The Role of Beauty Salons in Community Health Promotion: Exploring Health Engagement and Social Connectivity in Japanese Hair Salons

Introduction Beauty salons serve as more than just spaces for personal grooming; they are social hubs that facilitate interpersonal connections. Given the increasing importance of social engagement in public health, beauty salons may have a role in promoting health awareness and reducing social isolation. While international studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of salon-based health interventions, there is limited research on the role of Japanese beauty salons in community health promotion. This study aims to explore health-related conversations and awareness among hairstylists in Japan. Method A survey-based study was conducted at Hair Lab En Luce, a beauty salon in Matsue City, Japan. Five hairstylists and assistants recorded customer interactions over one month in June 2022. The survey collected data on customer demographics, conversation topics, hairstylists' emotional responses, and perceived actions for future engagement. Thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes related to health engagement. Results A total of 127 survey responses were analyzed. Health-related topics constituted 27.6% of conversations, demonstrating hairstylists' engagement in customers' well-being. Thematic analysis revealed three key themes: continuity with customers, trust-based customer-hairstylist relationships, and the expanding role of beauty salons in health promotion. Hairstylists often provided informal health advice and observed scalp and skin conditions, occasionally referring customers to healthcare professionals. Conclusion Japanese beauty salons function as spaces for both personal care and social support. Strengthening collaborations between hairstylists and healthcare providers may enhance their role in community health promotion. Future research should assess the effectiveness of salon-based health interventions in Japan.