A Personal Story of Empathy and Understanding

I’ve known my hairstylist for over six years. She has truly been a gift from the heavens, because I have come to the gut-wrenching truth that me not knowing how to style my hair is clearly not my talent or calling! And I’m ok with that at this big age! Over those years, I’ve watched her children grow up and heard countless stories about her family. She’s been more than just my stylist; she’s become a dear friend.

Though my hairstylist is deeply passionate in making others feel amazing with her skill and hair techniques, over the years I have witnessed her struggles with emotional burnout in which she often describes as overwhelming at times! Due to the emotional stressors related to providing a “self-care” service to others, she has humorously stressed to me how she often feels like an “unlicensed certified hairstylist/counselor,” specializing in color treatments and free venting sessions that are never included in her service fee! Oh, the irony — I could feel her frustration in that moment! As a licensed clinical therapist, I deeply understood how overwhelming it can be to support others emotionally without adequate support in return.

After allowing her time to vent, (I would not be if I did not let her have her moment lol), I asked if mental health or the importance of self-care is discussed in her beauty school program- and surprisingly said No! I was shocked, my gosh! Contrary to disbelief, educational courses and training programs for cosmetologists, hairstylists, barbers, estheticians, makeup artists, nail care technicians, and those working in spa and wellness services often overlook the emotional toll of the profession in which it is not a primary aspect of the curriculum in beauty school.

In hindsight, once they graduate, these professionals are thrust into a world where they’re expected to provide beauty and self-care services without any preparation for the emotional detriments that come with the job. That’s heavy and quite intense in which we know considering that much of the job revolves around human connection, building rapport, and creating positive experiences for clients!

As a therapist, I understand how challenging it can sometimes be coping with the mental stress that comes with offering self-care in the beauty industry and getting a beauty service is more than just a makeover; it’s a chance to unwind and feel cared for.

In this blog, we will discuss the signs of burnout, practical strategies and insights to help navigate these complexities and prioritize mental wellness in a profession centered around human connection and client satisfaction.

So, What is Burnout?

According to Maslach and Jackson (1981), burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and overwork. Burnout can make you feel drained, negative about your work or clients, and like you’re not doing a good job. This can really affect your well-being and how well you do your job, so it’s important to spot the signs and deal with them early. Research studies have shown that burnout can lead to psychological and even physical medical conditions such as hypertension, anxiety, depression, and chronic fatigue.

In reference to this specific career, beauty professionals often form close relationships with their clients. While this can be rewarding, it also means that they are frequently exposed to their clients’ emotional baggage. This can be especially challenging when clients use their appointments as opportunities to vent about their personal problems, life challenges, trauma exchange, etc. Without proper training or support, beauty professionals can quickly become overwhelmed by this emotional burden.

Recognizing The Signs of Burnout

According to research, burnout can manifest in various ways, ranging from common signs to extreme cases that significantly impact both mental and physical health. Recognizing these signs early is crucial to prevent burnout from escalating to severe or extreme levels, impacting overall well-being and professional performance. Here are the common signs of burnout:

• Emotional exhaustion
• Feeling drained or depleted
• Reduced motivation and energy
• Increased cynicism or negativity towards work
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Conflict/challenges in interpersonal relationships, children, etc.
• Physical symptoms like headaches or digestive issues
• Reduced productivity and effectiveness at work
• Withdrawal from social interactions
• Persistent anxiety or depression
• Chronic stress-related health problems
• Substance abuse or reliance on coping mechanisms
• Relationship problems at work and home
• Complete detachment from work and personal life
• Severe physical health deterioration
• Inability to function in daily life

 Taking Action to Combat Burnout

As a mental health advocate and therapist, I am going to give you my top two self-care mental health tips from my eBook titled Mind Your Business: How Your Mental Health Is Costing You Money, Clients, & More: A Self-Help Guide for Beauty Professionals in which this guide offers practical strategies and insights tailored for beauty professionals navigating the complexities of their careers!

Here are my best self-care mental health tips:

1. “Empathy, Not Sympathy”- By cultivating empathy rather than sympathy in your interactions, you not only connect more deeply with your clients but also protect your own mental health. Understanding their experiences without absorbing their emotional burdens allows you to maintain professional boundaries and prevent burnout. This approach fosters a supportive environment where both you and your clients feel valued and understood, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable beauty practice.

2. “Leave it at the Door”- Every day before leaving work, it’s important to leave behind worries and stresses. This practice helps transition into the role of a hairstylist with a clear mind and positive energy, prioritizing self-care to provide clients with the best experience possible. Practice with a mantra or affirmation such as: “I have done my best on this day, now I am done with work, time to play! In saying this mantra at the end of the day, this will cognitively train your mind to “leave it at the door.”

You can find more content like this and other strategies to help you manage your daily stressors to cultivating resilience and setting effective boundaries in my eBook Mind Your Business-How Your Mental Health Is Costing You Money, Clients, & More: A Self-Help Guide for Beauty Professionals Master Mental Wellness.

In closing, beauty professional burnout is a serious issue that needs more attention. By recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps, we can help ensure that talented professionals continue to thrive in their careers without sacrificing their mental health- and help this world become a better place-once beauty service at a time!

Until next time, stay well and take care…

Zelina Chinwoh, MSW, LCSW

For more related content like this, be sure to listen to “The Dear Unapologetically Me” podcast on Apple or Spotify. Also, check out The Healing Experience Now Website with all exclusive content and our YouTube page at The Healing Experience Now.

Reference:

Maslach, C., & Jackson, S. E. (1981). The measurement of experienced burnout. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 2(2), 99–113.