At Wella Company, we believe that beauty should be accessible to everyone. Our goal is to transform a simple everyday experience, such as a visit to the hair salon, into a safe and positive process for individuals on the autism spectrum, contributing meaningfully to the improvement of their quality of life and the strengthening of social inclusion.

Individuals on the autism spectrum, children and adults, their families and caregivers, professional hairdressers, as well as the wider society.

12 months (until February 2025)

How can a simple haircut become a fear-free experience? How can a hair salon be transformed into a space of understanding, acceptance, and care for all?

With these questions as a starting point, Wella Company joined forces with the Child and Adolescent Center and designed an initiative that redefines the concept of service within the beauty industry.

The action began with the scientific documentation of the real difficulties faced by individuals with autism in a hair salon environment — from sounds and lighting to human interaction. Based on these findings, we developed a comprehensive training and support framework for professionals.

We created an openly accessible guide, implemented specialized training seminars, and activated the professional community of hairdressers across Greece. At the same time, we laid the foundations for a network of Autism-Friendly salons, actively promoting inclusion in everyday life.

This initiative is not only about training. It is about a shift in mindset: from service delivery to empathetic care.

Child and Adolescent Center (Non-Profit Organization)

Wella Company employees actively participated in all stages of the initiative, from design to implementation, in close collaboration with the interdisciplinary team of the Child and Adolescent Center.

In addition, more than 60 professional hairdressers from across Greece actively participated, received training, shared experiences, and committed to adapting their services. Parents and caregivers also made a significant contribution by giving voice to the real needs of their children.

Greece (nationwide scope – in-person and online activities)

• More than 60 hairdressers trained in delivering an Autism-Friendly experience
• Development and free distribution of a specialized practical guide
• Nationwide research conducted to map needs and challenges
• Creation of an Autism-Friendly salon network via the autismap.gr platform
• Improved experience for individuals with autism in a key everyday activity
• Increased awareness among the professional community and society at large

Through this initiative, Wella Company actively strengthens its role as a driver of positive social change, expanding the concept of beauty beyond aesthetics towards inclusion and acceptance.

At the same time, it strengthens its relationship with the professional hairdressing community, creating a new value framework that combines technical expertise with social responsibility.