The Intersection of Hair Care and Mental Health with Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka

Let’s Chat Unlock the secrets of your strands with Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka as we weave through the fascinating world of Psychohairapy, a domain where the tendrils of hair care intertwine with the fibers of mental well-being. Dr. Afiya, a trailblazer in both the salon and the therapist's chair, reveals how a simple haircut can reveal much more than just our style preferences, and how salon professionals can play a pivotal role in a person's mental health journey. Our conversation peels back the layers of stigma surrounding therapy within the salon industry, while highlighting the unmistakable connections between stress, hair health, and our inner psyche. Feel the pulse of cultural identity through the strands atop our heads as we navigate the rich tapestry of hair's role in personal and cultural expression. Dr. Afiya guides us through the complex language of hair, dissecting how it is inextricably linked to our racial and cultural backgrounds, professions, and gender identities. We confront the pressures of beauty standards shaped by media and society, uncovering the distress - "hair stress," if you will - that these unrealistic norms can cause. This episode champions the unique narrative each client brings to the salon chair, underscoring the art of active listening and mutual understanding in enhancing the salon experience and, by extension, our personal journeys. Support the Show. Follow The Show On All Socials Using The Tag @skincareanarchy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.