"Socio-hairdressing": Hairdressing in service of people

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Going to the hairdresser might seem like a trivial act accessible to everyone. Yet, many people are unable to enjoy this moment of relaxation. Although self-employment has boosted home hairdressing since 2009, a portion of the population remains disadvantaged.

Various reasons are to blame: illness, disability, aging, isolation, social distress, or addiction problems. Inevitably, societal evolution brings with it a greater number of vulnerable individuals.

This is how new needs arise, notably the necessity of helping these individuals through hairdressing. Socio-hairdressing then finds its purpose.

Socio-hairdressing, care through hairstyling

It is a practice that should be seen as a form of care, a therapy. It helps to restore a patient's self-confidence.

In socio-hairdressing, we speak of a "patient" because it is exclusively aimed at a vulnerable target. The socio-hairdresser visits their patient, most often in a medical setting (EHPAD, hospitals, rehabilitation centers…), medico-social setting (CSAPA, nursing homes…), social setting (shelters, social centers, CHRS…), but also in correctional facilities or adapted hair salons.

In the medical field, socio-hairdressing particularly provides relief to many women suffering from illness, especially cancer.
Although it treats cancer, chemotherapy also causes hair loss… Thanks to the support of a socio-hairdresser, a patient can psychologically prepare for this loss, and then learn to become familiar with hair prostheses and care for hair regrowth.

Rebuilding and enhancing self-esteem, the mission of socio-hairdressers

"Through a personalized approach [...], the socio-hairdresser cares for vulnerable individuals, helping them feel better, regain their identity, and their dignity."

Marie-Pierre DARTHAYETTE, Director of the Anglet Socio Coiffure School

Socio-hairdressers can be a real support for these individuals, as they are able to meet their specific needs while providing quality technical care adapted to their situation.

Generally, they collaborate closely with the team of the establishment where they intervene, which allows them to offer personalized support, respectful of ethical rules.

What training is required to become a socio-hairdresser?

Anyone wishing to become a socio-hairdresser (whether in career transition or not) must be prepared to work in a medical environment. Because before wanting to help others, one must be equipped with the right tools!

It is with this in mind that a unique training program was created thanks to the Soco Academy association. Recognized by the State since 2011, the Socio Coiffure school teaches hairdressers how to approach their patients in proper conditions. The training is comprehensive, supervised by healthcare professionals, specialists, and psychologists, among others.

For 6 months, the training focuses on 6 modules, all dedicated to professionalizing "soft skills."

• Preliminary notions, regulations, professional practice, responsibility, ethics
• Psychology of the human being
• Integration into multidisciplinary teams
• Professional methodology
• Prospecting and clientele
• Administrative and financial management

As the 240 hours of training are spread over a long period, it is entirely possible for a hairdresser to continue their activity on the side while awaiting graduation.

Do you identify with the values championed by the socio-hairdresser profession, including altruism, listening, and empathy? Learn more at socio-coiffure.fr and give meaning to your career!