Who would have thought in the midst of the UK 4-month pandemic lockdown that the nation would produce legions of budding barbers? Innumerable apprentices striving to provide the invaluable service of taming unkept barnets across the land. For barbers are more than just skilled scissor-wielding androids. So much more. A true barber is an artist of unparalleled passion and endeavour; a counsellor, good friend, adviser and confidante. A real barber will listen, soothe and problem-solve with you, while cleansing and massaging your delicate scalp. They will give you their undivided attention, as they design, refine and remodel your beautiful mane, while transforming the contours of your face with skilled blade management. Each client a blank canvass to be sculpted to perfection.
Ancient barbers (derived from the latin word “barba”, meaning beard) played the role of doctors and holy men. One of the oldest professions in the world, barbers have been known to use seashells to acquire a clean shave since the Ice Age. Egyptian women would apply less safe ingredients such as quicklime and arsenic to remove their hair and replace with wigs in the pursuit of hygiene.
As surgeons of the middle ages, barbers treated wounds and rotten teeth, being highly regarded in places where surgery was banned. Respect and esteem were afforded to many an ancient priest who performed the barbering practice of cutting unattractive beards to ward off evil spirits.
So next time you visit your barber shop, stop and think: the humble barber; a surgeon and man of the cloth; a scholar and an artist. Our unsung heroes, transforming mood and appearance, creating pride and confidence; listening quietly while we unburden our sorrows and laughing with us at life’s misfortunes. Make sure not to forget your tip!
