In an industry known for cultivating beauty and confidence, hairstylists have long played an unofficial role as emotional support figures, offering clients a space to share personal stories and struggles. Over time, the salon has become more than just a place for haircuts—it’s evolved into a safe haven where clients often feel comfortable opening up about their lives.
Recognizing this unique position, Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka (@dr_afiya), a clinical psychologist and hairstylist, developed PsychoHairapy (@psychohairapy), a groundbreaking program that blends haircare with mental health support. By equipping stylists with the tools they need to identify mental health challenges and provide culturally informed resources, PsychoHairapy formalizes this natural role of the hairstylist as a caretaker of emotional well-being.
The Inspiration Behind PsychoHairapy
The inspiration behind PsychoHairapy comes from Dr. Mbilishaka’s lifelong passion for psychology and hairstyling. As a child, she honed her skills by doing family members’ hair, later expanding into pop-up salons during her college years. During a pivotal conversation with her aunt, Dr. Mbilishaka realized she could combine her dual passions into something truly transformative—and PsychoHairapy was born.
PsychoHairapy leverages the salon or barbershop as a sanctuary where clients feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Through specialized mental health training, the program teaches stylists how to recognize the signs of emotional distress, respond with empathy, and refer clients to appropriate mental health resources.
As stylists increasingly embrace their role in holistic care, PsychoHairapy is helping transform salons into places where physical appearance and mental well-being are nurtured. Dr. Mbilishaka shares how PsychoHairapy empowers stylists to develop essential skills like active listening, emotional awareness, and cultural competence to enhance their craft.
Image: PsychoHairapy (@psychohairapy)
Q&A With Dr. Mbilishaka
What mental health issues commonly arise during hair appointments, and how can stylists spot them?
Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka: Common issues include anxiety, depression, and stress. Clients often open up during a hair wash, where the physical sensation can lead to emotional release. Stylists can identify these concerns by noticing body language, tone of voice, or the topics clients discuss. PsychoHairapy equips them with active listening skills to respond thoughtfully.
How does PsychoHairapy help stylists recognize mental health challenges?
Dr. AM: Stylists are uniquely positioned to notice when something seems off, just like they can spot a split end. PsychoHairapy trains them to spot signs of emotional distress, like mood shifts or changes in behavior, and respond with empathy and understanding. This awareness is crucial, as sometimes a kind word or listening ear can make all the difference.
Can you share examples of stylists successfully using PsychoHairapy tools?
Dr. AM: One stylist helped a suicidal client get to the hospital after recognizing the signs of distress. Another used reflective listening to start a support group for Black women dealing with stress. These tools empower stylists to make a real impact on their clients' well-being.
How does PsychoHairapy ensure mental health resources are culturally sensitive?
Dr. AM: We emphasize the history of hair and its cultural significance. Stylists are trained to respect clients' unique cultural experiences and avoid imposing Eurocentric approaches. This cultural sensitivity helps build trust and rapport which is crucial for offering meaningful support.
What are the first steps for salons interested in implementing PsychoHairapy?
Dr. AM: Salons should start with education—begin with a PsychoHairapy certification course for staff, followed by ongoing workshops and support. Creating a culture that prioritizes mental well-being is key to integrating mental healthcare into the salon experience.
How To Get Certified in PsychoHairapy
PsychoHairapy certification dates were recently announced for 2025, so be sure to head to the certification page if you're interested in enrolling. The 8-hour certification course costs $600 for each individual, $500 per person for small groups (three to five people), and $400 per person for larger groups (six to 12 people).
You can register for a certification course up to 12 hours before the course begins and payment plans are available. There's no limit on the number of times you can take the certification and each training session is recorded for participants to review.
To learn more about PsychoHairapy, visit www.psychohairapy.org..
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Header image credit (left to right): Instagram/@psychohairapy and @dr_afiya
