Barbershop vs. Hairdresser: What is The Difference?

Oct 6, 2018
3 min read
Barber and hairdresser
It is impossible not to have heard the term barbershop in the last decade or two. It came as a resurrection in some parts of the world and you could see barbershops popping on every corner. But in the world of hair stylists and salons, why do we need barbershops and what is the difference in the service provided? But first, let’s start with the history.

Where did the barber shop come from?

The history of the barbering profession goes way back in time, even to BC. The barber's trade was always held in high esteem. The barbers used to be assistants to priests and doctors and later performed surgical and dental procedures themselves. Fun fact, the barber’s pole that you see hanging on the wall at each barber shop represents the history of when barbers used to perform these procedures, like bloodletting (thus the red color).

With the development of medicine, however, they lost their privileges and became "simple" fashion and beauty consultants. The trade fell on hard times, but by the end of the 19th century, it had recovered and transformed into men's barber shops. 

Barber vs. hairdresser: The difference

What awaits you when you cross the threshold of such an establishment? If you're a girl or a woman, probably nothing, it's an all-male affair. In the early days of barber shops, they were even referred to as places where women were not only allowed but even afraid to enter.

The experience

If you’re a man and a man with a beard, you can look forward to an unusual experience. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, men's barbershops used to be a place where they would not only groom your appearance, but also discuss current political and social issues, light you a cigar of your choice, or toast you with a shot of fine whiskey. And many of today's barber shops follow that tradition.

The skills

A regular hairdresser will give you a haircut in twenty minutes for a fair price. There’s nothing wrong with it if that’s what you’re looking for - a quick, clean hairstyle. Of course, there are salons where they will take the time to spoil you, but usually, short hair takes longer to cut. 

A barber shop is different. As soon as you walk in, you're likely to see chunky leather chairs, wooden furniture, understated decor, and a set of tools ready to groom your hair and beard according to the latest trends.

If you're lucky, you might also see the classic razor that we see mostly in American films today. Don't worry, shaving with it is not forbidden, as is often said in society, it just requires special preparation beforehand, including the application of a special soap a few minutes before shaving to soften the beard and, as a result, shave better.

In addition, a large number of barber shops reserve at least one hour for the customer to give sufficient care not only to the hair and beard but often also to the skin or fingernails. You can also pay extra for a massage, a scrub, or a face mask.

The tools and products

The tools used by a barber are often different from what a hairdresser uses. At both, you’ll see classic scissors and trimmers, but barber may also use clippers and other tools to create the best hair and beard style. 

Also, the products at each establishment may be a little different. At hairdressers, you will likely see more products to style hair, be it short or long, like hair spray or gel. On the other hand, a barber will have an array of products developed and designed for beards and will be able to recommend what you should use to keep your face trimmed.
Hairdresser cutting hair

And the price?

As you can probably guess, the level of service does affect the final price. If the treatment includes a wash, a men's haircut, a shave, a peeling massage, a hand wrap, a head and shoulder massage, or even a glass of alcohol, the price can climb up to $85. However, the haircut and shave itself are usually cheaper.

Visiting a barbershop or a hairdresser ultimately depends on whether you’re looking for a clean, perfect haircut or you want an experience that takes care of your hair, beard, and potentially even your soul.

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