The experience of entering a real barbershop is genuinely unique. The old-fashioned barbershop has a warm, inviting atmosphere and committed staff members who are truly knowledgeable about men’s hair and are completely devoted to their job.
The traditional art of barbering hasn’t changed all that much over the years, which is fascinating given that the old-school barbershops are once again fashionable.
Barbershops were as popular as taverns and pubs at the close of the 19th century and up until the start of World War II. They served as a spot for men to “hang out,” where they could go for haircuts and shaving as well as to read the news and talk to friends. Many people would go back on a monthly or even daily basis. A great era of barbershops had just passed.
Classy, elegant furniture, sleek walnut barber chairs, plush upholstery, artistic frescoes, ornate mirrors, even crystal chandeliers are examples of typical interior design elements of a barbershop from that heyday that are now being imitated by contemporary followers. Despite their opulent environs, barbershops were created to be comfortable settings where men could unwind after a long day at the office.
Prior to the consumer goods behemoth Gillette introducing its safety razor and launching a massive marketing campaign positioning it as a safer and less expensive option to a barbershop, barbershops thrived. It got even worse during the Great Depression and the two World Wars, as fewer people used the pool and fewer people were willing to pay for grooming services. Later, the hippie movement introduced shaggy hairstyles, and going to the barbershop turned into an entirely bygone activity.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the traditional barbershop was kept in the background by the growth of the androgynous salon. However, traditional barbershops have greatly increased recently all over the globe as more men search for a more specialized men-only experience.
The barbershops of today still serve as a place for social interaction. After hearing some funny jokes, tales, and discussions about current events, customers leave. As in the past, you can relax in a vintage barber chair and enjoy a traditional wet shave or a clipper haircut performed only on men’s hair in the relaxed setting of a local tavern.
The barbershop is a custom that hasn’t altered all that much over the years. There is no mention of any contemporary innovations, like waxing or highlighting, unlike in unisex salons. When you go to a barbershop, you know you’ll get a great haircut and have a nice time while you’re there.
To honor the golden era of barbering, when having a beard trim was a full-service affair, today’s vintage-style barbershops go above and beyond by offering extra services like a beer or a sip of whiskey. Expert barbers can also offer personalized advice on how to improve daily grooming practices and appear your best at all times. When one enters a barbershop, they receive much more than just a haircut or shave; they can join a manly tradition that is certainly worth reviving.
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