Hyp3 Barbers lends an ear after opening at the Townsville Shopping Centre

A specialist barber shop that is lending an ear for its customers to discuss their mental health challenges has opened at the Townsville Shopping Centre. Find out more.

One haircut at a time, the staff at a new Townsville barber shop are lending an ear to normalise conversations between men about their mental health, ensuring customers left feeling as good as they looked.

Described as the “ultimate destination for those looking to elevate their grooming game”, Hyp3 Barbers is a specialist barber store that opened at the Townsville Shopping Centre (formerly Stockland) in early November.

Hyp3 Barbers realises the vision of its owner Cody Masso, an electrician by trade, who set out last year to create a boutique barber shop on Kings Rd, Pimlico, offering a range of services and products for the “modern-day gentleman” in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Taking his business to the next level, Mr Masso signed a lease at the Townsville Shopping Centre in May and spent thousands refurbishing the space to give it an elegant yet “edgy, artistic flair”.

“I’m really big on empowering men by taking care of themselves through barbering,” Mr Masso said.

“We all have had our own obstacles with mental health, and I’ve realised that barbering is a great vehicle and tool to promote awareness around men’s mental health.”

Hyp3 Barbers owner Cody Masso has relocated his business into the Townsville Shopping Centre. Picture: Supplied.

A big believer in sharing lived experiences, he has battled through the challenges of self-doubt, depression, anxiety, and self-consciousness.

“I realised that I could only control what I could control, and one of those things was taking care (of myself) and presenting well,” he said.

“So I’ve done a lot of gym work, accumulated a lot of positive habits, always ensuring that my grooming was up to a standard, that way I felt confident within myself.”

He said the barber chair allowed men to discuss their feelings, rather than bottling them up, fearful of showing weakness.

Hyp3 Barbers opened at the Townsville Shopping Centre in early November. Picture: Supplied.

“If you look at women when they go to get their hair done, it’s almost like an informal therapy session, so if you’re switched on, I believe it’s the same with men,” he said.

“If you have a bit of a structure with your conversation and an agenda, you can have a really impactful conversation with someone while they’re getting a haircut and improving their self image towards themselves.”

Mr Masso plans for his team to appear at future community events, and to partner with support organisations like Headspace.

Hyp3 Barbers staff are ready to listen – Lester Knight, Dempsey Wheeler, and Clay Jeans. Picture: Supplied.

Centre manager for the Townsville Shopping Centre, Kelly Taylor-Smith welcomed Hyp3 Barbers.

“With school holidays just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to let the kids have some fun with spiderman webbing or freestyle track marks and curving,” she said.

“Make it a family affair and drop off your guys for a cut while you get a coffee and some retail therapy.”

For more information, search HYP3 Barbers on social media.

Originally published as Hyp3 Barbers lends an ear after opening at the Townsville Shopping Centre