Erdenheim resident Laura Lorenzon Maxwell has opened up a sensory-friendly hair salon in Springfield Township for kids with special needs like autism. Her reason for opening the business all started thanks to a personal relationship she had with a young boy named Ethan, reports Matteo Iadonisi for 6abc.

“I’ve cut Ethan’s hair for a long time,” said Maxwell. “And then one day, Ethan didn’t want me to cut his hair anymore that day and we couldn’t figure out why.”

Ethan Franks, who is only five, lives right down the road from Maxwell. Since they live so close, this has allowed Maxwell to become friends with the Pre-K student. But their relationship gained new meaning after Ethan was diagnosed with autism.

Maxwell did everything she could to make Ethan comfortable during a haircut. Sometimes she had to wait until he fell asleep.

“They tend to not enjoy haircuts because the sound is right next to their ears,” she said. “Just having another blow dryer going, the phones ringing, it’s magnified by thousands of times.”

Although Maxwell helped Ethan a great deal, Ethan also helped Maxwell.

“He was one of the reasons why I really reached out to open my own salon,” she said.

Maxwell opened Hairapy in 2021 at 808 Bethlehem Pike in Erdenheim. The salon is open to everyone, but Maxwell has a unique consideration for those with special needs.

Since she’s the only stylist, Maxwell can create a personalized environment for the client. Things like music, break time, or hands-on trinkets help to make the experience more comfortable.

“It’s just amazing that me just being me is able to help these children be successful,” Maxwell said.

Read more about Hairapy at 6abc.