The 15m2 room is only for men. Located in the suburbs of Yerevan, Tolik’s Soviet-style barber shop is a place for them to relax: to tell their stories, discuss their worries -- and cut their hair. The barber shop has become a refuge for men, a place to escape from the new-age beauty salons that have become increasingly popular in the capital.

67-year-old Tolik is a respected figure for his customers, many of whom have trusted him for more than 40 years with their hair and their thoughts. In Armenia’s male-dominated society, this barber shop is one of the very few places where men can be open about their vulnerabilities -- including worrying about their hair and their appearance -- without being concerned about appearing weak.