by English Brown
The jingle of the bells on the door announced my arrival.
The rich scent of aftershave, sizzling sound of a hot comb, and the laughter from the group of men gathered around one in the barber chair welcomed me home. The weight of the world lifted from my shoulders.
This was more than just a barbershop; it was a sanctuary.
As a Black woman, the armor I wore for the outside world began to shed, and I entered a safe space where barbers and hair stylists transformed not just hair, but people's lives.
Long history as a safe haven for African Americans
The Black barbershop stands as an enduring sanctuary in its communities, a testament to its resilience throughout a turbulent history for African Americans.
Tracing its roots back to the early 19th century, barbering emerged as a required skill for slaves as they served their masters, and the Black barbershop became an established business specializing in the grooming of white men.
After the “Emancipation Proclamation" in 1863, Black barbers continued to provide service for their white clients while welcoming Black patrons as well. With slavery officially abolished, Black-owned shops increased as Black barbers earned the required state certification.
During the rise of Jim Crow laws following Reconstruction, segregation and discrimination forced Black barbers to transition mostly to Black clientele. It was during these days of harsh treatment and lynchings that the Black barbershop truly developed into a safe place for people to gather.
Similar to Black churches, the barbershop filled a void and became not just a social community but a political one too. Many politically active barbers handpicked the reading materials, providing an opportunity for men to read Black newspapers and magazines.
As African Americans grew tired of nd angry over this segregated and unequal life, the Civil Rights Movement evolved, and once again the barbershop was at the hub of political and social activity for the Black community.
Barbers Pete Boyd and Johnny Gator cut hair in Gator’s barbershop (ca. 1950).
Barbershops once again served as an informal meeting place for activists and community leaders to discuss civil rights issues, strategize political moves, and make plans to achieve social justice.
Though true equality remains an ongoing journey, progress has been made, and Black business owners have found greater economic freedom in the last 50 years.
But even as the traditional Black barbershop transitioned to a unisex environment, and Black women have opened their own hair salons, all have been a cornerstone to the Black community.
The Black barbershops and hair salons have grown in their economic importance to the community, but have not stopped being a stronghold for local information and emotional support.
Researchers and mental health professionals have studied the cultural significance of Black barbershops, finding them to be a major contributor to the local community's well-being.
Black barbers and stylists are known to be confidants, advisors, listeners, and mentors while supporting the mental health needs of the Black community.
Conversations between clients and their barbers or hair stylists are often considered as important as therapy sessions.
Meeting people where they are
In the heart of vibrant communities, Black barbershops and salons serve not only as places for grooming but as the essence of cultural connection and fellowship.
“Hair care is an expression," says Maurice Boyd, a local barber at Pinkney’s Barber & Styling Shop in Summerville, noting that when Black people get their hair done, it is more than a beauty routine.
It’s an experience.
Within the shop embraces familiar laughter and lively dialogue.
I play uplifting music, and movies as I try to keep clients entertained during their appointments,” says Rosa Stormer, owner of Lavish Life Studio.”
Patrons find more than a stylish cut or a fresh weave; they discover a rare opportunity for soul-baring connection through collective experiences and shared stories.
"It's not about the hair," said owner Pickney of Pink’s Barber & Styling Shop. "It's about the worshiping because sometimes you have to take it there; you have to pray for them when they can't pray for themselves.”
When a person sits in that chair, he or she knows vulnerability is welcomed, and every person’s story matters.
“You trust a barber or hairstylist to render that service and bridge that barrier to allow someone to let their guard down and talk freely,” said Howard Barber, owner of Howard Barber Shop, LLC Styling.
Black barbers and stylists realize the connections that are made in their chairs inside their community.
“Men and women walk out feeling polished and more better than they did before,” Barber Howard said.
A chair that bridges barriers and invites patrons to voice their hidden struggles.
"We are a nonjudgmental and relatable place, " states stylist Rosa.
“Doing hair is a way that we could help people in the community, " said Pickney.
Black beauticians and barbers not only groom their client's hair but also transcend their spirits by creating a space of belonging.
Barbering is like ministering - when you have people in your chair, you never know who they are says Barber Maurice. " the person in front or behind you may hold the key. "I feel that when we sit and talk, it opens the door to help somebody else out."
When clients get their hair done they can form a connection with the person behind them by sharing stories of their lives.
“Barbering to me is not just cutting hair because the people you cut become your family,” Barber Maurice Boyd said.
Clients not only realize their own beauty but discover the strength of a supportive community at the shop.
“When the time is right or whenever I get that moment I start talking to them because you never know who you're encountering. Beautician Pickney said I feel like you learn the person that's sitting there for the moment.”
Barbers and Hairstylists offer wise words and encouragement for anyone who steps foot into their sanctuary.
“A lot of people trust me with their life problems," said Hairstylist Rosa Stormer.”
You have to “Never judge a book by its cover.” because clients may sit and present themselves like they are well but in reality broken mentally,” said Barber Maurice Boyd.
Modern-day barbers and hair stylists give their clients a building of trust and an opening pathway to communicate.
“When clients are going through problems you are left as their listening ear,” says barber Howard
Hairdressers believe they are “Always a therapist. We just can't give legal advice stated Pickney.
A therapeutic experience
An intimate place for people of color is at the beauty parlor.
“A safe place is somewhere you feel comfortable outside your home,” hairstylist Rosa Stormer says.
Most people go to work and go back home.
"Barbershops allow that safe place for those that may not be able to speak their mind freely in other industries," says owner Howard Boyd.
Unlike the period of slavery when facilities didn’t cater to black customers, the black
barbershops emerged as a haven for people of color.
"You never know what clients are going through and the shop is a place they can come and release during their appointments," said Barber Maurice.
“A Safe place is where you could go and talk to someone and let them know how you're feeling,” says hairdresser Pickney.
Communicating with customers is said to be a “Back & forth conversation.
Barber Howard Boyd states, "Barbershops are places you can let your guard down, no judgment, a place where you can be you which makes it therapeutic.”
Inside the Heard it through the Grapevine states, Black barber shops were in the past - and continue to be - community havens.
The therapeutic atmosphere of a barbershop creates a connection between a safe place and therapy.
“A therapist creates an atmosphere of warmth, safety, and non-judgment,” The College of Charleston professional counselor Raine Gorden said.
A hairstylist and barber can embody the characteristics of a licensed therapist.
I listen but don't try to give unsolicited advice, but if I can relate, I share my own experiences while I strive to empathize states hairstylist Rosa Stormer.
The moment you sit inside a barbershop or salon chair you know you will receive a therapeutic experience by not leaving the same way you came.
“Basically the goal is to make sure all clients feel seen, feel heard, and provide that confidential space for people to express themselves openly and freely” Gorden stated.
Getting a haircut and a new style in the black community is an intimate experience. ”It's just you and them; it's not them and everybody else.” Hairdresser Pink expresses.
In their industry, they see it all - the good, the bad, and everything in between while witnessing their client's life milestones.
"Weddings, funerals, baby showers, birthdays, the first day of school, proms - we get to experience so much through our clients," said stylist Rosa Stormer.
Beauticians and barbers discuss their commitment to creating a nurturing atmosphere for those who enter the shop.
“What I always do when I get up in the morning is get on my knees and pray and ask God to use me so that I can be a beacon of light to uplift and Inspire someone.” Barber Maurice Boyd states.
Though times have changed, barbershops and salons continue to uphold the history of a place in the black community as a central gathering place.
“In this chair,” says Boyd, “we’re not just changing hair, we’re changing lives,” said Barber Maurice.
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