The Lions Barber Collective Has Just Opened Their First Barber Shop (Inside The War Paint Carnaby Street Store)

The mental health charity, The Lions Barber Collective, – has just opened their FIRST EVER barber shop: situated inside the brand new War Paint Carnaby Street store.

The charity was Founded in 2015 by Tom Chapman, just one year after he lost a close friend to suicide. It suddenly dawned upon Tom that the barber-client bond is not only a long-lasting relationship, but it’s an intimate one based on trust.

And it was this realisation that drove him to develop the award-winning, life-saving training, ‘BarberTalk,’ and ‘Hair&BeautyTalk,’ – which empowers hair professionals to recognise when someone may be struggling, whilst training them to ask honest, open questions, listen with empathy (without judgement), and redirect them to the right help, – should they require it.

72% of people who have taken their own life did not have any prior contact with mental health services in the 12 months leading up to their death. Yet it’s highly probable that they would have had their hair cut during this time.

The innovative new Carnaby Street location provides haircuts and beard shape-ups at two beautiful barbering stations at the back of the War Paint store, exceptional customer service, and a client journey that begins with a scalp detox treatment, a shampoo, and a conditioning massage, – and finishes up with high-end hair products (and War Paint Anti-Shine).

The cost of each service is completely non-profit, meaning that once the barbers have been paid, the rest of money goes straight back to the Lions Barber Collective to provide free BarberTalk training for hair professionals, mental health awareness, and sustainability of the charity.

Carnaby Street is the first of many new Lions Barber Collective branches, – providing a safe space for hair cuts and headspace, – creating value for donations in the fight against suicide.

The Lions Barber Collective’s Founder Tom Chapman said: “This is only the start. I hope to have Lions Barbers all over the country to provide a safe space for those who need it, whilst connecting them with the local services available so that we can bridge the gap in a place that holds no taboo or stigma for people to visit. I always wanted to draw funds through value instead of guilt, and create a sustainable model for the charity, and this is a huge step towards that.“

“By paying for a haircut at this store, you will be aiding us to train more hair professionals so that we can have a bigger impact reaching more people in chairs far and wide. The nation’s mental health has been hugely affected by the pandemic and the hair salons and barbershops are a place we have longed to be. I truly believe that if we support the hair industry, they can support the nation,” he added.

The new space within the brand new War Paint Carnaby Street store was gifted to the Lions Barber Collective by War Paint’s Founder, Danny Gray, – meaning that there are no overheads for the charity. Combined with the kind donation of the barbering equipment and furniture by Aston & Fincher and salon software provided by Timely, this is a revolutionary initiative that will change the face of London when it comes to mental health.

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Tom Chapman is an award-winning barber, author, speaker, a global barber director, and an international educator. He was invited to deliver a TED Talk, which took place in April 2018 at TEDxExeter. He’s also been featured on BBC television and radio, Channel 4, FOX News (USA), and he’s taken part in multiple appearances across national and international press.

He published his first book, “The Barber Boom: Creating A New Sub-Culture” in 2018, and his second book, “BarberTalk – Taking Pride in Men’s Mental Health,” which was released by the mental health charity, Trigger Press in March 2019, and his brand new children’s book, “The Mighty Lions & the Big Match: What if We Don’t Win?” debuted this July 2021.

For his outstanding dedication, Tom also received a Points of Light award from the Former UK Prime Minister Theresa May, and he was recognised by (and met) Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge.

The charity is offering a 20% discount for anyone who works in the Carnaby Street area. The opening hours are: Monday – Saturday (10-7PM), and Sunday (12 – 6PM). Each barber is fully trained in mental health awareness and listening skills.

To book your appointment, head here: https://www.thelionsbarbercollective.com/lions-barbers

And don’t forget to watch the full video interview with Tom outside the brand new Carnaby Street store below: