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History of Barbering
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Barbering, an age old profession survives since ancient civilizations all across the planet. With more than 6,000 years of recorded history barbers have done more than their fair share of grooming, to have emerged as important citizens, religious figures, trendsetters and healers.
The dark ages had barbers performing “bloodletting” cures that were earlier done by monks. When it was not considered proper for priests to be doing the task, barbers took over the treatment of diseases. This led to barber-surgeons throughout England and Europe, performing surgery, dispensing herbal medicine along with dentistry, shaving and haircutting services.
Barbers served one and all - from royalty to common people for centuries. The traditional red and white striped barber pole is an ancient historical object of the clean white bandages and blood-soaked used bandages that often hung outside a barber's door.
In ancient Egypt personal appearance was important indicating a person's status. Barbers became trusted lieutenants of wealthy and esteemed clients. They washed and scented hair to use razors shaped like small hatchets with curved handles for shaving heads and beards. They also crafted elaborate wigs and hair extensions in many styles.
Barbers were famous in Greece during the fifth century B.C. when statesmen, poets and philosophers competed over their distinctive beards. They gathered in barbershops to have their hair cut and beards trimmed, curled and scented. These shops became social centers and hotbeds for political discussions.
Barbering in Rome came around 296 B.C. to start off the fashion of shaving. Barber shops became hot spots for style-conscious Romans who devoted hours to personal grooming. Barbers indulged them with shaving, haircutting, hairdressing, massaging and manicuring. The word "barber" itself comes from the Roman "barba" meaning beard.
Over the last century, barbering has regained professional attention by the establishment of modern barber schools. Barbers receive extensive training in barber schools, cosmetology schools and beauty schools.
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