Songpa-gu, Beauty Education for Parents of People with Developmental Disabilities

Songpa-gu Supports Hairdressing Education for Families of People with Developmental Disabilities... Started This Year, 16 Participants in the First Half
Second Half Training Begins... Advanced Classes Including Men's and Women's Haircut Practice, Hairdressing Volunteer Work
Participants Expect "Comfortable Hairdressing at Home Without Worrying About Others"

"I thought it would be great if my child had a dedicated hairdresser, so I am going to work hard to take on that role myself." "I don't think I'll have to worry about going to the hair salon anymore." "Going for a haircut used to be a big deal, but from now on, I can just do it comfortably at home."

These are the expectations shared by residents who participated in the hairdressing education organized by Songpa-gu (Mayor Seo Gang-seok) on the 26th of last month. They are parents or grandparents of individuals with developmental disabilities.

This year, the district launched the 'Dedicated Hairdresser Support Project for Our Home' for families with developmental disabilities for the first time.

As of July this year, there are 2,467 people with developmental disabilities in Songpa-gu, ranking third among Seoul’s autonomous districts. However, many face difficulties using regular hair salons. The facilities are designed for non-disabled people, making transportation inconvenient, and the harsh stares from others make visiting hair salons challenging.

In particular, since it often takes a long time for individuals with developmental disabilities to adapt to unfamiliar environments, the district has started parent education to help them receive hairdressing services in a more comfortable setting.

A total of 16 people participated in the first half of the year’s education program, which ran for two months starting in February. They learned basic hairdressing skills such as hairstyle analysis and haircut techniques for both men and women. The program received high satisfaction, and there were many requests to operate an advanced course.

Accordingly, in the second half of the year, an advanced course will be newly introduced in addition to the basic education. The basic education will be held in three sessions until September, with 24 participants expected. Afterward, six outstanding graduates will be selected to continue the advanced course until October.

The education is designed to enable parents to cut the hair of their children with developmental disabilities at home. It includes ▲ hairstyle analysis and haircut practice according to women’s hair length ▲ clipper practice based on men’s head shape ▲ styling techniques for both men and women.

Participants will also be provided with educational supplies such as clippers, wigs, and scissors sets.

After the education, there are plans to conduct hairdressing volunteer services for graduates and individuals with developmental disabilities.

Seo Gang-seok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, stated, "This project also aims to naturally foster self-help groups among parents of individuals with developmental disabilities through education, creating a space where they can share difficulties and encourage each other." He added, "Going forward, Songpa-gu will continue to implement various disability-friendly policies to create a barrier-free community."