Bremerton barber creates sensory-friendly shop for neurodivergent clients
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This barbershop offers sensory friendly environment for neurodivergent clients
Nik Mercer opened The Barber Society in May, creating what he calls a “low sensory room” The shop caters to clients who find typical barbershops overwhelming. Wall colors, decorations and other visual elements are chosen with purpose to provide a calming surrounding for clients who crave a low-sensory experience. Mercer had never even stepped foot in a barbershop until attending barber school. He has a box of distractions for clients to hold during hair cuts and toys for children that come in.
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Nik Mercer opened The Barber Society in May, creating what he calls a “low sensory room”.
BREMERTON, Wash. — A new barbershop in Bremerton is cutting hair and breaking barriers by offering a specialized environment designed for neurodivergent clients who struggle with traditional barber shop settings.
Nik Mercer opened The Barber Society in May, creating what he calls a “low sensory room” with minimal stimulation and a calm atmosphere that welcomes clients with autism and sensory sensitivities.
“I really wanted to create a space that was safe for everyone,” Mercer said.
The shop caters to clients who find typical barbershops overwhelming. For people with sensory sensitivities, crowded spaces with multiple conversations and loud noises can feel claustrophobic.
“When you’re in like a big crowd and it gets kind of overwhelming and you kind of feel like your walls are kind of closing in,” Mercer said. “That’s kind of how it feels when you walk into a barbershop with a bunch of people and a bunch of sounds.”
Mercer’s approach is very different from his career so far working in traditional barbershops – including a decade cutting hair at Naval Base Kitsap.
Mercer had never even stepped foot in a barbershop until attending barber school.
“At the time, it was pre-transition — I was living as a female. And female barbers weren’t as big of a thing, it was just all men,” Mercer said. “It was intimidating for sure, first going out to these barber shops.”
The shop’s design reflects its mission. Wall colors, decorations and other visual elements are chosen with purpose to provide a calming surrounding for clients who crave a low-sensory experience.
He has a box of distractions for clients to hold during hair cuts and toys for children that come in.
“Sometimes having something else to focus on is important to them,” Mercer said.
The barbershop welcomes anyone and any age, but its specialized approach has particularly resonated with neurodivergent customers.
The main sounds you hear inside are clippers and scissors working through hair.
Mercer hopes his concept will inspire similar businesses throughout Western Washington.