As a leader, you’re expected to have the answers, set the direction and keep the team feeling confident. But the truth is, running a business isn’t always smooth sailing. There will always be moments of doubt, stress and uncertainty, and pretending otherwise doesn’t do anyone any favours.
I’ve learned that vulnerability in leadership isn’t about wearing your struggles on your sleeve; it’s about being real while still providing reassurance. If I’m facing a challenge, I don’t want my team to feel like the ship is sinking, but I also don’t believe in pretending everything is fine when it’s not. Finding that balance is one of the hardest parts of leadership.
When the recent budget was announced, like so many business owners, I felt the weight of responsibility. My team were looking to me for guidance and, honestly, there were days when I didn’t have all the answers, but instead of shutting down or putting on a brave face, I focused on honesty. “This is tough, but we’ll figure it out together” is what I told them, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.
Being open about challenges doesn’t make you weak; it shows your team that it’s okay not to have everything figured out, as long as you’re willing to adapt, learn and lead with purpose. Leadership isn’t about being invincible. It’s about being strong enough to be honest, while still steering the team forward with confidence.
Salon professionals dedicate their time to making clients feel their best, but busy schedules can make it difficult to prioritise staff wellbeing too. Here are a few ways salon owners can support their teams (and themselves!) by introducing simple wellness practices to enhance mental health, reduce stress and prevent burnout…
I come from a hard-working background where time was always money. I feel a slight bit of panic when I see gaps in my column, and it has taken me a while to see that this extra space to think and breathe is just as important as constant productivity. Learning to embrace that has been a process.
My business mentor saw this as an area I needed to work on when we first started our sessions last year. It started off as giving myself one day a month where I wasn’t taking on clients, allowing me creative freedom to explore other areas of work. I was dubious at first, thinking things like ‘How could this possibly be beneficial for my business?’ or ‘Wouldn’t I just be losing money?’
Fast forward a year, and I’m now scheduling three days per month where I’m not behind the chair. This includes doing some education, working on more intentional content or simply finding space to be inspired myself. I’ve learned that stepping back doesn’t mean I’m doing less, it means I’m working smarter.
I have to say, I couldn’t bear losing these days now. Not only do I not miss the money from working behind the chair, but it has driven up revenue in other areas of my business too. More importantly, I feel much happier, more fulfilled and more in control of the work I do.
One thing I’ve realised since starting my career at the age of 16 is that cutting hair puts you in a position of trust.
Even before opening Diligents, I noticed that men open up when they’re having their hair cut. With this in mind, we’ve made the salon a safe space and encourage anyone to talk to us if they’re going through any issues. In the past, we have instigated referrals to mental health services for clients who have really been in need. Mental health, physical wellbeing and looking good are all closely linked, and we try to cater for them all. Our clients become part of the family, and we make sure they know that we’re here for them, whether that’s a haircut, a chat or pointing them in the right direction for support.
Many men rarely know where to turn in times of crisis, so it’s my objective to create a more formal process whereby our clients can access mental health services more easily. Remember, those casual conversations in the chair can be a gateway to someone turning their lives around.
Implementing employee wellbeing initiatives has been proven to significantly enhance team performance and yield positive business outcomes. There are some compelling statistics and case studies that illustrate this impact:
These findings underscore the critical role that employee wellbeing programmes play in enhancing performance, fostering creativity and delivering substantial returns on investment. By prioritising the health and happiness of employees, salons can cultivate a more engaged, productive and innovative workforce.
At 28 weeks pregnant, I was admitted to a psychiatric unit due to severe depression. It was a huge wake-up call that made me realise mental health struggles do not discriminate; they can affect anyone, at any stage of life. What I’ve learned from my experience has shaped how I advocate for others, especially neurodivergent people like me.
Here are some of the most important lessons I’ve learned about mental health:
Sometimes, we don’t recognise when we need to slow down and seek support. It’s easy to convince ourselves that we’re fine, especially when we’re busy, but in reality, denial can act as a protective barrier, shielding us from how we’re actually feeling.
At HX Hair, we treat mental health with the same importance as physical health. If a team member is having a bad mental health day, I see it as no different from them feeling physically unwell. That open and honest culture makes all the difference.
The role of an apprentice can be overwhelming – they wear multiple hats, juggle different responsibilities and often feel pressure to prove themselves. That’s why I make sure my apprentices take proper breaks, eat well and feel like a valued part of the team. When they feel motivated, their growth and confidence flourish.
If someone comes into the salon late, looking tired or not quite themselves, I don’t just brush it off. Instead, I create a safe space where they know they can talk to me about anything. Everyone has bad days, and knowing they have support can make a world of difference.
When people feel seen, heard and supported, they work better, feel better and bring out the best in those around them. Mental health should never be an afterthought; it should always be a priority.
