Barber Shop

Fun Facts About Barber Shops

• The word "barber" comes from the Latin word for "beard." This underscores how central facial hair was to the profession from its earliest beginnings.
• Barbering is one of the oldest professions. There is evidence of "professional" hair cutting dating back to 5000 BC in ancient Egypt, where barbers used sharpened flint or oyster shells. Barbers were highly respected, often acting double-duty as priests or healers to ward off evil spirits.
• In the Middle Ages, barbers also functioned as minor surgeons. They performed bloodletting, pulled teeth, and dressed wounds. The iconic barber pole represents this history, with red signifying blood and the spiral pattern of white mimicking wrapped bandages.
• Ancient Roman barbershops were social hotspots similar to modern coffee shops. Men gathered daily to groom, gossip, share news, and debate. They were effectively early public forums.
• In Ancient Rome, a young man's first shave at the barber was a significant coming-of-age ritual, marking the transition to manhood.
• Julius Caesar's personal barber was reportedly one of the highest-paid men of Rome, sometimes earning more than senators, due to his importance in maintaining Caesar's image.
• The world's oldest, continuously operating barbershop is located in London. It was established in 1805 and has served many notable figures, including Winston Churchill.
• The first U.S. barber school was founded in 1893 in Chicago. At that time a typical barber charged 40 cents for an adult haircut, 25 cents for a child's haircut or adult shave, and earned approximately $20 per week.