressure and for children in particular, can create distrust between themselves, their guardian and the stylist.

Children and adults with anxiety disorders tend to find hair salons a very unnerving experience. Whether it be because they can’t handle small talk, don’t like a stranger touching them or even find it hard to leave their house. Sometimes it helps to go to that appointment and make that effort to invest in yourself.

Here at Shades & Fades we can offer exclusive use to these clients allowing them to have a ‘safe space’ to come to for their appointments.

We have a very small ramp rather than a step at our threshold, our salon is spaced out perfectly to accommodate a wheelchair, crutches or pram and our dis’ability’ WC is equipped with grab rails.

Please feel free to call, text, message on social media or come in and see us regarding these appointments and please don’t be nervous to ask about:

• Sensory Sunday
• Silent Service

We look forward to meeting you.

Shades & Fades 💙

Proud Reviews:

“I contacted Michelle because I read so many great reviews and her photos and social media posts always appeared very neutral and inclusive. As a gay man who likes to have his hair coloured, I felt uncomfortable in a barber shop and never found a hairdresser who understood me. I knew during my consultation that I had found ‘the one’. Michelle listened!

I now have the hair I wanted and I have regular appointments which I have never had before. For the first time ever I actually look forward to going to the salon. Thank you x”

“I cannot recommend Michelle enough. After only a couple of appointments I already know that I'll never look elsewhere! She will listen to your requests and give you honest, helpful advice on what can be achieved. Apart from her amazing colour work she is also the friendliest, most down to earth lady. No more awkward silent appointments! We spend the whole time chatting and laughing.

Michelle also cuts my autistic sons hair. After struggling to find someone he could trust enough, he loved her immediately and the security her homely little salon offers!”

“I found Michelle through a recommendation for a hairdresser who can do short hair. I have always struggled to have nice hair that has a style. Being a lesbian with short hair unfortunately brings about discriminating beliefs that were ‘manly’ which is so untrue. I found that hairdressers wouldn’t understand what I wanted and a barber felt unnatural for me to go to. I went to and was very surprised that she didn’t ask me what I wanted. Instead she asked me smaller questions such as “what do you like about your hair?” and “what would you change?”. Every question had a positive lead towards working out what I actually wanted because it turned out that I didn’t even know the answer to that! I came away so happy with my hair I could’ve cried. My girlfriend even said that it changed the way I held my head. Just amazing!”

“I've just been to Shades & Fades for the first time and I'm so happy with my results. Over the past 5 years I've been chasing a colour match for my natural shade, got frustrated when brunettes haven't matched then have always gone back to a balayage to try & hide colour mishaps but no more. I'm finally back to my natural colour after a colour consultation which I've never been offered by another hairdresser.

Going to spend the rest of the night staring at it. Feel so much more like myself already. Thank you so much. I will definitely be back x”

“Michelle at Shades & Fades Hair and Beauty Salon... You honestly are an absolute god send when it comes to not only cutting Maggie’s hair (who won't let anyone else touch it)... but so amazingly patient with Charlie! It was his first hair cut with no screaming and crying!!! Yay!!! Can't recommend this amazing lady enough x”

“Michelle, you were brilliant with G (and obviously me and mum!) - but I really appreciate the way you were with her, thank you xx”

“Hello! Mark says it’s the best hair cut he's ever had! I'm hoping the days of having his hair done in a tin shed are behind him! Xx”

“Michelle is a hair genius! Absolutely nails it every time. She rescued my hair and gave me beautiful healthy highlights and today my three boys (including one who is very much NOT a fan of haircuts) chose three totally different looks and every single one is perfection. 100% recommend for cut, colour and barber services.”

“Cannot recommend Michelle highly enough. I have no idea when it comes to hair (colouring, styling or anything), so when I moved to Telford I needed to find somebody approachable, knowledgeable and skillful, and I found all of those things and more in Michelle.

She truly goes above and beyond, and absolutely nailed the grey colour I've been desperate for for years now, but have always been too scared to take the plunge.”

“Just wanted to say thank you for making me feel so welcome today, it did me good having some adult conversation. You look so well and so happy! You are going to smash this x”

“Thank you so much for yesterday Michelle! I forgot how big a difference comes from being happy with your hair and I feel like a complete new me!”

“Love Michelle's work. Have been using Michelle for about 8 years now and she really is an amazing hairdresser.

I have a fear of hairdressers but Michelle always takes that into account and is very understanding and an all round lovely person.

She's also an amazing colourist who can colour correct pretty much anything. If you've any doubts about a new hairdresser or hairdressers in general, try Michelle, you won't be disappointed.”

“Michelle is a brilliant hairdresser, my whole family go to her. I get my hair coloured and she does it perfectly so it looks natural. My 7 year old loves going to her too, Michelle has the patience of a Saint, answering all of her questions, which there are many My 3 year ald boy is not a fan of having his hair cut (probably due to his 1st few being me cutting his hair with kitchen scissors during the lockdowns). Michelle manages to distract him and get his hair cut. She has brilliant techniques with difficult children. We won't go anywhere else and highly recommend her.”

“Visited Shades and Fades for the first time today. My whole experience, from the first message on Facebook to getting my hair done today has been fab! Michelle is so lovely and friendly and really put me at ease. Came to her with an idea on style and colour and she made it 100% better than I ever expected. I never knew my hair could look so amazing! I traveled for over an hour this morning, it was definitely worth the drive! I needed a new hairdresser since my previous one left the trade, Michelle is definitely my new go to! Thank you so much x”

“I have found my dream hairdresser. We have all had moments where we have been to several salons to be able to have the perfect hair. Well, I had been to a well known chain where I almost felt like I was to blame with how my hair was turning out. I searched and took the plunge finding Michelle on social media. After the first appointment, I was hooked. She understood exactly what I wanted, explaining the processes and the 'journey' with having a hair transformation and the steps it can take. I have had so many compliments with my hair since and wouldn't go anywhere else now.”

“Finally found a hairdresser that listens to you. Michelle is excellent at her job and i highly recommend her. I took the plunge to put colour into my hair and had so many lovely comments. Whole family visit now including 17yr old son for a fabulous mullet trim!”