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Hairstylists have a unique opportunity to help senior clients who may need help with life issues according to a recent survey. Because the average time spent in a stylist’s chair is approximately an hour or more once or twice a month, they develop somewhat of a personal relationship.
Many seniors often share personal information about themselves, including what problems they are experiencing or how they are feeling during their chair-time.
The small study conducted by Keith Anderson, an assistant professor of social work at Ohio State University, focused on the Columbus, Ohio area. He had read about the so-called “salon therapy” that often occurs while women are getting their hair styled. Many seniors discuss their family and their health problems.
Anderson wondered about the close relationship stylist and client build over time, and if the stylist would be in a position to help the client if there was a need.
For example, if a client was struggling with depression or showed signs of self-neglect, the stylist might refer their client to a community service that could help them.
Anderson’s questions to the stylists included whether they were willing to point clients toward help when necessary, were they willing to take mental health training, and how far should they get involved in the family life of the client.
Realizing hairstylists need to stay within the scope of their occupation, he believed they might also be able to provide help when there is an obvious need.
Eighty-five percent of the stylists said they had a close or very close relationship with their recurring clients, and seventy-two percent felt like one of the family to some of their older clients.
Stylists can see when a client has changed over the course of time: their way of dressing, their mental and physical health, whether they are being abused, whether they have suddenly lost a lot of weight, and other areas that could cause concern.
According to the survey, a vast majority already provide sympathy and support but less than half offer advice. Most of the respondants said they would gladly help, but they don’t know what resources are available.
A similar program is already in place. Called Cut it Out, the national domestic violence awareness program recruits hair stylists to recognize signs of domestic violence and get victims help. Anderson believes something similar could be done to help older adults with mental health and related problems.
Only forty-five percent of those who responded said they were willing to receive mental health training. Although it is recognized hair stylists have a job to do, and they can’t do everything, they could possibly keep their eyes open for any help their regular clients may need.
What do you think? How far should hair stylists go to help their clients? Do you think handing out a pamphlet is enough to help an elderly client who may suffer from depression or self-neglect?
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4 responses so far ↓
1 Kaye Swain // Sep 16, 2009 at 9:47 pm
I popped in to visit from the EldercareABC blog carnival. What a great idea! I wonder if the stylists who responded were those who specialize in working with older people to begin with? The ones I’ve met when helping aging friends and relatives would probably be great at doing it, assuming of course that they had the time.
Thanks for letting us know about this.
2 Mary // Sep 23, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Personally, I don’t think a pamplet would do alot of good, but I do think that a stylist who knows a client has a bit of influence. As the article states, they sometimes feel like family, but then again, they aren’t true family so the person may take what they say more seriously. You know that sometimes advise is better received from a stranger than a family. Great article!
3 Edie // Sep 25, 2009 at 6:00 am
I agree, a personal word probably would carry more weight. A pamphlet could give reinforcement to the stylist’s words. Anything that helps raise awareness to someone’s plight is a good thing. Hopefully, more women will get the help they need.
4 Edie // Sep 25, 2009 at 6:13 am
Kaye,
I believe time was mentioned in the original article. Many stylists are very busy, but maybe during the conversation they can use a brochure or provide a phone number that the client could take with them. Probably every little bit would help in getting the message to someone who needs the information.