Salon launches mental health campaign

When mental health issues hit, they can strike in the most unusual and unexpected ways.

Some may struggle to get up in the morning. Others may dread opening the curtains. Others may find the sight of their workplace induces stress and panic.

An Edinburgh-based salon, Vincent Bell Hairdressing has launched a mental health campaign entitled In It Together, following the experience of one of their clients.

After a recent visit from a lady who suffered from extreme anxiety and hadn’t visited a salon in over a decade, the husband and wife team who own the salon wanted to create awareness of mental health within the salon environment.

There is various evidence linking the physiological connection between looking good and feeling good. Studies show that when a woman feels beautiful, it enhances her confidence, which improves her overall mental health and wellbeing.

It has been suggested that due to the emotional detachment between a client and hairdresser, people often feel comfortable talking about their issues and problems.

Vincent Bell said: ‘Everybody has the right to feel good about themselves and often this is connected to having your hair done. If someones mental health is preventing them from visiting a salon then we need to address the situation and create safe, welcoming spaces that everyone can visit.’

The Vincent Bell Hairdressing salon at 23-24 N W Circus Place, Edinburgh

Wife Karen continued: ‘We’ve been touched by mental health issues ourselves. Family, friends, team members and clients – it affects everyone these days.

‘We want to do something that would let those suffering know they can come to us and we’ll offer them an island of escapism.’
Vincent Bell Hairdressing has created special ‘quiet’ areas out side the main thoroughfare of the salon so that appointments can be taken at the client’s pace, in a calmer, more serene environment.

They have also been working with life coach, Lynette Gray to help equip team members with their own mental health concerns and learn how to speak with clients that struggle with their own mental health and well-being.

Lynette said: ‘During my time with the team, we breathed together, meditated and connected to our hearts, my intention was to allow each member to nurture their ability to feel compassion for themselves and for others, and if all team members can live from this heart space full of compassion then they can create a really safe space for every client that comes into the salon.

‘For Vincent Bell Hairdressing to create an environment that is sympathetic to the needs of those with mental health concerns is a positive movement for the high street and humanity.’

For more details and to be part of In It Together and show support for the community sign up at the following website for further details and information pack – www.inittogetheruk.co.uk or www.vincentbell.co.uk.