On a bright October morning, the atmosphere inside Divine Hair Studios was vibrant with the hum of clippers and the buzz of conversation. Yet, for Monique Williams, co-owner of the Kingston-based salon, the role of a stylist extends far beyond just haircuts and braiding.
“In our profession, doing hair is only part of it. Even though it’s the reason they come, it’s one small part of what it is that we actually do. And so, yes, we’re doing hair, but we’re dealing with the human. We’re dealing with their ups. We’re dealing with their downs. We’re dealing with their milestones, we’re dealing with their disappointments,” said Monique Williams.
Alongside her husband Nate, Monique is spearheading an initiative that merges hair styling with mental health support. Divine Hair Studios has partnered with Community Care Behavioral Health (CCBH) under the OurHAIR initiative, designed to provide mental health resources to Pennsylvania’s Black and Hispanic communities.
OurHAIR Initiative
The OurHAIR program, which stands for Health Access Initiative for Recovery, aims to equip barbers and stylists with the skills to identify behavioral health issues in their clients. “Even though they distrust the healthcare system, who they do trust and they do talk to are their barbers and their stylists,” explains Lori Weems, OurHAIR project manager at CCBH. The initiative offers training to help salon professionals recognize signs of mental health struggles, such as depression and anxiety, and guides them on how to engage and connect clients with resources.
Since its inception in 2023, the program has trained 122 professionals, including barbers, stylists, and tattoo artists, through a three-day workshop and continued virtual support. Divine Hair Studios is one of over 15 participating venues, now better equipped to offer more than just a listening ear.
Appointments at Divine can last several hours, especially for popular styles like medium knotless braids, fostering a unique bond between stylist and client. The training provided by OurHAIR helps stylists handle the emotional burden of their work, according to Weems: “We’ve heard that [the training] takes the pressure off of them because people come and dump all kinds of things on their hairstylists.”
Caring for More Than Hair
Community health workers from CCBH collaborate with the salons to ensure clients receive comprehensive support, beyond just mental health resources. Offering flyers about SNAP benefits, Medicaid, and crisis resources like the 988 suicide prevention hotline, the program connects clients with vital assistance.
Monique and Nate Williams, along with their staff, are committed to serving their community holistically. “We want to serve the people, not just in our chair, but also in our community,” Nate Williams shared.
Breaking the stigma around mental health is a key focus of the OurHAIR initiative, with stylists like Divine’s team becoming advocates within their communities. The program is a step toward normalizing mental health care, especially in underserved areas where trust in the healthcare system is low.
Expanding Impact
Weems, whose efforts have expanded the program beyond Allegheny County, believes in the transformative power of the initiative. “More than anything, this is an initiative that changes attitudes,” she noted.
The OurHAIR initiative continues to grow, encouraging more salons to join the movement and support their communities’ mental well-being.
Mental and substance abuse disorder health resources:
● 988: Call or text the suicide prevention and crisis support line
● If you or someone you know is in need of substance use treatment or resources, contact the ‘Get Help Now’ helpline: Call 1-800-622-HELP (4357)
● Text 717-216-0905
● More information available at: Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs
