Pokz Hair Studios in Croydon is transforming the traditional barbershop by offering a safe space where Black men can access professional hair replacement services and vital mental health support. Founded by Opoku Kunadu-Yiadom, the studio blends grooming with open conversation, aiming to address the unique challenges Black men face in both appearance and mental well-being.
In the heart of Croydon, Pokz Hair Studios is redefining the barbershop experience by combining expert hair replacement with mental health support tailored to Black men. Founded in 2023 by Opoku Kunadu-Yiadom, the studio offers more than just high quality hair systems for men of colour - it provides a safe, welcoming environment where clients are encouraged to talk about their mental health struggles.
Opoku, a certified barber from the London School of Barbering, holds additional qualifications in Hair Replacement Systems. He made a bold career shift from quantity surveying to barbering during the COVID-19 lockdown. His innovative approach has helped Pokz Hair Studios grow from just 10 clients to dozens of regulars, with annual revenues increasing from £40,000 to over £100,000.
"It's not just about the haircut," said Opoku. "It's about creating a space where men feel safe to open up about their struggles, be it depression, job loss, or personal challenges. The barber-client relationship is powerful; sometimes, it's the only place where men feel they can truly be themselves."
The service is especially impactful given the mental health disparities affecting Black men in the UK. Research shows they are 17 times more likely than white men to be diagnosed with a serious mental illness and often face greater barriers to accessing support due to stigma and systemic inequalities.
Opoku said: "One of my regular clients stopped coming in. Concerned, I reached out and discovered he was battling depression after losing his job and facing personal issues. I invited him for a free haircut. That simple act helped restore his confidence, and he soon secured a new job. It's moments like these that underscore the importance of what we do."
Opoku remains committed to advocating for men's mental health and raising awareness about parental alienation, believing that haircare is just the starting point for wider conversations about holistic well-being: "Hair is just the beginning - it's about holistic well-being," he said.
