Christian Plotegher

Christian Plotegher, owner of Barber Factory 1975 in Rovereto, has since 2019 adapted his salon to the needs of autistic children, for whom a haircut can be a real ordeal. In 2020 that work earned him the honour of Cavaliere al Merito della Repubblica Italiana.

Rather than keep that experience to himself, Christian channelled it into a national network of caring hairdressers and barbers, founding the association Le Forbici a Cuore, officially launched on 24 June 2024. Its aim is to open the chair to people with neurodivergence and disabilities, with the extra care and sensitivity they need.

Members complete mandatory training and can be recognised by the association’s sticker in their shop window and by their pin on the association’s map. Piece by piece, the goal is a world where difference is welcomed and everyone gets a professional cut on their own terms.