HEAL
The ultimate goal of the Heal by Hair program is to improve the mental health and well-being of African women through the hairdresser's chair, one client at a time.
All our programs
Flagship Program
Heal by Hair
Training hairdresser ambassadors in mental health
110M
people affected by mental health in Africa
The Context
A silent crisis
In Africa, mental health is a taboo subject affecting 110 million people. Sixty percent (60%) of them are young women under 25 who suffer from depression and anxiety.
110M
People affected in Africa
60%
Young women under 25
85%
Without access to treatment
The Solution
An innovative 3-day training
Heal by Hair targets professional and self-taught hairdressers living in a French-speaking African country. The program aims to enable hairdressers to observe and recognize early manifestations of mental disorders; and, when needed, refer people to mental health experts.
mhGAP-WHO certified program
Field Data
Cross-Study Report
Solid research and field data guide our actions and honor the communities where we work. We went into the field and interviewed 714 women and 148 hairdressers in 7 countries (including Togo, Cameroon, Ivory Coast) & in the diaspora (France).
67.3%
of women confide in their hairdressers
6/10
would trust an ambassador hairdresser
91%
of hairdressers ready to be trained
714
women interviewed in 7 countries
Our Goals
Three pillars of action
EMPOWER
Through training hairdresser ambassadors in mental health, the aim is to stimulate innovation in mental health, equip hairdressers with mental health care skills, and break the stigma and silence surrounding mental health disorders in Africa.
ELEVATE
Train and increase the socio-economic value creation of these hairdressing entrepreneurs.
Training
3-Day Curriculum
The program was designed with the target population in mind to give them a better understanding of mental health.
1
Day 1
Becoming a Mental Health First Aid Hairdresser
Introduction & Immersion
2
Day 2
Learn with Passion, Practice with Purpose
Practical Training
3
Day 3
Women Leadership: Take the Lead, Heal by Hair
Leadership and Empowerment
Join the movement
Together, let’s transform access to mental health in Africa.