History


Barbering is one of the oldest professions in the world. with the advance of civilization, barbering and hairstyling developed from its early cultural and tribal beginnings into a recognized profession. Archaeological studies reveal that haircutting and hairstyling were practiced as early as the glacial age. the simple tools used were flints, oyster shells, or bone. Animal sinew or strips of hide were used to tie the hair back or as adornment, and braiding techniques were used in some cultures.

The colors of the barber pole is that red represented the blood, blue the veins, and white the bandages. later, when the barber surgeon’s company was formed in England, barbers were required to use blue- and- white poles and surgeons red- and- white poles. it is also thought that the red, white, and blue poles displayed in the united states originated in deference to the nations flag.

ALONZO HERNDON

• Had the largest and finest barbershop in the world 25 chairs and 20 baths
• Born into slavery in 1858 and rose to become Atlanta's first black millionaire
• President and founder of Atlanta life financial group

Barber/Surgeon


1163 at the council of tours, pope alexander iii forbade the clergy to “ draw blood or to act as physicians and surgeons” because it was contrary to christian doctrine “ for ministers of god to draw blood from the human body” ( moler, 1927). it was at this point in history that the barbers took over the duties previously performed by the clergy. they continued the practices of bloodletting, minor surgery, herbal remedies, and tooth pulling. for centuries, dentistry was performed only by barbers, and for more than a thousand years they were known as barber- surgeons.

A.B. MOLER

• Author of the first barber textbook
• Opened the 1st barber school
• First school opened in 1893 located in chicago