Background: Southern African American men are disproportionately affected by HIV. Barbershops, however, can aid inreducing the prevalenceof the disease. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine southern African American men's risky sexual behaviors and readiness for barbershop-based HIV prevention programs. Methods:Participants completed surveyson their risky sexual behaviors and readiness for barbershop-based HIV prevention programs. Results: The participantsused condoms infrequently, had multiple sexual partners, and used drugs and alcohol. Theyweremoderately prepared forbarbershop-based HIV prevention programs. Conclusion: These findings have implications for the development of barbershop- based HIV prevention programs for this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]