Hairstyling is a dynamic profession that requires creativity, skill, and patience. You’re responsible for not just transforming hair but also boosting clients’ confidence and self-esteem. But while you work hard to make your clients happy, it's essential that you take care of yourselves too.
May 27th marks National Hairstylist Mental Health Awareness Day. We acknowledge the stress, pressure, and burnout that you go through in your profession. Let’s outline some self-care practices that you can adopt to ensure their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Take Regular Breaks: You spend long hours on your feet, which can be exhausting. Therefore, it's essential to take regular breaks to stretch, hydrate, or rest. During breaks, do something that relaxes you, such as reading a book or listening to calming music.
Learn to Say No: Saying no when you are overwhelmed with work can be challenging. It's ok to say no to work requests that stretch you too far. Overcommitment can lead to burnout, which can affect your mental health.
Prioritize Sleep: Inadequate sleep can lead to fatigue, mood swings, and burnout. Make it a priority to get enough sleep, even if it means saying no to late appointments occasionally. If you have trouble sleeping, try meditation or taking a warm bath before bed.
Develop Coping Strategies: Hairstylists are often under pressure to deliver excellent results. Therefore, coping mechanisms are essential to handle stress and anxiety. You can try therapeutic techniques like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or journaling.
Connect with Your Peers: Interacting with other hairstylists who understand the pressure, stress, and joy of the profession can be therapeutic. Network with other hairstylists through social media or attend hairstylist meetups in your area. You can share creative ideas, ask for advice, or just vent.

Conclusion:

Being a hairstylist is fulfilling, satisfying and offers endless opportunities. Still, like any profession, it can be stressful and lead to burnout. While you dedicate yourself to making your clients look and feel good, it's vital that you take time to care for yourself too. Self-care practices such as taking regular breaks, prioritizing sleep, developing coping strategies, and connecting with peers can help you avoid burnout and take care of your mental health. Celebrate National Hairstylist Mental Health Awareness Day this May 27th by committing to self-care practices that will benefit your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Written by Brayton Walls
Digital Marketing and Communications Specialist