‘We all need someone’: the hairdressers tackling stigma of mental heath issues in west Africa

In West Africa, where mental health services are scarce, some hairdressers are stepping up to provide support and guidance to their clients. In Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Togo, these stylists are being trained to listen, comfort, and direct their customers to appropriate resources. One such example is Adjoua Catherine Tano, a 49-year-old hairdresser in Yopougon, Abidjan's largest commune. For the past two decades, Tano has been offering mental health advice and a listening ear to her clients as she cuts their hair. This pioneering effort aims to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health issues in the region, where therapy services are scarce. The article highlights the importance of these hairdressers in providing a safe space for people to open up and seek support, particularly in communities where traditional mental health resources are lacking. By utilizing their trusted position within the community, these stylists are making a meaningful impact on the wellbeing of their clients.