Hairdressers & Mental Health: Here’s Why It Matters

Here’s Why Hairdressers Need To Take Care Of Their Mental Health

Hairstylists frequently find themselves in the role of counselor or therapist to their clients. There are different programs and training aimed at assessing a client’s mental state, abuse situations and even human trafficking. But, who’s looking out for the hairdressers?

That’s why Booksy has declared May 27 National Hairstylist Mental Health Awareness Day to shed light on hairdresser’s mental health needs, give them a platform to talk about their issues and remind stylists that it’s OK to take time for themselves. 

Here Are Two Things To Consider:

1. Is Hairdressing Really A Low Stress Job?

As hairdressers, we know you genuinely love your job. Studies have shown that stylists score high on job satisfaction and usually consider the work low stress, but that does not mean stressors can’t occur.

Consider this… You are constantly on your feet, have very busy schedules and are dealing with customers in all types of moods—three things cosmetologists have to deal with to be successful. We’re not even factoring in Covid-19 and the issues that brought with it.

A recent survey from Booksy found that 71% of hairstylists talked to their clients about frustrations with Covid-19 measures and 55% have been concerned about making ends meet. Over time, dealing with these constant stressors can lead to mental health issues like anxiety.

Celebrity Stylist & Salon Owner Pekela Riley Talking About Mental Health

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Pekela Riley (@pekelariley)

2. Anyone Can Have Anxiety

Anxiety is very common in the beauty community. According to Booksy, 1 in 5 hairdressers are likely to experience an anxiety disorder. They also ran a recent survey asking clients how they felt about their hairstylists, and these stats stuck out:

• 20 percent of clients noticed their stylist seemed anxious
  

   

• 16 percent of clients thought their stylist seemed depressed
  

   

• 27 percent of clients felt their stylist seemed stressed

National Hairstylist Mental Health Awareness Day

Here’s How Hairdressers Can Take Care Of Themselves

Hairdressers can support their mental health by making time for themselves. Take the day off, schedule an hour massage, get your hair done for once—do whatever you need to do to relax and take a break from your busy work schedule. We know it’s easier said than done, but even if you can only spare an hour that mental break can do wonders to improve your mood.

If You’ve Been Feeling Stressed Lately, Remember You’re Not Alone

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by behindthechair.com (@behindthechair_com)

Here’s How Salon Owners Can Support Stylists

Did you know studies have shown that companies with a healthy work environment outperform those that don’t? As a salon owner, it’s not just important that you provide a quality experience for your clients, but for your stylists too. A happy employee is a more productive, motivated and loyal team member. According to SalonDirect, the five things that interfere with providing a healthy work environment are:

• Poor management skills and no communication
  

   

• Little to no participation in decision making
  

   

• Inflexible and long work hours
  

   

• Bullying and harassment behavior
  

   

• Lack of team cohesion

If you notice one of more of these red flags at your salon, taking small measures to correct them will go a long way in improving your stylists mental well being. According to Booksy, 44 percent of stylists have a hard time separating themselves from work when they’re not at the salon and 41 percent have contemplated a career change. Little things like opening up communication, organizing a team day and even setting up a space for hairstylists to chill in their downtime will go a long way in helping them de-stress at work.

What Clients Can Do To Support Stylists

Clients, you vent to your hairdressers all the time. It’s now time for you to return the favor and listen. If your stylist seems extra stressed, ask them how they’re doing. Be open to talking about mental health and actively listening to their story.

57% of clients have said that their stylist opens up to them about personal problems. Opening up about mental health issues is the first step towards a healthier mental state and even hairdressers deserve a safe space to vent.

You can send your favorite stylist a note telling them how much they’re appreciated and you’re always free to talk. It’s the little things that go a long way in making someone’s day and lifting their mood.

Click Here To Learn How Your Fellow Hairstylists Cope With Burnout!