In the bustling San Benito Market in Mérida, Yucatán, beauty salons are a vital part of the community. These salons, open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., offer haircuts for 40 to 60 pesos. Smaller salons handle 10-20 clients daily, while larger ones serve up to 40. However, these spaces are more than just places for a trim. Stylists like Nico, Rogelio, Eduardo, “Flaco,” and Katia, who has run her shop for 17 years, connect with their clients on a personal level. They act not only as hairstylists but also as confidants and therapists, listening to clients’ stories while shaping their appearance. Each stylist, such as Sergio, Lucy, and Imer, plays a unique role, transforming their salons into places of conversation, community, and personal transformation, making beauty not just about looks but about connection and self-expression.

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