Downpatrick salon making haircuts more accessible wins awards at Social Enterprise NI Awards evening
Silent Cuts, a sensory-friendly hair salon in Downpatrick, has won Best New Start Up at the Social Enterprise NI Awards 2026, recognising a business built around helping people feel comfortable, understood and valued when having their hair cut. The salon is open to everyone!
The salon, created by local charity Mainstay DRP, was also Highly Commended for Best Use of Social Media.
For some people, the noise, lighting, conversation and unfamiliar sensations of a traditional salon can make a haircut overwhelming. Silent Cuts offers a calmer, more flexible approach, with time to find out what works for each customer.
There is no music, lighting is gentle, and appointments can include less conversation, covered mirrors, flexible seating and breaks. Customers who need more privacy can book a one-to-one appointment with the salon to themselves. Familiarisation visits are also available for children who need time to get to know the surroundings and stylist.
(Photos: Ricky Parker Photography, courtesy of SENI.)
The salon is open to everyone, with no diagnosis required. Customers include people with learning disabilities, autistic people, those with sensory sensitivities or anxiety, and people who simply prefer a quieter appointment.
Senior Stylist Olwyn McColl and Stylist Brenda bring decades of hairdressing experience alongside personal understanding of different support needs. Their approach has helped the salon receive 277 five-star reviews, with customer feedback highlighting patience, kindness and feeling listened to.
Sarah-Jane Mowbray, CEO of Mainstay DRP, said: “Silent Cuts began with a simple belief that everyone deserves to have their hair cut somewhere they feel comfortable, understood and valued.
“For some customers, that means a quieter appointment. For others, it means taking things gradually, getting to know the stylist or having the salon to themselves. Being able to make those choices can make a real difference to the person and their family.
“Olwyn and Brenda have put that belief into practice through their patience, skill and care. These awards are a lovely recognition of their work and of everyone who has helped Silent Cuts grow, from our customers and families to the people who support and recommend us.”
Alongside its hairdressing services, Silent Cuts runs a supported training programme for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. Participants practise customer service and hairdressing-related skills at their own pace, with support to build confidence, communication and independence.
Its Pay It Forward Fund also helps meet the cost of additional appointment time and sensory-friendly support, helping to keep these options affordable.
The awards recognise a Downpatrick social enterprise showing how everyday services can become more accessible by listening to people and adapting to their needs.
About Silent Cuts
Silent Cuts is a sensory-friendly hair salon and social enterprise in Downpatrick, created by Mainstay DRP. The salon is open to everyone. No diagnosis is required.
Mainstay DRP supports people with learning disabilities and autistic people through accommodation, support and community opportunitie
Website: https://mainstaydrp.org/silent-cuts/
