Barbershop services have been performed for as long as 6,000 years when Egyptian nobility sought out haircuts and personal grooming. The practices of cutting and maintaining hair are among the most ancient in history, and while styles change often, barbers take pride in their trade’s legacy. 

Barbershops Through the Ages

Prehistoric Barbers

Today’s shops are filled with razors, scissors, and electric clippers. In the distant past, oyster shells and sharpened flint served as cutting instruments. In Paleolithic societies, priests cut hair to remove evil essences and to renew a person’s energy. These barbers held some of the highest positions in society because it was believed they were helping purify souls.

Greek Society

Barbershops were first established ancient Greece when trimming and grooming beards became a respected profession. The shops were popular meeting places for men, where they participated in conversations about politics and philosophy while their long hair and beards were trimmed. 

Medieval Practices

During the Middle Ages, the roles of barbers and barber shops shifted significantly to include surgical operations and dental extractions. The famous red and white poles were used to indicate barber shops to weary travelers. The white symbolized bandages while the red represented the blood from medical procedures.

Over the centuries, barbershops transformed from medical parlors into establishments primarily used for wig-making until their purpose shifted again to the services they’re widely known for today—cutting hair and grooming. This profession’s rich history makes it easy to see why barbers have always served an important role in society. 

The next time you need a haircut or shave, stop by A Cut Above in Anchorage, AK, where modern barbershop services are available for men, women, and children. This experienced team has been serving the community for nearly 40 years, making them a trusted name in hair care. To make an appointment, call (907) 276-6884. You can also learn more about the shop’s services by visiting their website.