HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Salons have always been more than just places to get a haircut. Historically, they have served as hubs for political discussion, community action, social gatherings and collective safety.
Hairdressers often find themselves as confidants; listeners; and sometimes, unofficial therapists. This is certainly what Tony Santini discovered in his career as a hairdresser. As a seasoned hairdresser, his journey led him from cutting hair to pursuing a deeper understanding of human healing and therapy.
"I've been in the hair industry for 27 years," revealed Santini.
Santini's journey into hair care began unexpectedly. He left high school after his second year due to social struggles and a lack of direction.
A friend who was a hairdresser suggested he try cosmetology, highlighting the fun and creative aspects of the job.
"I thought, I only have to go to school for a year? This is great," Santini recalled.
However, once in school, Santini discovered a passion for learning that he hadn't experienced before.
"I just couldn't believe what I was learning about science, chemistry, and hair texture. I realized I actually did love to learn; I just didn't love the environment I was in before," he explained.
Starting his career at 19, Santini quickly realized his knack for connecting with people. His clientele grew, and his love for the profession deepened.
He began working with Redken, a renowned hair care company, and eventually traveled the country as an educator and teaching others about hairstyling and hair care.
"I saw this presenter speaking about techniques, and he was so eloquent. I thought, that's who I want to be like," Santini said.
His passion led him to open his own salon, Hybrid Salon, where he built a unique business culture.
"We called it Hybrid Salon because we combined different elements to create something new and different," he explained.
But the most profound part of Santini's journey came when he became an independent contractor, working in a small studio. Here, the personal aspect of hairdressing took center stage. Clients began sharing deeper parts of their lives with him, treating their appointments as a time to talk openly and honestly.
"People started telling me personal things. I felt like, how do I help this person? What do I do about this?" Santini wondered.
One moment that stood out for him was after the events of 9/11.
"Everybody that came in was telling me stories of people they knew who were there. It was devastating," Santini recalled. This was when he began to realize the emotional weight he carried as a hairdresser.
Through the years, Santini has had clients who shared their entire family histories with him. He was there through their ups and downs, listening and offering a non-judgmental space for them to talk.
"I was someone outside of their social circle. They didn't have to fill out forms to share their information; they could just talk," he said.
The experience that hit him the hardest was losing clients to illness.
"I went through cancer with four people, two of whom passed away. One was a 25-year-old girl I had known since she was eight," he shared.
Santini attended her celebration of life and recognized every hairstyle in the pictures, having been part of her life for so long.
"It was the most amazing and privileged experience to have someone share intimate pieces of their life with me," he said.
Santini began to see his role as more than just a hairdresser. He was a listener, a confidant, and sometimes, a healer. This realization led him to pursue a degree in psychology. Inspired by his sister's work with psychedelic therapy for PTSD and depression, he started exploring the field.
"I was blown away by the research," Santini said. He attended a conference by the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Sciences and felt a strong connection to the community and its inclusive approach.
Realizing that he needed academic credentials to participate in this emerging field, Santini decided to go back to school.
"I am an action guy. I just looked for good online education platforms for my undergrad and started taking classes," he explained. Now, he is preparing to enter a Master's program in Social Work.
"My job is to be there as a vessel or guide for people ready to step into healing," Santini said.
He hopes to help individuals heal and, in turn, positively affect those around them.
"When someone heals, the people around them are affected in a positive way, which can change their social environment," he explained.
Santini also believes in the importance of giving back as part of the healing process.
"If I can help those who have the ability to make changes for those without a voice, I would love to be part of that," he added.
Tony Santini's journey from hairdresser to aspiring therapist highlights the deep connections formed in the salon chair and the potential for profound healing in everyday interactions.
His story is a testament to the power of listening, empathy and the desire to help others on their path to well-being.