Beyond the Chair: How Hairdressers Can Support Mental Health

November 30, 2024

The intersection of hairdressing and mental health is about connection, compassion, and community. By creating a space where clients and staff feel seen and supported, salons can have a profound impact on mental wellness. Whether it’s through active listening, a confidence-boosting hairstyle, or simply a kind word, your work as a hairdresser can make a difference in someone’s life

What is mental health?

Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological and social well-being. It influences how people think, feel and act, and it plays a vital role in overall health. Struggles with mental health can manifest in various ways, from mood changes to physical symptoms like headaches or stomach pains.

Signs Someone Might Be Struggling

As a hairdresser, you may notice signs that a client or colleague is experiencing mental health challenges:

Mood changes: Sudden irritability or uncharacteristic sadness
Withdrawal: Avoiding conversations or seeming uninterested in usual topics
Problems thinking: Difficulty focusing or expressing themselves clearly
Physical issues: Complaints of unexplained aches or discomfort

These signs are not definitive, but they warrant sensitivity and support.

How Hairdressing Positively Impacts Mental Health

Salons can provide clients with more than a new hairstyle—they offer a therapeutic experience.

1. Talking Can Help Clients Process Emotions

For some, talking to a hairdresser feels easier than confiding in friends or family. As a neutral party, you can offer a fresh perspective and provide a listening ear without judgment.

2. Boosting Confidence with a New Look

There’s truth to the saying, “If you look good, you feel good.” A fresh hairstyle can uplift your clients’ self-esteem, improve their confidence and restore a sense of control over their lives.

3. Fostering a Sense of Community

Salons are inherently social spaces. For clients feeling isolated, a visit to the salon can break the monotony of loneliness, offering lighthearted conversations and a warm atmosphere.

4. A Break from Daily Stress

Amid the chaos of life, a salon appointment is an opportunity for clients to pause, focus on themselves and de-stress.

How Hairdressers Can Support Mental Wellness in the Salon

You don’t have to be a therapist to make a difference in someone’s day. Here’s how you can create a supportive environment:

1. Establish a Judgment-Free Zone

Make it clear that your salon is a safe and inclusive space. Encourage openness and emphasise that your clients will be met with kindness, no matter what they share.

2. Practice Active Listening

Show clients you’re fully engaged in the conversation. Maintain eye contact, nod affirmatively and respond thoughtfully to show you’re there for them.

3. Show Empathy and Validate Feelings

A simple “That sounds really tough” or “I understand why you’d feel that way” can make someone feel acknowledged and valued.

4. Be Resourceful

Keep a list of local mental health services or support organizations handy to share if a client needs additional help.

5. Invest in Education

Take mental health awareness courses and encourage your team to do the same. The more you know, the better you can support others.

Supporting Your Team’s Mental Wellness

Healthy employees are key to a thriving salon. Here’s how you can care for your team’s mental health:

Foster open communication: Create an environment where staff feel comfortable sharing concerns
Offer training and resources: Provide access to counselling services or webinars about managing stress
Encourage work-life balance: Flexible scheduling, regular breaks and honouring time-off requests can help prevent burnout
Create a relaxing staff area: Design a comfortable space where employees can recharge during breaks

Prioritising Your Own Mental Health

As a hairdresser, you’re often giving emotional energy to others. It’s essential to look after yourself, too. Seek support if you’re feeling overwhelmed, whether through a trusted friend, a therapist or a wellness activity.

What to Do When Someone Needs Urgent Help

If a client or staff member is struggling severely, advise them to seek help immediately. Encourage them to speak with a trusted individual, their GP or go to A&E if their condition worsens. Keeping emergency mental health resources on hand is always a good idea.