MENU
SEARCHA documentary for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC) tells the story of the Black barber shop and its evolution.
A documentary for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC) tells the story of the Black barber shop and its evolution. As Black History Month 2021 starts today, we take a look at this cultural institution that offers so much more than a shave and a haircut.
Marvin Church, a barber, educator, and influencer, was interviewed for the film. Church has been cutting hair since he was 9 years old, and he describes the barbershop as a “safe haven” and the barber, like a preacher, as someone you can share with, who will hold your confidence.
“The barber has that type of personality where people feel like they can tell them things. The barber keeps these conversations,” Church says.
As Black-owned and Black-patronized barbershops emerged in the early 20th century, the barbershop in the African American community was also a place where Black men could gather without inhibition, without worry. It was and remains an important space for connection and community.
“African American people had limitations on what public space they could frequent, let alone hang out, and barbershops were those spaces where African Americans could gather free from surveillance from a larger white public,” says Dr. Quincy T. Mills, author of Cutting Along the Color Line: Black Barbers and Barber Shops in America.
Cutting Along the Color Line chronicles the cultural history of Black barber shops as businesses and civic institutions. Through several generations of barbers, Mills examines the transition from slavery to freedom in the nineteenth century, the early twentieth-century expansion of black consumerism, and the challenges of professionalization, licensing laws, and competition from white barbers.
“The barber knew everyone in the neighborhood,” Church says in the video. “That was one of the places that people could come together and seek counsel and get information. Outside of those doors it could be chaos but when you come in here, it gives people a sense of security.”
Are your blondes feeling blah? Give ’em a lift with LightDimensions SilkLift Strong
Sponsored by Goldwell
Renowned international session stylist, Richard Phillipart chooses sustainable styling brand to create 48 unique looks celebrating natural texture and individuality.
milk_shake everlasting bonds, the new professional bond repair system, is formulated to rebuild the hair’s structure while delivering softness, shine and effortless manageability.
STMNT Grooming Goods is expanding into the shave care category with three new additions to its lineup.
The launch of Moroccanoil's Sculpting Pomade highlights a renewed focus on styling within the brand’s iconic haircare lineup, advancing the category with elevated formulas, refreshed packaging, and a clearly defined trio of styling essentials.
Curl Cult founder Janine Jarman, a hairstylist, salon owner, educator, and product creator, is opening a community investment round that gives hairdressers and clients the opportunity to own a stake in the company they helped grow.
With Structured Texture: Runway Shapes, Real-World Textures, Monae Everett wanted to bridge the gap between high-fashion hair and the real textures stylists work with every day.
Bee Sam’s VanStrands blend shimmer, color, and customization into a trend-forward enhancement designed for modern salon clients.
Perk Up Guava Granita Dry Shampoo is a juicy new launch from amika that puts a tropical twist on their bestselling dry shampoo with notes of guava, banana and vanilla inspired by sunshine, smoothies, and vacation energy in a bottle.
Shine Time: Aluram’s High Shine Line Delivers Moisture and Shine with Clean Ingredients
Sponsored by Aluram
After a nationwide roadshow, DermapenWorld leaders share their biggest insights on the growing demand for hair loss solutions, and why education, empathy, and community are driving the conversation.
Oribe introduces an essential new addition to its iconic styling collection: Supershine Smoothing Wax Stick, designed for seamless styling.
The Paul Labrecque Salon salon is finding success --for stylists and clients, alike--offering scalp care and specialized treatments. MODERN spoke to Moine about how this focus meets an important need and drives client loyalty.
Before the pixie cut became a Hollywood symbol of modern femininity, it was already living, breathing, and evolving in Black culture. Texture expert and Moroccanoil Global Color Ambassador Greg Gilmore gives us an overview of the iconic Black women who popularized the pixie over the past century.
Romantic goth hairstyles are trending for 2026, and these Sebastian Professional artists have long anticipated the look.
Less frizz. No restrictions. Up to 3 months of smooth. Wella Professionals' SmoothFiller is the smoothing service your clients (and your revenue) have been waiting for.
Sponsored by Wella
For her performance at the 2026 Grammys, Sabrina Carpenter wore a voluminous, retro flip bob created by celebrity hairstylist Evanie Frausto using Redken.
