More Than a Haircut: A Barbershop Conversation on Men’s Mental Health

MORE THAN A HAIRCUT: A BARBERSHOP CONVERSATION ON MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH

Barbershops have always been more than just places to get a haircut. For many men, they’re spaces where real conversations happen — where people open up, share experiences, and check in on each other. 'More Than a Haircut' brings that barbershop atmosphere to campus, creating a relaxed space for students to talk about men’s mental health, confidence, identity, and self-care. This session is delivered in partnership with FlyLab and led by barber and founder Jean Adrien. Through storytelling, live barbering demonstrations, and open discussion, Jean will share his personal journey of opening a barbershop at a young age and the challenges he faced along the way. 

So-led by our BME Officer (Nygel Mbithi), the event focus on why conversations about men’s mental health are really important, especially at university. Many men still feel pressure to “stay strong”, deal with things on their own, or avoid talking about how they’re feeling. This can make it harder to ask for help or share what’s going on. Events like this help create informal spaces where those conversations can happen more naturally, without judgement, pressure, or the feeling that you have to have everything figured out.

Date: Thursday 26th March 2026Time: 4pm - 6.30pm Location: The Bedlam (Eastern Gateway Building) 

The session will explore themes such as confidence, masculinity, resilience, and building a sense of identity. Participants will get the chance to try basic barbering techniques using training hair dolls and explore how learning a craft, focusing on a task, and taking pride in your work, can help build confidence and support mental wellbeing.

The event encourages open conversation around topics such as emotional wellbeing, self-care, community support, and why spaces for men to talk honestly with one another are important — especially during university life.

To find out more about Flylab, click here. 

What to Expect?

This is a barbershop-style environment designed to encourage relaxed conversation. You can expect: 

• Open conversation about men’s mental health and wellbeing
• Personal insights from a barber on confidence, resilience, and identity
• Live barbering demonstrations and a chance to try basic techniques
• Practical reflections on self-care, confidence, and supporting each other

Who Can Attend

This event is open to all male students interested in conversations around mental health, wellbeing, and personal growth. No barbering experience is required. 

Accessibility Information

• We want this event to be welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to all students.
• The venue is step-free (located on the ground fllor) and wheelchair accessible, and seating will be available throughout the session. The space will be arranged so that participants can move around comfortably and take part in the practical activities if they wish.
• Participation in discussions and activities is completely optional, and you’re welcome to engage in whatever way feels comfortable for you. If you need to step out for a break at any time, you’re free to do so.
• If you have any accessibility needs, sensory considerations, or adjustments that would help you attend and take part, please let us know when booking or contact the Union in advance so we can support you.