For many people with Autism, getting a haircut can be a harrowing experience. Imagine all the things you don’t like about getting a haircut – cold wet hair, the comb scraping your scalp, a cape that is too tight on your neck, loud “snicks” near your ears and eyes – and multiply them by about a thousand and
that can be the sensory experience for someone with Autism.

But at The Artistic Edge, owner Jen Brumm is a specialist in the new technique of the dry haircut and for those people with Autism for whom a haircut was miserable, Brumm’s expertise is a Godsend.

Brumm now has a large group of clients with Autism – adults and children – who come to her salon specifically seeking out her specialized skills in order to experience the excitement and pleasure of getting a fabulous look without the negative sensory experience.

“I have a wonderful neighbor who is closely involved with the Autism Alliance of
MetroWest so I put two and two together and decided that one of the several events I do each year to give back to the community should be dedicated to raising funds to support the Autism community," said Brumm

Tomorrow, The Artistic Edge will host an Autism Awareness Fundraiser with the proceeds donated to the Autism Alliance of MetroWest. The event takes place Oct. 20 from 2 to 5 p.m. at 1151 Worcester Rd (Route 9, in the same parking lot as Nick’s Rugs).

“We will have representatives from favorite companies like Scentsy, The Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Silpada and more plus a number of local artists with everything from gorgeous oil paintings and scenic photographs; we even will have a Feng Shui expert here to help you improve the energy in your home!” said Brumm. “And these wonderful people are all donating a percentage of their sales as well as a nominal table fee toward the cause, so there’s no additional cost to people who want to support this terrific organization.”

The public is welcome to stop by and browse.

Brumm and her specially trained staff will also be offering consultations for just $15 with 100% of that going directly to the Autism Alliance of MetroWest.

“We offer these consultations to people so we can assess the condition of their hair, whether or not people are happy with the shape and color of their hair, what styles are best suited to their hair type, shape of their face and whether or not they are willing to spend hours in front of the mirror or want a wash and go style. People love to learn about their options and this is a chance for us to show them everything that could work for them.”

“For anyone who books an appointment on Saturday, whether or not they opt for a consultation, I will donate 15% of the fee for that appointment to the Autism Alliance of MetroWest," said Brumm.