Barbers

The services of barbers are very crucial, particularly for male grooming. They help to cut, trim, and wash hair of customers. Hair coloring is another of the services that barbers provide. They stay up to date on latest hairstyles and make suitable suggestions to clients based on trends. Their views are also sought be customers when having hair-related issues such as hair thinning and dandruff. A place where a barber does his business is called a barber shop.

The barbering trade has a long history. Evidence shows it has been practiced since the Bronze Age – put at about 3500 BC. The term “barber” was derived from the Latin word “barba,” which means “beard.” There used to be no difference between a barber and a hairdresser until the 20th century when cosmetology emerged as a distinct profession. Barbers are officially described as hairdressers even today in Australia.

All barbers are not the same. They differ based on what they are licensed to do, how they operate, and how they describe themselves. In the United States, differences exist between states in terms of labor and licensing laws applying to barbers. For example, New Jersey issues same license to barbers and cosmetologists, but the case is different in states such as Maryland.

From the time the trade was introduced to Rome by Sicilian Greek colonies, barber shops have developed a reputation as centers for talking about contemporary issues in the society. They are places of social interaction.