“You don’t need to be a mental health expert to make a DIFFERENCE to someone who is struggling.”
Tom Chapman from How to Listen So Men will Talk
Tom Chapman started his career with Toni & Guy in 2002, learning the discipline of structure, sectioning patterns, guides and scissors over comb. Tom taught himself barbering because of his love for men’s hair and alternative styles.
Tom opened Tom Chapman Hair Design in Torquay, UK, in 2011 and began educating two years later. Since then, Tom has been educated all over the UK, USA, Canada and Brazil. Tom is a multi-published session stylist and platform artist. Tom has even had his work grace the front cover of industry magazines, including HJ Men.
In September 2015, Tom founded The Lions Barber Collective, which started as a group of international barbers raising awareness for suicide prevention. It has developed to become much more and now campaigns for the awareness of mental wellbeing and suicide prevention. Tom believes that the barbershop is a great, safe place for men to talk, and through BarberTalk, he hopes to train hair professionals across the globe to Recognise, Ask, Listen and Help those in their chairs.
Tom, was also invited to deliver a TED Talk, which took place in April 2018 at TEDx Exeter (4th most viewed TEDx community in the world). He has also been featured on BBC TV and Radio, Channel 4, FOX News (USA) and multiple appearances in the national and international press.
Tom has received a Points of Light award for his outstanding volunteer work from UK Prime Minister Theresa May. Tom Published his first book, The Barber Boom, in 2018 and his second book BarberTalk, Taking Pride in Men’s Mental Health, in 2019.
