For many, a trip to the barbershop is about much more than simply getting a
haircut. It’s a place they can go to find support, perspective, and even a
mental health boost.

“Barbershops have always been safe places to meet, vent, share personal
experiences, and get a respite from the issues in their lives,” said Gabriel
Bryant, coordinator of the

Engaging Males of Color Initiative, managed through the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health
and Disability Services. “You have a captive audience in one space, and they
help you figure out solutions to your problems.”

A Place of Wisdom and Caring

Bryant tells the story of a man whose teenage son was having issues with
another teen. The father was worried the conflict would lead to violence,
and he decided to take his son to the barbershop. The men in the chairs
talked for an hour, encouraging the boy to find other ways to resolve the
issue. The father trusted the men at the shop to provide guidance, and it
worked.

Building

connections at the barbershop

is important. In many communities, the barbershop is also a place where
values and life lessons are shared across generations.

“It’s a place where men can trust their barbers with things near and dear to
them and trust them to hold it close and not share it on the street,” said
Will “Latif” Little, a barber for 18 years at the Jazz-U-Up barbershop in
South Philadelphia. “It’s a hub. It’s a safe place. It’s a familiar place
where [boys and men] get education on personal development.”

Little served 10 years in prison before finding his purpose. Now, as a life
coach, he hosts Monday night classes at the barbershop for men and women on
topics like financial literacy, careers in the trades, the importance of
going to college, and conflict resolution.

To his satisfaction, Little sees that a lot of the young men he once
mentored now have their own children. And those fathers are using the same
tools they learned in his barbershop to help their children make better life
choices.

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Bryant recalls watching a basketball game at a crowded barbershop a few
years ago. When someone shouted, “The Sixers stink!” an older gentleman
started sharing his memories of watching players like Dr. J (Julius Erving)
hold court at the Spectrum. The shop fell quiet. The men listened and showed
respect, as this older man owned the moment.

Many seniors go to the barbershop to

avoid loneliness, Bryant says. Barbershops are important

community support systems. “Men of color are socialized not to ask for help or seek care. The
barbershop is a place where they know they can find support from other men.
It’s a healthy move,” he said.

“Barbers have served as community counselors, comedians, and faith leaders,”
Bryant added. “A trusted barber is a strong force in the community.”

For more information about mental health, self-care strategies, and where to
find help, visit

ibx.com/knowyourmind.

This content was originally published on IBX
Insights.