Menu
Barbers are more than just grooming professionals: they’re therapists, trusted confidants, and lifelong friends at the center of many client’s personal care journeys. Master of the art of hair cutting and beard trimming, a men’s barber knows a thing or two about creating trendy styles and comprehensive grooming routines that help patrons look and feel their best.
But here’s some food for thought — since ancient times, barbers have played a fascinating role in society that went beyond cutting hair. They’ve been surgeons, inspired a musical genre, and even been protectors against negative energies. If you’re interested in knowing what secrets your Midtown barbershop may hold, read on!
Paging Doctor Barber! During medieval times in Europe, demand for surgical procedures was at an all-time high, and a men’s barbershop quickly became more than just a place for personal grooming. As the home of the people with the most experience with razors and other sharp implements, the barbershop was a surgery of sorts, where barbers were expected to take on tasks like bloodletting, wound care, and tooth extractions. Soon, barber-surgeon guilds were formed to regulate and standardize medical practices among barbers, unifying the jobs of barbering and surgery.
This is also where the iconic red and white-striped barber pole gained popularity. The red stripes represented blood, and the white represented bandages, letting patrons know they could come in to get their hair cut and their wound stitched up. Nobody can claim this was patient-centered modern medicine at work, but they probably saved more than a few lives.
The two professions separated during the early 19th century as surgeons became more formally educated and modern medical and dental practices were established. Today, barbers are not allowed to practice medicine, which is probably for the best. These days, it’s crazy to think that you could once have all your personal medical and grooming needs taken care of under one roof.
Imagine it’s 1910. You’re waiting in line at your barber’s for a dope fade, and the man behind you starts humming a fun tune. You decide to join in, as do two people in front of you, and soon, you’re all harmonizing and starting your own singing group. That’s basically how the barbershop quartet originated – yes, it really was in the barbershop. The more you know!
The connection between the barbershop and music began in Black barbershops and spread, with many musical influences contributing to what would become that distinctive barbershop sound. Just as iconic as the four-part harmonies without instrumental accompaniment is the peppy singers wearing red-striped outfits with straw hats, usually singing happy folk songs meant to enchant and entertain. Barbershop quartets were most popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but the style is still alive and well today.
Looking to ward off negative energies and enter a new spiritual beginning? A trip to the barbershop may be what you need. While not part of specific rituals, barbers have been known to facilitate various folkloric practices concerning hair across historical periods and cultures.
Cutting hair can symbolize the start of a new spiritual and physical journey, holding deep significance for those who believe that removing hair helps you let go of any negative energies or evil intentions. You might have seen hair being used in magic spells or curses, symbolizing its status as part of our identity.
As barbers are professional groomers, they’ve been called on to help people process traumatic memories by removing the hair grown during that time, giving them a fresh look for a fresh start. It’s an unusual yet deeply spiritual journey for some who believe in the idea of hair as a repository and reflection of ourselves.
From establishing early modern medical practices and starting new music genres to upholding spiritual beliefs, barbers have a ton of influence. So many modern trends have their humble beginnings in a barbershop, well before they were picked up by influencers or stylists. Barbers constantly update their skills and push the limits of what’s possible with razors, scissors, clippers, and imagination.
Not only are barbers masters of personal grooming and great assets to the fashion industry, but their role in society stretches beyond the barber chair and into community shaping. The barbershop has been a pillar of local communities for generations. Many a new idea has been inspired in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the neighborhood barbershop, where communication and community are prized.
Next time you’re at your favorite Premium Barbershop location, why not thank your barber for their massive contribution to society and tell them all about the history of the barbershop quartet – they might just sing along to your tune. (Or maybe just say “thank you.”)
You can visit any of our Midtown barbershop locations any day of the week – we’re open seven days a week. While the 2024 men’s barber won’t cure your headache or break your curses, we can give you a fresh new look that’ll put an extra spring in your step. Book an appointment with us or visit your favorite location when it suits you!