What is PsychoHairapy: The Connection Between Mental Health and Hair Health

Black hair is an art form , and many people trust their stylist and barber more than they trust a therapist. It’s a place of tranquility and peace where you can kick back, be pampered and talk. The beauty salon is a sacred place in Black culture. It’s a celebration of culture and beauty, and a place of rest and community. The hair salon is also a place where mental health and hair health intersect.

Licensed psychologist, researcher and founder of PsychoHairapy Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka created a movement to educate hair stylists on how to support clients’ mental health and well-being. Based on the idea that hair can be an entry point to mental health, PsychoHairapy offers a training about how to spot signs of distress, spark discussion and gently guide those in need toward professional support.

21Ninety spoke with Mbilishaka about the psychotherapy initiative and the connection between beauty, hair and mental health.

21NINETY: Why might people of color be more open to talk with their barber or hair stylist than a therapist? What barriers might prevent them from seeking therapy?

AFIYA MBILISHAKA: From my experience, as both a clinical psychologist and a hairstylist, I’ve noticed that salons offer a unique space where Black women feel culturally understood and accepted. Trust is built on shared experiences and mutual understanding. Trust often more naturally present in a salon setting.

Barriers to therapy include stigma, lack of representation and affordability, which are less pronounced in the salon. In a salon, you’re not just getting your hair done. You’re engaging in a communal ritual that often feels transformative.

21N: How did PsychoHairapy first begin and how has it grown since its inception?

AM: PsychoHairapy started as a fusion of my two passions: mental health and hair care. I’ve always loved doing hair. I was my family’s hair stylist as a teen. Then, in college, I continued to style hair in my dorm room. I remember telling my aunt that I was unsure of what I wanted to do when I graduated – psychology or hair. She asked, “Why can’t you do both?” I realized at that moment that the two could be combined.

Since its inception, the initiative has grown by leaps and bounds. We now offer structured training programs for stylists. Our community has expanded to include a network of professionals. This network is critical to help participants support each other in fostering both mental and hair health. I also have a research lab that has collected data on hair and mental health. This data has informed policies like the anti-race-based hair discrimination law, the CROWN Act .

21N: Tell me about the initiative and how stylists can sign up for PyschoHairapy trainings.

AM: PsychoHairapy is an innovative program that equips hairstylists with basic mental health training. Then they are able to better support their clients. Stylists learn how to recognize signs of distress, provide empathetic listening, and refer clients to professional help when needed.

It’s easy to sign up. Interested stylists can visit our website and join an upcoming training sessions. We offer both online and in-person options to accommodate everyone’s needs.

21N: What are some key lessons that stylists learn throughout the program?

AM: Stylists gain an understanding of basic psychological concepts. These concepts help them recognize the importance of mental well-being in overall health. They also learn active listening skills and how to create a safe, non-judgmental space for their clients. We train them to identify warning signs of serious mental health issues and how to refer clients to professional resources effectively.

They also learn about the history of our hair. This gives context for the significant role of hair and hair care in the lives of people across time.

21N: What feedback have you received from stylists who have participated in the program?

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive! Many stylists report feeling more confident and empowered to support their clients beyond just hair care. Stylists report improved insight, self-care, and self-awareness for themselves. Based on what they learn, some stylists have altered their offerings to clients. They might add a “quiet service,” an “active listening service,” or a group therapy session with mental health professionals in the salon space.

21N: What is the connection for Black women between their hair health and their mental health?

AM: For Black women, hair is often a significant part of their identity and cultural expression. The act of caring for one’s hair can be a form of self-care and self-expression. Both are crucial for mental well-being.

When your hair looks good, you often feel good, too. It’s a boost in confidence and a reflection of self-love. Conversely, if you’re struggling with your hair, it can affect your self-esteem and mood. By addressing both hair health and mental health, we create a holistic approach to well-being.

This article has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.

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