CBS News spotlights West Hollywood barbershop’s mental health push

Entourage Barbershop in West Hollywood is using a new “Hairapy” initiative to create a supportive space for men to talk through personal struggles during haircuts. Founder Spike Eldib says the effort is meant to reduce stigma and connect clients with licensed help when needed.

Why it matters: - Men’s mental health remains under-discussed, and the barbershop setting gives some clients a familiar place to open up. - The initiative aims to make support more accessible for men who may avoid therapy or formal counseling. - Entourage Barbershop’s approach blends everyday grooming with a low-pressure path to referrals and guidance.

What happened: - CBS News featured Entourage Barbershop in Los Angeles for its men’s mental health initiative. - Founder and barber Spike Eldib launched “Hairapy” during Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. - Eldib said the barbershop is being used as a support system for men facing personal challenges. - Entourage Barbershop is at 8601 Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood, California.

The details: - Barbers at Entourage Barbershop are trained to listen supportively and without judgment when clients share personal struggles. - The barbers are not licensed mental health professionals. - Entourage Barbershop works closely with Los Angeles-based licensed marriage and family therapist Neil Tobisman. - Eldib also refers clients to licensed therapists when needed. - Eldib told CBS News that clients can share issues at the barbershop that they cannot tell family or friends. - The shop offers haircuts, hair coloring, beard trims, eyebrow waxing and hot towel shaves. - Appointments can be booked at EntourageBarbershop.com or by calling 310-855-8044. - Entourage Barbershop opened in 2020 on the Sunset Strip. - The shop says it offers ample rear parking, a secluded entrance and an upper-level VIP section. - The business also offers precision haircuts, fades, beard trimming, color, waxing, designs, line ups and facials.

Between the lines: - The initiative reflects a broader effort to meet men where they already are, rather than ask them to seek help in a more formal setting. - The model depends on trust, and the barbershop setting can make emotional conversations feel less clinical. - The referral network matters because the shop is not replacing therapy; it is acting as a bridge to licensed care.

What’s next: - Entourage Barbershop is likely to keep using “Hairapy” as part of its regular client experience. - Clients who need more support can continue being directed to licensed mental health professionals. - CBS News coverage could bring more attention to the shop’s mental health-focused service model.

The bottom line: - Entourage Barbershop is turning a routine haircut into a support touchpoint for men who may not otherwise ask for help.