CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — A Charleston barber shop is proving it’s not only just a place for a haircut, but where men find connection, comfort, and sometimes the courage to open up about their struggles.
Inside Lovejoy’s Barber Shop in Charleston, owner Eddie Lovejoy says his chair is often the only place where many men feel safe enough to let their guard down.
“I’ve had clients tell me that the barber shop may be their only place during the week where they actually have a little peace and quiet,” Lovejoy says. “We don’t always think of it this way, but barbers end up becoming someone people can talk to, someone outside their stress.”
Therapists Phil Gance and Alex Quiggle from Trusted Results Therapy Group sat down inside the shop to talk about what keeps men from seeking help, and how to break through those barriers.
“There’s still a stigma around men asking for help,” Quiggle says. “We often define strength as pretending we’re fine, when real courage is admitting we’re not.”
Gance says the first step toward mental wellness doesn’t always require a phone call or a formal appointment. Sometimes, it starts with just finding a space, like a barber’s chair, where someone feels seen and heard.
“It’s about providing a non-judgmental space,” he says. “That’s why so many men open up here; it doesn’t feel like therapy. And sometimes that’s exactly what they need.”
Lovejoy says he intentionally created his shop to be a welcoming place, with time carved out for one-on-one appointments and a culture that celebrates openness. It’s now a place where men from all walks of life feel comfortable talking about whatever’s weighing on them, and where they’re reminded they’re not alone.
For those ready to take the next step, Trusted Results Therapy Group offers resources online where people can read therapist profiles and learn more about getting help in a way that feels comfortable.
“No one has to do this alone,” Gance says. “Whether it’s talking to a barber, a therapist, or a friend, just starting the conversation can make all the difference.”
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.