Barbershops

Barbershops are specialized retail establishments that provide men’s grooming services, with haircutting, beard grooming, and shaving as core offerings. Typical services include haircuts, trimming and shaping, beard grooming, straight-razor shaves, hot towel treatments, and styling. Some shops also offer facial treatments, scalp care, and waxing. Barbers usually use clippers, scissors, straight razors, razor blades, and combs, and they work in barber chairs with mirrors and capes.

Historically, barbershops grew from barber-surgeons in medieval Europe and became social hubs for men by the 19th century. The term barber derives from a word meaning hair-worker in Latin. In many regions they coexisted with beauty salons, and recent decades have seen a revival of traditional techniques and ambiance in boutique barber shops, alongside standardized services offered by large chains.

Regulation and hygiene are important aspects of barbershops. Licensure for barbers is required in many jurisdictions, and shops typically follow sanitation standards that include sterilization of tools, use of disposable blades for shaves, and proper cleaning of equipment between clients.

Business structure and operations vary. Shops can be independently owned or part of chains, and they may operate on walk-in or appointment-based models. Prices often reflect location and market, and the barbershop is frequently viewed as a community space where clients receive grooming services and socialize.

Contemporary trends include a focus on heritage aesthetics, the use of appointment apps, and the growth of memberships or subscriptions in some shops. The barber pole remains a recognizable symbol associated with the industry.