The UPDOs Protective Styles study aims to help Black women learn about and use PrEP, a medicine that can prevent HIV. Researchers will partner with salons in six North Carolina counties to train stylists to share health information with their clients.

The goal is to see if this approach increases the use of PrEP among Black women. The study will also explore what helps or hinders women from deciding to use PrEP. Ultimately, the researchers hope to create a program that can be used in many salons across the southern United States to improve community health.

Who can participate?

  • ✺ Salon Owners ✺

    Salon Owners and Stylists in North Carolina: To serve as Opinion Leaders (OLs).

    If you’re a stylist, you’ll receive opinion leader training and we’ll ask you to promote the UPDOs research study to their clients.

  • ✺ Black Women ✺

    Black Women who get their hair done at the OL salons.

    If you are get your hair done in an UPDO-participating salon, you’ll be learning about PrEP, answering survey questions over the course of a year, and potentially engaging in care with a licensed healthcare provider.

About UPDOs

We understand that people have dynamic and demanding social and family lives. Therefore, we aim to be flexible and accommodating to meet their needs.

Where is UPDOs?

UPDOs works with salons in Cumberland, Wake, Durham, Guilford, Forsyth, and Mecklenburg counties.

The project will happen both virtually/online and throughout culturally relevant and accessible locations for retention activities.

 

Why UPDOs?

HIV disproportionately affects Black women in the southern United States, and PrEP can help prevent it. However, uptake is low due to various barriers such as lack of awareness and trust. This study aims to address these issues by partnering with salons to train stylists to share health information with their clients.

Are you a Black woman who visits an UPDO salon?

You may also be eligible to participate.

Are you eligible?

You are eligible to participate in UPDOs if you own or work at a salon and:

  • at least 50% of your clients served are Black women

  • are 18 years or older

  • own or work full time at a salon in:

  • Cumberland County (i.e. Fayetteville)

  • Wake County (i.e. Raleigh)

  • Durham County

  • Guilford County (i.e. Greensboro)

  • Forsyth County (i.e. Winston Salem)

  • Mecklenburg County (i.e. Charlotte)

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • Stylists will receive continuing education units (CEUs), a certificate of completion, and a gift card to beauty specialty store

    Participants receive $125 for completing research activities.

  • Stylists: Will receive training to share health information with their clients.

    Clients: Will watch educational videos about PrEP, discuss with their stylists, and may have telehealth visits for HIV testing and PrEP prescriptions.

  • HIV disproportionately affects Black women in the southern United States, and PrEP can help prevent it. However, uptake is low due to various barriers such as lack of awareness and trust. This study aims to address these issues by partnering with salons to train stylists to share health information with their clients.

  • There is no cost to participate in UPDOs