The Origins of Barbershops: A Look Back at the History

Take a glance around, and it's clear that the days of unkempt beards and men unaware of deodorant are long gone. Grooming has made a strong comeback, and barbershops are at the heart of this revival. But where did barbershops originate, and why are they so popular today? Let’s dive into the fascinating history of barbers, which dates back to ancient times.

Barbers have a rich history, stretching back to when they weren’t just cutting hair, but also serving as doctors and spiritual leaders. In many ancient cultures, such as in Asia, people believed that hair could attract evil spirits, so regular grooming was necessary to maintain both physical and mental health. Ceremonies often involved dancing with loose hair to let the spirits escape, followed by careful styling by the barber to prevent their return.

In ancient Egypt, barbers were highly respected, as seen in depictions of ancient papyri. Priests were known to shave their entire bodies every three days to maintain purity. The significance of grooming even finds mention in the Bible, where Joseph shaved and tidied up before meeting Pharaoh, highlighting the importance of appearance even in those times.

Barbers also gained prominence in Greece, where grooming beards became a symbol of status. It was a prestigious service, reserved for the wealthiest citizens.

In the 3rd century BC, the Macedonians lost several battles to the Persians because their enemies used their beards against them in combat. After that, Alexander the Great ordered all his soldiers to shave, and soon civilians followed suit, adopting this new trend.

Around the same time (296 BC), a man named Ticinius Mena introduced the first razor to Rome. Clean-shaven faces quickly became fashionable, and men began spending hours in barber chairs. The grooming ritual included not only haircuts but also massages, the application of rare oils, and even manicures—essentially the full-service experience we would recognize today.

Medical knowledge in the early centuries AD was limited, and many people died from conditions that are easily treatable today. In the Middle Ages, barbers worked alongside priests and healers, performing procedures like bloodletting. After the 1163 Council of Tours banned clergy and doctors from these practices, the responsibility fell entirely to barbers, marking the beginning of their golden era.

Barbers became the go-to for not only haircuts and beard trims but also surgical and dental procedures. Official barber guilds were formed in the 13th century, where, in addition to haircutting, barbers were trained in surgery and anatomy. By the mid-14th century, barber guilds were some of the most influential organizations in many countries.

However, over time, surgeons and dentists grew frustrated with barbers’ lack of anatomical knowledge and dubious practices. In 1450, a decree in London limited the number of surgical procedures barbers could perform.

Despite these restrictions, barbers retained most of their privileges until the mid-18th century when the British Parliament passed a law that separated the roles of surgeons and dentists from barbers, marking the end of the era of the barber-surgeon.

Once barbers were no longer allowed to perform medical procedures, they became more influenced by the fashion industry. The popularity of wigs in the late 18th and 19th centuries also dealt a blow to traditional barbering, leading to a decline in their craft. Barbershops became male-only spaces where women were rarely seen.

A revival came at the end of the 19th century when A.B. Moler established the first professional barber school in Chicago. This was the only institution of its kind at the time, and it rapidly gained recognition across America.

Barbershops soon became places where men gathered not just for grooming but also to socialize, exchange news, and even enjoy a drink. These “barbershops” evolved into community hubs.

Today, barbershops are making a strong comeback. What makes them so popular? Beyond providing excellent hair and beard care, they offer a unique atmosphere reminiscent of the days when barbershops were the center of social life. With the rising popularity of well-groomed beards and traditional male grooming, barbershops are once again at the forefront of style and culture.