We often think of influencers as being media celebrities, politicians, or people in the media, and that mental health care needs to be done by psychologists and counsellors. But new research suggests that people in your community who you have regular ongoing trusted and personal relationships with could also play a big role.  

Recent research looking at how hairdressers could influence people’s views and actions around climate change found that hairdressers were often already talking with clients about climate change and how to influence this. By introducing a few simple prompts —e.g. stickers on the mirrors, hairdressers commenting on their own initiatives to reduce water and recycle— conversations on the topic increased and clients reported they were more likely to take similar actions, both about their haircare and other things at home such as energy use.  

This research built on earlier studies which had looked at the effect barbers could have on the mental health of their clients, particularly for groups who typically don’t engage well with traditional mental health services (e.g. young men). With some training, barbers were able to monitor their client’s mental health, provide emotional support, and give some basic advice about where to go for help.  

In both these areas there were some key things that are thought to help:  

• Hairdressers and barbers often have regular ongoing relationships with clients, allowing them to regularly check-in with them. 
• There is often a warm and trusting relationship between the barber and their clients – we know from other psychology research that this type of relationship is central to any type of therapy going well. 
• Hairdressers and barbers are often seen by the public as cool and influential. They have some status within their communities where people look up to them – particularly true for barbers in places like Black communities in the USA. 

However, we do need to be careful, particularly in looking after barbers who might be providing mental health support. We want to make sure they are well equipped and have their own support, so they don’t feel unduly burdened by caring for people’s mental health problems as well as their hair. 

Innovative solutions like these might really help in nudging people towards making changes in their lives, either around climate change or mental health, and could be an efficient way to roll out widescale changes in health and wellbeing. 

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