“My job is to guide people ready to enter recovery”: a journey from hairdresser to social worker

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Salons have always been more than just places to get haircuts. Historically, they have served as hubs for political discussion, community action, social gatherings, and collective security.

Hairstylists often find themselves serving as confidants, listeners, and sometimes, unofficial therapists. This is certainly what Tony Santini discovered during his career as a hairdresser. As a seasoned hairstylist, his journey has taken him from cutting hair to pursuing a deeper understanding of human healing and therapy.

“I have been working in the hair industry for 27 years,” Santini revealed.

Santini’s journey into hair care began unexpectedly. He left high school after his sophomore year due to social struggles and a lack of direction.

A hairdresser friend suggested that he move towards cosmetology, emphasizing the fun and creative aspects of the profession.

“I said to myself: I only have to go to school for one year? It’s great,” Santini recalls.

However, once at school, Santini discovered a passion for learning that he had never felt before.

“I just couldn’t believe what I was learning about the science, chemistry and texture of hair. I realized that I really loved learning; I just didn’t like the environment I was in before,” he explained.

Beginning his career at age 19, Santini quickly realized his talent 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 hairdressing and hair care.

“I saw this presenter talking about techniques, and he was so eloquent. I thought that’s what I wanted to look like,” Santini said.

His passion led him to open his own salon, Hybrid Salon, where he built a unique company culture.

“We called it Hybrid Salon because we combined different elements to create something new and different,” he explained.

But the most impactful part of Santini’s journey came when he became an independent contractor, working out of a small studio. Here, the personal aspect of hair styling took center stage. Clients began to share deeper aspects of their lives with him, viewing their appointments as a time for open and honest discussion.

“People started telling me personal things. I was wondering how can I help this person? What should I do about this? Santini wondered.

A moment that marked him took place after the events of September 11.

“Everyone who came was telling me stories of people they knew who were there. It was devastating,” Santini recalls. It was at this point that he began to realize the emotional weight he carried as a hairdresser.

Over the years, Santini has had clients share their entire family history with him. He was there through their ups and downs, listening to them and providing a space for discussion without judgment.

“I was someone outside of his social circle. They didn’t need to fill out any forms to share their information; they could just talk,” he said.

The experience that struck him the most was losing customers to illness.

“I have experienced cancer with four people, two of whom died. One of them was a 25-year-old girl who I had known since I was eight,” he explained.

Santini attended her celebration of life and recognized every hairstyle in the photos, having been a 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 view his role as more than just a hairdresser. He was a listener, a confidant and sometimes a healer. This realization led him to pursue studies in psychology. Inspired by his sister’s work on psychedelic therapy for PTSD and depression, he began exploring this area.

“I was blown away by the research,” Santini said. He attended a Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Sciences conference and felt a strong connection to the community and its inclusive approach.

Realizing he needed a college degree to participate in this emerging field, Santini decided to return to school.

“I’m a doer. I just looked for good online education platforms for my undergraduate studies and started taking classes,” he explained. He is now preparing to enter a master’s program in social work.

“My job is to be there as a vessel or guide for people who are ready to enter into healing,” Santini said.

He hopes to help individuals heal and, in turn, have a positive impact on 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 change for those who don’t have a voice, I would like to be a part of it,” he added.

Tony Santini’s journey from hairdresser to aspiring therapist highlights the deep connections formed in the salon chair and the potential for deep healing in everyday interactions.

Her story is a testament to the power of listening, empathy and the desire to help others on the path to well-being.