The Renaissance of an Ancient Profession
With the resurgence of the hipster style and well-groomed beards, the barbering profession is experiencing a true renaissance. Although this profession has existed for centuries, it is now enjoying growing popularity. Few people know that barbers were once linked to the field of medicine. In France, this profession is one of the oldest.
Between Medicine and Hairdressing
The first traces of the barbering trade date back to prehistoric times, with cave drawings showing shaved men. In the Middle Ages, barbers were also surgeons, performing medical tasks such as setting fractures and pulling teeth. Ambroise Paré, a pioneer of surgery in France, was himself a barber.
Under the Ancien Régime, the profession diversified in France with classic barbers, wigmakers, and surgeons. In 1673, under Louis XIV, the barber-bathers-stewists-wigmakers emerged. With the discovery of microbes and sterilization, barbers gradually abandoned surgical practices to focus on hair care.
A Respected Profession Through the Ages
In ancient societies, barbers were highly respected. In Egypt, they were responsible for shaving priests for purification rites. In Greece and Rome, barbers played an important social role, with their shops serving as meeting places for philosophical and political discussions.
In the Middle Ages, barbers became assistants to priests for medical care, as clerics were no longer allowed to practice surgery. This period marked a competition between barbers and surgeons, with the former continuing to perform bloodletting and tooth extractions.
The Revival of the Profession and Barber Iconography
In 1893, A.B. Moler opened the first barber school in Chicago, marking the beginning of professional education in this discipline. Modern barbershops, luxuriously decorated, allow men to get haircuts and beard trims in an elegant and convivial setting.
The red, white, and blue barber pole dates back to the Middle Ages, when barbers, also acting as surgeons, would hang bloodied bandages on poles to signal their services.
The barbering profession, with its rich history, demonstrates the importance of this trade through the ages. Today, as the profession is reborn, it continues to play a crucial role in helping men shape their identity and style, combining ancient expertise with modernity to meet the expectations of a discerning clientele.
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