DEEP DIVE: The cost of trauma dumping at the salon episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 5, 2026 · 15 MIN

DEEP DIVE: The cost of trauma dumping at the salon

from Hack · host Australian Broadcasting Corporation

There's nothing quite like a haircut to make you feel good. You can reinvent yourself in the chair or maybe just sharpen up your current look.And, you get to have a bit of a chat. But are people opening up a little too much in the salon?Because research shows people are using hairdressers as pseudo psychologists - opening up about everything from mental health to relationship troubles and even domestic violence.So what sort of impact is all of this having on salon workers?In this week's hack deep dive, you hear from current and former hairdressers about how client disclosures impact them and the joy of cutting hair. Plus you'll hear why some experts believe hairdressers need mental health training as part of their apprenticeship.If you or someone you know needs help support is available on Lifeline 13 11 14 or the Domestic and Family Violence helpline 1800 737 732.Guest: Dr Hannah McCann, Senior Lecturer in Cultural Studies at the University of MelbourneGet the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

There's nothing quite like a haircut to make you feel good. You can reinvent yourself in the chair or maybe just sharpen up your current look. And, you get to have a bit of a chat. But are people opening up a little too much in the salon? Because research shows people are using hairdressers as pseudo psychologists - opening up about everything from mental health to relationship troubles and even domestic violence. So what sort of impact is all of this having on salon workers? In this week's hack deep dive, you hear from current and former hairdressers about how client disclosures impact them and the joy of cutting hair.  Plus you'll hear why some experts believe hairdressers need mental health training as part of their apprenticeship. If you or someone you know needs help support is available on Lifeline 13 11 14 or the Domestic and Family Violence helpline 1800 737 732. Guest:  Dr Hannah McCann, Senior Lecturer in Cultural Studies at the University of Melbourne Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

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DEEP DIVE: The cost of trauma dumping at the salon

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This episode was published on June 5, 2026.

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There's nothing quite like a haircut to make you feel good. You can reinvent yourself in the chair or maybe just sharpen up your current look.And, you get to have a bit of a chat. But are people opening up a little too much in the salon?Because...

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