Beauty is a big part of today’s mental-health conversation, says psychologist, hair stylist, hair historian, and clinical therapist Afiya Mbilishaka, PhD. She’s here to talk about why hair (and caring for it) can be an entry point to mental-health services; why hair loss is so devastating; the importance of hairstylists in Black communities; and what’s really going on when someone gets breakup bangs. Plus, we talk about why hair is sacred in many cultures around the world, especially in the African cultures she’s studied. This interview originally aired in 2023 and is presented with a new intro. Enjoy!

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