Date

1-2022

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Fred Volk

Keywords

Black women, beauty salons, COVID-19, mental health, stress, stylists

Disciplines

Counseling

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to describe the experience of Black women who visit the salon regularly in the United States. This study is constructed around the culturally intimate relationship of the stylist-client interaction in the Black community as a historical coping mechanism in which Black women utilize for stress and life challenges rather than seek professional mental health services. Although COVID-19 continues to mount a significant mortality rate and financial hardships, its disproportionate effects on communities of color will have lasting implications on their mental health. The need for mental health services has increased due to the mental and emotional toll from the pandemic. To meet this growing need, mental health services are utilizing a variety of platforms and outlets. However, they are not widely available to Black women due to financial constraints, the lack of diversity within the mental health community, and a history of mistrust with the medical community. Many Black women rely on regular social interactions with their stylists to cope. This study explores why some Black women are more comfortable engaging in conversations that may impact their health with their stylist as opposed to Mental Health professionals, the contributing factors of these bonds, and the implications of salon closures on their well-being during the Covid-19 mitigation response.

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