HOW BEING A HAIRDRESSER CAN AFFECT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?

Introduction

The mental health of hairdressers can be significantly affected by the unique challenges they face in their profession. Dealing with demanding clients, long working hours, and high-stress levels can increase anxiety, burnout, and overwhelming feelings. Recognizing and addressing these impacts is crucial for maintaining the well-being of hairdressers in their vital role.

What Are The Hidden Pressures of Being a Hairdresser?

Being a hairdresser involves much more than just cutting and styling hair. Behind the scenes, numerous hidden pressures can significantly impact the well-being of these professionals[1].

1. Client Expectations: Hairdressers face immense pressure to meet clients’ expectations, striving to bring their visions to life while ensuring satisfaction.
2. Time Constraints: Hairdressers often work under strict time constraints, juggling multiple appointments and trying to deliver impeccable results promptly.
3. Physical Demands: The job requires prolonged periods of standing, repetitive movements, and exposure to chemicals, leading to physical strain and potential health issues.
4. Emotional Labor: Hairdressers serve as confidants, listening to clients’ personal stories and problems, which can take an emotional toll over time.
5. Creative Pressure: Constantly staying updated with the latest trends and techniques is vital to meet clients’ evolving fashion demands and maintaining competitiveness.
6. Work-Life Balance: Long working hours, including weekends and evenings, can disrupt personal lives and strain relationships, affecting overall well-being.
7. Financial Insecurity: Many hairdressers work on a commission basis or rent a chair, resulting in fluctuating incomes and economic instability.
8. High-Stress Environment: The fast-paced salon environment, handling demanding clients or resolving conflicts, can create a stressful atmosphere that impacts mental health.
9. Continuous Learning: To stay relevant, hairdressers must invest time and money in ongoing training, certifications, and skill development.

Understanding and addressing these hidden pressures is crucial for supporting hairdressers’ mental health and well-being, ensuring they can thrive in their profession while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

How Hairdressing Can Affect Your Mental Health?

Hairdressing, as a profession, can have a significant impact on one’s mental health due to the following factors[2]:

1. Client Expectations: The pressure to consistently meet clients’ expectations and create their desired look can lead to stress and self-doubt.
2. Emotional Demands: Hairdressers often act as confidants, listening to clients’ personal stories and challenges, which can be emotionally draining and impact their well-being.
3. Workload and Time Management: Juggling multiple clients, adhering to tight schedules, and managing the workload can create stress and feeling overwhelmed.
4. Self-Criticism and Perfectionism: Hairdressers strive for excellence in their work, which can result in self-criticism, high standards, and a fear of making mistakes.
5. Physical Strain: Standing for long hours, repetitive motions, and exposure to chemicals can lead to physical fatigue and discomfort, affecting overall well-being.
6. Career Pressures: Keeping up with evolving trends, staying competitive, and dealing with job insecurity can contribute to anxiety and stress.
7. Work-Life Balance: Irregular working hours, including evenings and weekends, can disrupt personal lives and make maintaining a healthy work-life balance challenging.

Recognizing and addressing these challenges is crucial for hairdressers to prioritize their mental health. Engaging in self-care activities, seeking support from peers or mentors, and setting boundaries can help mitigate the potential adverse effects of the profession on their well-being.

The Importance of Self-care for Hairdressers

Self-care plays a crucial role in maintaining the well-being of hairdressers, considering the unique challenges they face in their profession. Here are some important reasons why self-care is essential for hairdressers[3]:

1. Mental and Emotional Well-being: Engaging in self-care activities, such as practicing mindfulness or seeking therapy, can help manage stress, prevent burnout, and promote overall mental and emotional well-being.
2. Physical Health: Prioritizing self-care through regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate rest can improve physical health, reduce fatigue, and prevent physical strain or discomfort.
3. Work-Life Balance: Establishing boundaries, scheduling time for personal activities, and nurturing relationships outside of work can help achieve a healthier work-life balance, reducing the risk of exhaustion and enhancing overall satisfaction.
4. Stress Management: Engaging in stress-relieving practices, such as meditation or hobbies, can help hairdressers cope with the high-pressure environment and demanding clientele, improving resilience and reducing the negative impact of stress.
5. Skill Enhancement and Growth: Taking time for professional development, attending workshops or conferences, and staying updated with industry trends can enhance skills, boost confidence, and provide a sense of accomplishment.
6. Self-Reflection and Goal Setting: Practicing self-reflection allows hairdressers to identify personal and professional goals, fostering motivation and a sense of purpose.
7. Peer Support and Networking: Connecting with fellow hairdressers, sharing experiences, and seeking support from like-minded individuals can create a sense of community, provide valuable insights, and promote self-care through collaboration.

Prioritizing self-care enables hairdressers to sustain their well-being and deliver better quality service to their clients. By investing in self-care, hairdressers can cultivate a healthier and more fulfilling professional life.

Tips For Dealing With The Challenges of Hairdressing

Here are some tips to help hairdressers effectively deal with the challenges they may face in their profession:

 

 

1. Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries with clients and colleagues to ensure a healthy work-life balance and prevent burnout.
2. Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and hobbies to reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
3. Seek Support: Connect with other hairdressers, join professional networks or forums to share experiences, seek advice, and gain support from peers who understand the unique challenges of the industry.
4. Develop Time Management Skills: Improve time management by scheduling appointments effectively, allocating time for breaks, and organizing tasks to minimize stress and maintain a smooth workflow.
5. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and industry developments through workshops, training programs, and online resources to enhance skills and stay competitive.
6. Communicate Effectively: Develop strong communication skills to understand clients’ needs, manage expectations, and address any concerns or conflicts that may arise[4].
7. Take Care of Physical Health: Prioritize proper ergonomics, take regular breaks to rest and stretch, and follow safety protocols to prevent physical strain or injuries.
8. Practice Stress Management: Implement techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or engaging in hobbies outside of work to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
9. Develop a Supportive Work Environment: Foster a positive and supportive work environment by promoting teamwork, open communication, and offering support to colleagues when needed.
10. Seek Professional Help if Needed: If experiencing persistent challenges or difficulties, consider seeking professional help from therapists or counselors who specialize in addressing the mental health concerns of individuals in the hairdressing profession.

Remember, each hairdresser’s experience is unique, and finding strategies that work best for individual well-being and success in the profession is essential.

Conclusion

Hairdressers face unique challenges in their profession that can significantly impact their mental health. They must prioritize self-care, seek support, and implement strategies to address these challenges.

United We Care, a mental wellness platform, provides valuable resources and support offering guidance and assistance in navigating the complexities of the professions  while promoting mental well-being.

REFERENCES

[1]J. Oh, “Is being a hairdresser stressful? How to avoid becoming burned out,” Japan Scissors, 01-Oct-2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.japanscissors.com.au/blogs/hair-industry/hairdresser-stressful-how-to-avoid-becoming-burned-out. [Accessed: 13-Jun-2023].

[2]L. A. Morgan, “Pros & cons of cosmetology,” Work – Chron.com, 26-Sep-2012. [Online]. Available: https://work.chron.com/pros-cons-cosmetology-10495.html. [Accessed: 13-Jun-2023].

[3]“Seven ways to strike a better work life balance as a hairdresser,” HJI, 18-May-2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.hji.co.uk/mental-health-awareness/work-life-balance-hairdresser/. [Accessed: 13-Jun-2023].

[4]“The top disadvantages of working as a hairdresser,” Germantown News & Shelby-Sun Times, 31-Aug-2021. [Online]. Available: https://shelby-news.com/the-top-disadvantages-of-working-as-a-hairdresser/. [Accessed: 13-Jun-2023].