SING IT PROUDLY

As creative director of Blush & Blow and with her own studio, Siobhán Jones has found a balance that’s making her happier – along with a bit of singing, and revisiting Head Up from L’Oréal Professionnel Paris

As a young hairdresser, did you ever find hairdressing overwhelming?

When I was a young stylist I was told was to ‘be happy, be positive’. That was how I learnt to get through any difficulties. It seemed to work on the surface, I got good at putting feelings aside. After years of that, I lost the ability to talk about my feelings – and long-term that can be damaging.

You work in a salon with Blush & Blow, independently in your own studio, and you teach. How does each workplace impact your mental health?

In Blush & Blow I’m around other people, I get the buzz of the salon which is great. But sometimes it’s too much. I recently moved out of London because I was feeling I couldn’t switch off. By having the salon and the studio now, which is calmer, I’m able to enjoy both. I can imagine if I was in the studio full time, I would miss the interaction, the buzz, and it would become quite lonely.

What has been the impact of using Head Up?

I completed the online tutorial as soon as it launched, and I go back again regularly. It’s so helpful, and it opened the conversation. When you’re struggling, it can feel lonely and isolating. But with Head Up, it’s great to read the comments and see how many people feel the same. It like feels like you can get through it. There’s a community around it all.

How do you look after your own mental health?

I have therapy monthly, it’s really good for me. I’ve started a WhatsApp group with other creatives where we share things we want to celebrate. In a creative industry, you can end up just moving on to the next thing quickly. This gives it a moment. I do yoga too, even if it’s 10 minutes, it starts me off in a better headspace. I’ve realised that success and happiness are different. in my calendar I create two columns – the work stuff in one column, and then making time to do something I know makes me happy in the other, like singing.

Do you have advice for hairdressers on how to stay on top of their mental health?

It’s nice to listen to a podcast where people are talking about things that you can relate to, and make you feel better. That’s why I’m doing The So Lovely Show with Ollie Blackaby. And keep revisiting Head Up, make a note of the key ideas and exercises in your phone so when you’re feeling lower, you can go back and follow some quick tips that you know will make you feel better.