🔗 Share this article

In the bustling commune of this area, famous for its commercial energy and dynamic evening scene, an understated transformation is happening. In this place, stylists are stepping up functions as psychological well-being advisors, giving someone to talk to in addition to grooming.

A Pioneer in Local Assistance

This professional, 49 years old, has spent twenty years not merely transforming tresses but furthermore offering mental health advice to her customers. A school dropout, the hairdresser previously worked as a bank cashier before finding her calling in the beauty industry.

“Don’t think negatively,” she advised a worried student nervous over poor results. “If you don’t succeed, how can you think that you have failed in life?”

Emotional Well-being in the Continent: A Stigma Subject

According to the WHO, over 116 million individuals in this region suffer from emotional disorders. But, therapy is in short supply, with merely a handful of professionals present per each a large population.

In Black communities, styling studios function as safe spaces, notably in regions with minimal availability of psychological support.

Hairdressers as Healers: An Initiative Bringing Change

This charitable group, working in one country, another nation, and a third location, initiated the Heal by Hair initiative. As stated by its founder, the founder, in excess of 400 hairdressers have been trained over the past two years to function as mental health ambassadors, reaching more than many individuals.

In the coming years, the aim is to train more than a thousand stylists across various regions.

‘The Confidence Exists There’

The program was inspired due to a deeply personal heartbreak. Years back, the founder experienced a murder when visiting the region of Cameroon. The incident is still open.

“I spent the initial evening after losing my husband alongside my stylist,” de Putter shared. “The hairdresser became the person I confided in completely since one is merely encircled by others and it's unclear what happened.”

Motivated by her story, the group conducted a 2021 study across seven African states. The findings indicated that most participants admitted to talking to their hairdressers, and more than the vast majority of professionals stated that customers had asked for advice.

Training and Support

The project includes a complimentary, in-depth short-term program with specialists and advisors who instruct participants about effective communication, gender-based violence, signs of depression, and introductory psychological concepts. Following the training, tests are taken before obtaining a credential.

“The course went very well … I got my qualification and this,” commented another hairdresser, showing a mental health book in her studio in a local neighborhood.

Over half a year, participants obtain follow-up help through peer groups and access to a psychological referral system. If a customer shares serious issues, beauticians can direct them to mental health experts, or when there is domestic violence, to the authorities.

Difficulties and Achievements

Initially, financial support for the initiative came mostly from the founder's own money, but now, individual contributors and organizations like an international fund are helping. However, support is insufficient for the scale of the task facing the group's compact crew of employees and about supporters.

In spite of these difficulties, the program has accounts of success and improvement. Locally, one trainee hired someone who had been in a mental health facility, providing reintegration support.

“Commonly after an illness and you've received care, others claim you have problems,” explained de Putter. “But if you find work and a person who agrees to support you, you get out of the stigma.”

A further stylist departed her residence as she was a victim of violence, but now helps people. Locally, hairdressers mention that a few men have begun to approach for advice.

A Sense of Fulfillment

Among the professionals, is present a widespread feeling of satisfaction over their rise as a source of emotional support in their local areas.

“When clients approach discuss their challenges to me, I feel proud for me too since I understand that I am an ear for another person,” said she. “I believe that we all need someone.”

“For a lot of of these women, this is the premier validation as a leader in their neighborhood and a supporter,” said she. “They express to us: ‘Before I merely styling, today I provide care.’”