Man’s battle with his hair pre-dates known history. What we do know about the history of haircuts, is that rough stones were used to scrub hair from the skin. This was undoubtedly a sore and tedious process. That is until Bronze Age man came up with a razor-like implement to hack his tangled tresses off.
Once Bronze Age man had made his contribution, the evolution of the hairstyle had begun. By the time the Ancient Greeks and Egyptians rolled around, barbers were in daily use. Haircuts started their history as a good indication of social class, political affiliation, occupation, religion, marital status, race and culture.
Off With his Hair!
From the Egyptians, who were fanatical about hygiene and haircuts, the practise spread to Rome. From there barbers operated from market stalls or in the streets. The tōnsors (Latin for barber) of Rome and Greece became places of gossip, debate, and voicing opinions.
Much like today, a young man’s visit for his first shave was considered an essential coming of age ceremony.
History of Haircuts…and Tooth Extractions
By the Middle Ages, barbers had their own guild – The Worshipful Company of Barbers in the City of London, the history of haircuts was changing direction. This came about after the priests and monks, who traditionally held the position, were banned by Papal Decree from spilling blood.
They performed such duties as surgery, ear-cleansing, dentistry, and blood-letting, as well as cutting, shaving and styling hair. You’d better have some faith that your barber surgeon knew his pompadour from his prostate!
Around the same time, Vikings of certain classes were very well groomed with neatly styled hair. Contrary to popular depictions of wild, hairy savages, Vikings made a good impression with the women they encountered in England. The men of the UK soon followed suit and they began taking care of their hair and general hygiene themselves.
A More Modern, and Less Savage Time
In the late 1800’s, Chicago man A. B. Moler established the first school for barbers, which was so popular that branches across the U.S followed. The surgeons in the U.K split from the barbers, forming the Royal College of Surgeons and leaving the barbers with their own guild. This certainly made a trip to the barbers a lot less terrifying.
By the early 20th Century, barbershops and haircuts were commonplace and iconic styles from throughout history were already recognised and being replicated. Although many aspects and expectations of the job have changed through history, the barber shop remains a place where men can voice concerns and have public debates, just as they were in Ancient Rome.
Into the 21st Century and the barber shops of the world are still booming. With famous figures through human history from Charles II to Australian popstar Sia recognisable by their hairstyles, the last two decades have seen oodles of innovations in styling.
More and more people now use their hair as an expression of themselves, their brand or their persona. One thing is for certain, one of the world’s oldest known professions and social activities is showing no signs of slowing down.
Chaps Makes its Mark in the History of Haircuts
With a massive range from simple trims, to skin fade haircuts, to extensive treatments delivered with a wealth of experience that transcends time. Our relaxed and friendly Barbers atmosphere is designed with you in mind. Sit back and enjoy a nice cool drink whilst we get to work.
Why not pay a visit to Chaps & Co for a grooming experience like no other? To see our extensive list of services (no surgery, we promise) you can follow this link. To book in with the best barbers in Dubai, you can click here.
Man’s battle with his hair pre-dates known history. What we do know about the history of haircuts, is that rough stones were used to scrub hair from the skin. This was undoubtedly a sore and tedious process. That is until Bronze Age man came up with a razor-like implement to hack his tangled tresses off.
Once Bronze Age man had made his contribution, the evolution of the hairstyle had begun. By the time the Ancient Greeks and Egyptians rolled around, barbers were in daily use. Haircuts started their history as a good indication of social class, political affiliation, occupation, religion, marital status, race and culture.
Off With his Hair!
From the Egyptians, who were fanatical about hygiene and haircuts, the practise spread to Rome. From there barbers operated from market stalls or in the streets. The tōnsors (Latin for barber) of Rome and Greece became places of gossip, debate, and voicing opinions.
Much like today, a young man’s visit for his first shave was considered an essential coming of age ceremony.
History of Haircuts…and Tooth Extractions
By the Middle Ages, barbers had their own guild – The Worshipful Company of Barbers in the City of London, the history of haircuts was changing direction. This came about after the priests and monks, who traditionally held the position, were banned by Papal Decree from spilling blood.
They performed such duties as surgery, ear-cleansing, dentistry, and blood-letting, as well as cutting, shaving and styling hair. You’d better have some faith that your barber surgeon knew his pompadour from his prostate!
Around the same time, Vikings of certain classes were very well groomed with neatly styled hair. Contrary to popular depictions of wild, hairy savages, Vikings made a good impression with the women they encountered in England. The men of the UK soon followed suit and they began taking care of their hair and general hygiene themselves.
A More Modern, and Less Savage Time
In the late 1800’s, Chicago man A. B. Moler established the first school for barbers, which was so popular that branches across the U.S followed. The surgeons in the U.K split from the barbers, forming the Royal College of Surgeons and leaving the barbers with their own guild. This certainly made a trip to the barbers a lot less terrifying.
By the early 20th Century, barbershops and haircuts were commonplace and iconic styles from throughout history were already recognised and being replicated. Although many aspects and expectations of the job have changed through history, the barber shop remains a place where men can voice concerns and have public debates, just as they were in Ancient Rome.
Into the 21st Century and the barber shops of the world are still booming. With famous figures through human history from Charles II to Australian popstar Sia recognisable by their hairstyles, the last two decades have seen oodles of innovations in styling.
More and more people now use their hair as an expression of themselves, their brand or their persona. One thing is for certain, one of the world’s oldest known professions and social activities is showing no signs of slowing down.
Chaps Makes its Mark in the History of Haircuts
With a massive range from simple trims, to skin fade haircuts, to extensive treatments delivered with a wealth of experience that transcends time. Our relaxed and friendly Barbers atmosphere is designed with you in mind. Sit back and enjoy a nice cool drink whilst we get to work.
Why not pay a visit to Chaps & Co for a grooming experience like no other? To see our extensive list of services (no surgery, we promise) you can follow this link. To book in with the best barbers in Dubai, you can click here.
