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A new hair salon aiming to provide a welcoming environment for people to talk about their mental health has opened in Trecenydd.

Blowww by DBR also provides an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ people. 

The salon opened on January 3 at Team Rees Gym on Trecenydd Business Park.

Owner Daniel Richards, 36, from Waterloo, told Caerphilly Observer that his own experiences inspired the new venture. 

He said: “I had been suffering very badly with my own mental health for the past 18 months.”

Daniel, who has worked in the industry for 18 years, continued: “I’ve been reflecting and I felt that I wanted to make a new venture because I feel like hair is such an important part of people’s lives. 

“When people sit in our chairs they really open up to us.”

The salon provides an “intimate” and “safe” setting as it can only fit two customers and Daniel at any one time.

He hopes this environment and his experiences will encourage people to come along if they want to open up or find an “escape”. 

“For people who do suffer with anxiety or mental health, this might be the perfect location for them because it’s not the busiest hour and they can enjoy the quiet time and have their hair done and feel comfortable.”

Daniel continued: “We’re not just hairdressers. We’re almost like counsellors. We’re so much more rolled into one.” 

And with Daniel, customers can find someone who has openly struggled. 

Daniel added that he wants people to think: “He’s the person who suffered, I can go to him and have my hair done, have a nice experience, but also open up and confide in him and get his perspective on things.” 

The salon is also inclusive, as Daniel said: “Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community myself, you know, that is an important thing for me.”

He continued: “A lot of my clients are trans so I’m trying to really push that I’m just open and equal to everyone.”

Blowww by DBR is open from Tuesday to Saturday.