The History of Barbering
Barbering is one of the world’s oldest professions, with a rich history and roots stretching back thousands of years. What began as a ritualistic and practical service evolved into a respected craft that blends grooming, medicine, and social connection.
Ancient Beginnings
Archaeological evidence suggests barbering dates as far back as 3500 B.C. in Egypt, where razors made of copper and gold have been discovered in tombs. In these early civilizations, barbers were not merely hair cutters—they were often priests and healers. Hair was believed to hold spiritual significance, and shaving or cutting it away could ward off evil spirits. In Mesopotamia and Egypt, elaborate beards and hairstyles also marked social status.
Barber-Surgeons in Greece and Rome
By the time of the Greeks, barbering had become a communal practice. Barbershops were popular gathering places where men exchanged news and debated politics. In Rome, barbers gained prestige, with the first Roman barbershop reportedly opening in 296 B.C. Grooming became a mark of refinement and citizenship, and Roman barbers often doubled as surgeons, performing tooth extractions, bloodletting, and wound care.
The Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, barbering took on an even more significant medical role. Known as “barber-surgeons,” these practitioners performed surgical procedures ranging from amputations to leeching. The iconic red-and-white barber pole traces back to this period: red symbolized blood, white symbolized bandages, and later blue was added in some countries to represent veins. Barbershops became essential community institutions, offering everything from haircuts to lifesaving procedures.
The Renaissance to the 18th Century
As medicine professionalized, barber-surgeons gradually lost their surgical responsibilities, and physicians took over medical practice. By the late 1700s, barbering returned primarily to grooming, shaving, and hair cutting. Barbers still maintained their status as skilled tradesmen, and their shops remained important centers of social interaction, especially among men.
The 19th and 20th Centuries
The 19th century saw barbering rise as a respected craft. In 1893, A.B. Moler opened the first barber school in Chicago, establishing barbering as a profession requiring formal training. The early 20th century also introduced licensing laws, sanitary regulations, and the use of new tools such as safety razors and electric clippers. Barbershops flourished as cultural hubs where men gathered for conversation, news, and relaxation.
Modern Barbering
Today, barbering combines tradition with contemporary style. While it no longer involves surgery, the profession carries deep cultural and artistic significance. Barbershops often serve as neighborhood institutions, offering not just grooming but also a sense of community. The craft continues to evolve with new techniques, trends, and products, while preserving its long heritage of precision, care, and connection.
