Black and Brown Barbershop & Hair Salon Community Conversations
We’re strengthening safe spaces where open conversations lead to healing and hope.
Recent events like rising violence in Portland and increased costs of living continue to weigh on and exhaust our communities. For Black and Brown folks, mental health stigma prevents people from seeking the support they need. Traditional mental health spaces may not feel welcoming or accessible.
Barbershops and hair salons are trusted spaces in the Black and Brown community—places where real conversations happen. They are a community hub for social gathering, celebration, and sharing. We trust our barbers and hair stylists not just with our haircare but often with the truth about our feelings and what’s going on in our lives.
Bringing Mental Health Support to Trusted Spaces
Lines for Life is partnering with barbers and stylists to deliver free Mental Health First Aid training, equipping them with the skills to recognize signs of mental health or substance abuse challenges and connect people to the right resources.
We’re even taking it one step further – once a barber or stylist is trained, we’re supporting them in hosting community conversations in their shops or salons.
These gatherings foster open discussions about mental health, substance abuse prevention, community healing, and creating a stronger support network in Black and Brown communities.
How These Conversations Make a Difference
By bringing people together, Black and Brown communities are working through mental health and substance abuse challenges collectively – supporting each other and healing together.
Thanks to these trusted community leaders, barbershops and salons are becoming safe spaces where people can:
- Enjoy music, food, and conversation in a welcoming environment.
- Talk openly about mental health in a space they trust.
- Get a fresh cut while engaging in meaningful discussions.
- Connect with trained barbers and stylists to learn about available resources.
Want to get involved?
Reach out to learn more about opportunities and partnerships.
Together, we’re reducing stigma, strengthening community support, and ensuring that conversations about mental health and substance abuse happen in the places where people feel safe and heard.