In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we shine a spotlight on the importance of wellbeing in our industry…
My Four Ways to Find Peace in our Crazy Industry – Will Brown, founder of Open Chair
Our industry is simply the best. There’s no other job that gives you the satisfaction and pride of seeing transformations unfold right in front of your eyes. Behind the scenes of this ‘perfect’ industry, however, is a tale of burnout, anxiety and fear. To our clients, we are philosophers, designers, artists and mentors, but when you strip back the surface, we are just vulnerable humans exposed to a world of social rules and expectations. Here are some of my top tops for finding peace amongst all the chaos…
- Take a Social Media Cleanse
Make sure you have a social media detox once a week – set aside one day where you will not respond to any messages or scroll endlessly through posts. Social media can cause major anxiety, and the best way to combat these demons is simply to limit your exposure to the potential toxicity and instead concentrate on your own beliefs.
- Find Your ‘Off Switch’
Whether you are an apprentice, a stylist, a barber or a salon owner, finding some downtime is essential to escape the rigours of our industry. Switching off and forgetting about hair or business for a short while is what will prevent burnout. In my experience, once you’re burnt out, it is harder to come back from the damage it has caused you, mentally and physically, than it is to prevent it in the first place. Prevention is always better than cure.
- Smile
A salon or barbershop should be the happiest place on the high street; we get to bring so much satisfaction to so many people! At times, it can be so easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day routine of ‘work’, but remember, this is so much more than a job. It is proven that the release of endorphins has a huge impact on our mental health, so make an effort every day to smile and laugh with your clients and your team.
- Recognise the Signs and Talk
Understanding that you are feeling burnt out, anxious or scared is vital, and so is working for a company that recognises these signs. When you strike the perfect balance of a healthy column, clients willing to pay the right money for your expertise and a supportive salon to work in, you will find the work-related peace you need to thrive. However, if ever you feel that negative emotions may be becoming seriously problematic for you, it is important to use your support network to rectify the problem before they escalate.
Social Media: Supportive or Sinister?
Sarah Keane, owner of HOST Manchester, and Casey Coleman, owner of CHAIR Salons, sit down to discuss why hairdressers should use their social media platforms to raise awareness around mental health…
How do you use your social platforms to support mental health and why do you think it’s important for influencers to share this message to other hairdressers?
Sarah: I’m very open and honest about all aspects of my work life on my socials – the good and the bad. Whether it’s struggling to show up for my clients or dealing with other challenges, I believe that being transparent about these struggles sends a message to other hairdressers that it’s okay to feel that way. I’m also a firm believer in not supporting ‘hustle culture’ – I don’t endorse 12-hour days or pushing yourself to the limit for the benefit of others at the cost of your own health.
Casey: I think so many people only show the positive things online, but I pride myself in showing all aspects of who I am. I don’t believe that struggles should be the only focus when we’re trying to be positive, but in the same breath, it’s so important to help destigmatise these issues around mental health. Also, with a large audience, we have a responsibility to share these things because we have the power to reach many people and spread a message of positivity.
As someone with a large online following, how do you navigate the balance between maintaining your own mental health while also staying present and engaged online?
Sarah: The biggest thing for me is having boundaries. I don’t have notifications on for any social media apps, and it’s made the biggest difference to my mental health. We’ve all experienced the urge to check notifications late at night, and by having mine off, it really limits that temptation. I’m also pretty selective about what I share online and what I like to keep private. While I do share the occasional personal moment, like my wedding, most of what I post is focused on my work. If it weren’t for my work, I honestly wouldn’t be on social media at all – I see it as a business tool and I make sure it doesn’t take over my life.
Casey: I used to post five times a week, but since doing social media as a job, I’ve found that it’s really taken a toll on my mental health. Now, I only allow myself to post three times a week, and that’s made a huge difference. This way, I have a healthy balance where I don’t feel like I’m constantly checking my phone. I’m able to embrace life itself without being online all the time.
What role do you think hairdressing and self-care rituals play in mental wellbeing and how do you encourage your clients to use those moments for mental relaxation?
Sarah: To me, self-care and relaxation are two different things. When it comes to my clients, I encourage them to take the time to be pampered and relax during their visit, but I don’t personally view this as something that directly affects their mental health. That said, I do believe it can be a big confidence boost and help with self-esteem. Ultimately, I think it’s important to distinguish between relaxation – like enjoying a hair appointment – and the more profound self-care practices that support overall wellbeing.
What are your top three tips for mental wellbeing?
Casey:
- Everybody should see a therapist
It’s really helpful to have a third party who has no connection to anyone around you. For me, it’s been so important to have that space to clarify things without judgement.
- Always share and reach out for help
Sometimes we feel guilty about putting our struggles onto someone else, but there’s power in that. It’s a way to let people know what you’re going through.
- Take time away from work
I love my job, and I love being creative, but there’s no point in pushing yourself to burnout or making yourself sick. Take time away to recharge, and don’t always be worrying about business when you are off.
