Hairdressers as a Source of Social Support

Abstract

With the exception of health care professionals, hairdressing is one of the few occupations where workers physically interact with clients. As a result of this, hairdressers are people to whom clients are often comfortable in confiding private information. Despite this, relatively little is known about how hairdressers understand and experience this role as informal confidants. This study aimed to address this using an in-depth qualitative approach to capture what hairdressers are hearing from clients, and how hairdressers respond and feel about supporting clients. Interviews conducted were participant led using prompt questions and were transcribed and analysed using Thematic Analysis. Results indicate clients disclose information about family, health, identity, mental health and women’s health. Important themes to emerge in relation to the role of hairdressers included: the need to have a client focus; blurring role boundaries; behaving like a therapist; providing a place of safety and advice, while also maintaining confidentiality. Hairdressers reported feeling more is involved than a hair service, undervalued, emotionally drained, and in need of support, however, also reported having good job satisfaction. Such hairdresser-client interactions may promote better mental and physical health outcomes for clients due to psychological buffering arising from the social support provided by hairdressers.