When I walk into a salon, I always love being enveloped by the comforting scents of shampoo, conditioner, hair oils, and hair dye. Hair salons are places people go to get a makeover, a new hairstyle, get their nails done, or maintain their current ‘do. What is also amazing about salons is that they can act as a safe haven for survivors of abuse.
The average salon professional will see over 200 clients every 4 to 6 weeks. Given that 1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) aged 18 and older in the US have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime, there is a high likelihood that salon professionals may encounter domestic violence survivors on a regular basis (The National Domestic Violence Hotline, n.d.). Since talking about abuse is so difficult, domestic violence survivors may not know who they can talk to. It can be hard to reveal their situation to someone very close to them in their daily life, and it can be challenging to want to talk to someone they hardly know at all. Salon professionals who see clients on a regular basis are a perfect in-between. They are someone who the client may trust and come to see regularly, but not in a close interpersonal relationship that could feel daunting. Therefore, salon professionals have a unique opportunity to recognize the signs of domestic violence, respond, and refer clients who they suspect may need help.
How can salon professionals help?
Hair professionals may be able to recognize signs of abuse that are physical, emotional, financial, etc. For instance, if a client has visible injuries such as a bump or missing hair, or they are very stiff, this could potentially be a sign of physical abuse. However, not all abuse or intimate partner violence is physical. A client may confide in their hair dresser about their relationship. This is an opportunity for salon professionals to recognize potential signs of power and control occurring. For example, a client may report feeling isolated from friends or family if their partner “does not let them” talk to or hang out with others. A client may exhibit nervousness about changing their hairstyle or color or express they have to ask for a partner’s “permission” to change it. Maybe a client expresses they feel scared or put down by their partner. Finally, financial abuse is a very common form of domestic violence. Perhaps a client describes having an “allowance” and they pay part cash and part card because they are scared their partner will find out they went over budget. A client could even describe only being allowed to work part-time. Each and every situation is different, which is why hair professionals should not disregard signs that their client may be experiencing abuse. Additionally, it is important to know that abuse can happen to anyone, by anyone, so no client should be thought of as less likely to be a victim.
Although some people may think that talking about abuse might make it worse, in actuality addressing the issue in a safe and confidential way can be incredibly empowering for an abuse survivor. If a hair salon professional begins to notice signs, it is okay to ask the client if they are okay. Although the hair professional is not responsible for solving the problem or acting on the survivor’s behalf, having someone else notice can be a way for an abuse survivor to realize others care. One way that hair professionals (and anyone for that matter) can support a domestic violence survivor is by letting them know their information will be kept private and that they are in a safe, nonjudgmental space. Very importantly, one should not act on or make decisions on a survivor’s behalf. Providing an open line of communication and referring a client to the National Domestic Violence Hotline or Safe Passage’s hotline/textline is an excellent way that salon professionals can help. Again, due to clients not having a close personal relationship with the stylist, but having developed enough trust is a good in between that can make someone feel safe to disclose abuse in some situations.
This is why cosmetologists in Illinois are required to a obtain a domestic violence continuing education credit to renew their licenses every 2 years. Safe Passage has staff that are certified through the Pro Beauty Association to offer Cut it Out Trainings (domestic violence 101 training for salon professionals) to spot the signs and respond to clients they believe may be getting abused. Safe Passage can come to individual salons to provide staff this training, as well as provide it at our training location. Additionally, Safe Passage is hosting multiple sessions open for salon professionals to attend to receive this training this summer. Reach out to Beth Ganion, Prevention and Communication Program Manager at 815-756-5228 x111 to request a Cut it Out training for your specific salon, or register for one of the following open trainings this summer!
June 22nd at 10:00AM at 217 S. 4th Street, DeKalb
June 22nd at 2:00PM at 217 S. 4th Street, DeKalb
July 20th at 1:00PM at Sandwich Fire Department located at 310 E Railroad St, Sandwich
When it comes to responding to domestic violence, it truly takes a community. This includes the beauty community, a place of empowerment for all!
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
Safe Passage Hotline: 815-756-5228
Safe Passage Textline: 815-393-1995
References:
The National Domestic Violence Hotline (n.d.). General Domestic Violence Statistics. Retrieved on May 28, 2025 from https://www.thehotline.org/stakeholders/domestic-violence-statistics/#:~:text=Women%20ages%2018%20to%2024,rates%20of%20intimate%20partner%20violence.
Written by: Shayna Smith
Edited by: Kirsti McNeece
