Historically, Black barbershops in the United States were a place where Black men would gather, socialize, and build community. The shops gained popularity post-emancipation when Black barbers were finally free to serve whomever they wanted. This opened up their services to the Black men previously excluded from receiving the expert services of a Black barber. Black barbershops became a safe haven where Black activists could gather and share political strategies for change.
Today, Black barbershops are still important community hubs for members of the Black community to connect and share their culture. Going to the barbershop is an all-day event, with clients spending hours socializing about sports, politics, and race. They also are often the places where new hairstyle trends are born. Black barbershops can be busy, but rather than being exclusively for walk-ins, many shops now take appointments for their services.