We Need to Talk Regardless of your role in the industry, it’s no secret that we all face challenges that can affect our mental health – but how can they be addressed?
With recent changes to Minimum Wage and National Insurance contributions, not to mention the rising cost of doing business, worries about the future of apprenticeships and client retention concerns, the hairdressing industry is constantly shifting. Unfortunately, dealing with change isn't always easy, but as they say, a problem shared is a problem halved – which is why we followed up with people who responded to our Support Our Salons survey from 2024 to find out their biggest challenges and causes of anxiety. We then turned to mental health and business coach professionals for their guidance and advice.
How to Deal with Imposter Syndrome
Sarah Daglish, freelance hairdresser and owner of co-working space Rebel Rebel Salon, shared: "In the early days, imposter syndrome definitely crept in. You suddenly find yourself doing everything – not just hair, but the running of an entire business – and that can feel overwhelming."
Dr Bonnie Mitchell DBH LPCC, Clinical Director at Healthy Life Recovery, said: “Imposter syndrome is a pervasive feeling of self-doubt and insecurity, often accompanied by the fear of being exposed as a fraud, despite evidence of one's competence and accomplishments. It's a psychological phenomenon that can affect anyone, regardless of their profession or level of success, and it's certainly present within the salon industry. Freelancers may feel like they don't truly know how to run a successful business, despite having clients and potentially a profitable business. They might attribute their success to luck or external factors rather than their skills in management, marketing, or service delivery. However, by understanding the nuances of imposter syndrome within the salon industry and implementing coping strategies, while also refraining from comparing themselves to others constantly, hairdressers can cultivate greater self-belief, reduce anxiety and ultimately thrive in their careers.”
Taking on the Load
Kelly V, owner of Pixal Rose, shared: “I think it’s so important to recognise that hairdressers are not trained counsellors. In 2023 my friend died and in 2024 my husband was in an accident that nearly killed him. Being the owner of the salon, I took off as much time as I could, but it was hard. Equally, it wasn’t long before clients knew what was going on in my life. It felt like I was constantly being asked over and over about my friend or my husband, so I was constantly re-living the trauma – while still hearing about everyone else’s problems.”
Clare Norman, Master Certified Coach (MCC) with the International Coaching Federation, said: “I feel for this hairdresser, and all hairdressers that deal with similar challenges. All psychotherapists and most coaches will have a routine 1-1 or group supervision with a qualified supervisor, with whom they can process both their own feelings as a human being when life is hard (and when it is good) and their work with their clients. This space to talk keeps the therapist or coach safe and sane, and able to carry on their work. Perhaps hairdressers need the same.”
Dr Bonnie Mitchell added: “The need to be ‘on’ and maintain a positive and friendly demeanour throughout the day, even when feeling stressed or dealing with their own personal life challenges, creates additional stress and challenges. Managing personal boundaries with clients who may overshare or become too dependent is paramount in the allotted time set for an appointment. Most stylists tend to show compassion by relating to a client's story and oversharing of their personal life as well, which is why setting boundaries with yourself are important during these sessions.”
The Physical Impact of Stress and Anxiety
Allison H, co-owner of Faces Hair & Beauty, shared: “My husband was laid up over Christmas with pneumonia and shingles – and I think it was because we're just so physically and mentally worn out. Not to mention, at the start of last year, we closed our other salon that had been there for 50 years, and I can't tell you how sad my husband was.”
Dr.Bonnie Mitchell said: “Prolonged stress and chronic anxiety bring about feelings of sadness and low energy, which can manifest as depression and physical symptoms like headaches and other ailments. The emotional strain of this process can lead to reduced job satisfaction and decrease enjoyment and passion for the profession. Recognising and addressing these challenges is the first step. Following this, while it may sound obvious, putting self-care first – making time for activities that promote wellbeing, such as exercise, hobbies and spending time with loved ones – is also crucial.”
Dealing With Pressure as a Hairdresser
Heffy Wheeler, owner of Hx Hair, shared: "Being a salon owner is a 24/7 commitment. We wear so many hats: we’re doing clients, overseeing the growth and direction of the salon, handling recruitment, training, and making sure our team is looked after. It’s a balancing act.”
Dr. Bonnie Mitchell said: “Representing the business in so many ways can certainly take its toll. As the industry is constantly evolving, keeping your skills up to date while staying abreast of any new tools that could help you streamline operations can also be beneficial."
Embracing Support
Jo Jones, freelance hairdresser, reflects on her own adjustment period after embracing the freelance model, telling us: “The myth of effortless freedom is just that: a myth. The reality is relentless pressure, blurred boundaries and the constant struggle to balance work and life. Now more than ever, our industry needs unity. We must acknowledge the toll our work takes on out mental health and champion the value of support. However, I've finally found my ‘hair family’ – a network of supportive stylists across the country (half of whom thrive in employed positions) that I have met through education forums and social media platforms. We check in regularly with the use of WhatsApp voice notes, discussing topics such as difficult clients, salon environments and excitingly, what hair course we are going to meet up at next. It really helps you not feel so alone in your decision making.”
We also dug through the archives and pulled up our chat with Louise Wood, a practising integrative counsellor (BA Hons Counselling, BACP member) as well as the Managing Director for LWPR, who had this to say: “We all have anxiety – it’s what keeps us safe when crossing the road, or turning off the electricity before you pull a plug out of the wall. These things are helpful fears and are adapted into everyday life. When anxiety spirals, which it can at times of extremity, is when it is worth taking stock.” With this in mind, Louise has shared her advice for monitoring your mental health during times of crisis...
Louise believes strongly in finding a balance for well-being, outlining three key variables:
- Pleasure – getting in touch with the things that bring you joy.
- Achievement – this can range from getting up and dressed to a challenging exercise routine; however small, overcoming a challenge is incredibly beneficial.
- Closeness and connection – humans are born for connection, so interact with friends and family as much as possible.
When these elements are imbalanced, your mental health can be affected.
Resources for More Immediate Mental Health Issues
If you are struggling with intense, negative emotions, it is important you reach out to someone who can help. This could be a family member, friend, partner or colleague. As important as the above step is, this may not always be the final solution – the person you try to reach out to could be unavailable, or you may feel uncomfortable sharing this information, or perhaps you may need further help following this. Here are some helpful websites below:
Samaritans
Offering confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.You can contact Samaritans by calling 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline).
CALM
CALM (or Campaign Against Living Miserably) is a charity that provides a mental health helpline and webchat. You can contact Calm by calling 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight). Alternatively, you can download their free app for access to meditation, breathing exercises and sleep-aid stories.
No Panic
A voluntary charity offering support for sufferers of panic attacks and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that offers courses to help overcome your phobia or OCD. Contact No Panic by heading to www.nopanic.org. uk or calling 0300 772 9844 (daily, 10am to 10pm). Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider’s Access Charge.
HeadUp Keys
L’Oréal Professionnel’s free training program HeadUp, provides solutions to manage mental health. Co-developed with mental health non-profit NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and two renowned hairdressers, you can start your journey today by watching the training on L’Oréal Access or L’Oréal Professionnel UKI YouTube.
Resources for Coping Long-Term with Mental Health Issues
Often, struggles with mental health can be less immediate and instead manifest over a prolonged amount of time. Below, we have linked out to a few places you can read up on specific techniques and strategies.
Psychology Tools
As noted by Louise, “Psychology Tools gives practical aids and advice particularly in relation to anxiety.” However, the website offers free, downloadable self-help guides for a range of mental health struggles.
MIND
MIND provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
