Bryan Low
What do you know about barbering? Like many other professions, barbering has been practiced throughout the ages, with its roots dating back to ancient times. From the time of Egypt up to Greece, Rome, and the Middle Ages, barbers have been a vital element of male grooming. An experienced barber in North York explains that the profession has experienced major changes throughout the years, which has seen it go from being an acceptable occupation to being disregarded and criticized in certain cultures. Nowadays, barbershops, however, are gaining recognition again, and their past is worth looking into. In this article, we will look into the changes this occupation underwent.
Ancient Barbering
The first evidence of barbering goes to ancient Egypt, where barbers were revered as members of society. They were trained for barbering, cutting hair, and trimming beards, often completing these duties for pharaohs or nobles.
In ancient Greece and Rome, barbers were valued and believed as an important part of society. They were adept in many aspects, including cutting hair, beard trimming, and tooth extraction. Barbering was a popular social activity, with barbers gathering to discuss the philosophy of politics and current events.
Middle Ages and Renaissance
During the Middle Ages, barbers’ status waned because barbers became less popular as the Catholic Church banned barbers from performing surgical procedures. This caused the rise of a new occupation, the barber-surgeon, who was educated to do minor surgical procedures such as tooth extractions or bloodletting. However, the barber-surgeon profession was considered the lowest class in society. He was often associated with superstition and quackery.
During the Renaissance, the barbering business saw a revival. Barbershops became popular male gathering spots, and the art of shaving and cutting hair was refined. Barbers began to design their specialized tools like the straight razor and the barber’s chair.
Modern Era
The 19th century brought about significant changes in the practice of barbering. After the advent of the safety razor, shaving became a task that could be performed at home. In turn, the job of barbers changed to more specific services like cutting hair and hair styling. In the 20th century, the advent of automobiles led to the end of traditional barbershops, when men began going to salons that cater to women’s hairdressing requirements.
However, barbershops have recently been reviving as men seek the pleasure of a traditional haircut and shave that was once a thing of the past. Nowadays, barbershops are seen as a space of community and camaraderie. Men can meet and chat while receiving haircuts or shavings.
Conclusion
Barbering’s history is long and diverse, with origins that date back thousands of years. From the time of Egypt to today’s barbershops, barbers have been a key part of grooming men. Although the profession has seen major transformations throughout the years, the core rules of barbering are the same, giving men a neat, well-groomed appearance and a space to socialize and gather. The recent resurgence of the classic barbershop proves this once-popular profession’s long-lasting appeal.
