🔗 Share this article

In the vibrant commune of Yopougon, known for its entrepreneurial spirit and active nightlife, an understated change is taking place. Here, hairdressers are stepping up positions as mental health supporters, offering a listening ear in addition to grooming.

A Trailblazer in Community Support

This professional, in her late forties, has dedicated a long career not merely working on hair but furthermore giving emotional guidance to her clients. Without formal education, Tano earlier worked as a teller before discovering her passion in styling.

“Don’t think negatively,” Tano counseled a concerned student fearing academic failure. “Even if you fail, how is it possible to believe that everything is lost in life?”

Mental Health in the Continent: A Taboo Issue

Based on data from the global health body, in excess of 116 million individuals in this region suffer from emotional disorders. However, therapy is scarce, with just a handful of professionals on hand per 100,000 people.

Throughout Black communities, hairdressing salons are now trusted environments, particularly in areas with minimal options for therapy services.

Hairdressers as Healers: A Project Bringing Change

This charitable group, operating in Cameroon, another nation, and a third location, started the Hairdresser Healing initiative. Per its founder, the director, in excess of hundreds of stylists underwent coaching over the past couple of years to serve as therapeutic first responders, assisting in excess of a large number of female clients.

By 2030, the goal is to train in excess of a thousand stylists across multiple nations.

‘The Faith Exists Present’

The project was inspired by a personal tragedy. Over a decade ago, she became a widow when visiting the region of Cameroon. The event remains unsolved.

“I spent the initial evening in grief in the company of my beautician,” the founder said. “She was the individual I felt safe with the most that night as you’re just surrounded by others and it's unclear who could have done this.”

Inspired by these events, the foundation conducted a research project across several African states. The data showed that a large majority revealed talking to their hairdressers, and in excess of 90% of hairdressers stated that their clients had asked for advice.

Coaching and Backing

The initiative features a free, comprehensive three-day program with psychiatrists and counselors who teach hairdressers about supportive dialogue, domestic abuse, signs of depression, and fundamental psychology theories. Once finished, assessments are conducted before receiving a diploma.

“The program was highly successful … I received my certificate and these tools,” commented another hairdresser, referencing a mental health book in her shop in Abobo.

Throughout a period of months, trainees get continuous assistance through community circles and access to a psychological referral system. When a customer reveals serious issues, beauticians can refer them to qualified therapists, or for instances of abuse at home, to the law enforcement.

Obstacles and Successes

At first, funding for the project relied on personal funds, but currently, private donors and institutions like a support agency are helping. However, support is insufficient for the scale of the task facing the foundation’s small team of 17 paid staff and about 100 volunteers.

Despite these challenges, participants report stories of joy and recovery. Locally, a participant took on a person who had been in a treatment center, offering reintegration support.

“Frequently after an illness and you were in the hospital, people say you have problems,” explained she. “However, if you are employed and an employer who welcomes to guide you, you break free from the taboo.”

A further stylist departed her residence due to she was a subjected to harm, but today helps people. In certain areas, hairdressers report that several gentlemen have started reaching out for guidance.

Pride and Purpose

Within the professionals, there is a general sense of accomplishment over their emergence as a form of emotional support in their neighborhoods.

“Whenever people come to share their issues to me, it’s a pride for me too since I know that I provide support for someone,” said the hairdresser. “I reflect that we all need someone.”

“For a lot of of these women, it’s their first validation as a influencer in their neighborhood and a supporter,” noted the founder. “The participants express to us: ‘Previously I was just doing hair, today I provide care.’”