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Did you know that the red, white, and blue pole that is synonymous with barbershops are a legacy of a long-gone era where people went to barbers not only for a shave and a haircut but also for bloodletting and other medical procedures? Thankfully, nowadays, you don’t have to worry about a barber taking out a razor to let some blood out.
But you might have wondered why you would go to a barber vs. a hairdresser? What circumstances dictate one or the other? Is there an etiquette or guidebook around this?
Read on to find out more about what is a barber and a hairdresser and some tips on which one to choose at what time.
What Is a Barber?
Barbers have been around for a long time, almost since Egyptian times, and they were always associated with haircuts and shaves. Nowadays though, they are a bit more versatile and will include many other services that can help men with improving their aesthetics.
Some of these are:
- Men’s and boy’s haircuts (without much styling)
- Beard sculpting
- Grey blending
- Facials
- Hair coloring
- Scalp massage and conditioning
- Straight razor and wet shave
- And more
As you can see, barbers are fast becoming the go-to person for a man to get themselves ready for the metrosexual life.
Another thing to note about barbers is that even though they welcome both men and women, women rarely go to a barber unless it’s to take their son for a haircut. Barbershops are male-focused industries, so most of the people working in them are males.
What Is a Hairdresser?
Hairdressers are more involved with styling the hair, rather than just cutting it. Not only will they give you suggestions on how to mold your haircut into something more suitable to your face and structure, but they will also help you find the best haircut for you.
They are trained to be more creative than a barber would, although that might be changing.
If you are searching for a complete makeover, where you get a haircut, a style, a coloring, some keratin treatment, and more, then a hairdresser is it.
Choosing Between a Barber vs. a Hairdresser
If you don’t have much time when getting a haircut, then a barber would be a better choice. They can get the job done quickly and help you be on your way fast.
Also, if you are on a budget, then a barber would be a better choice since they are usually cheaper than a hairdresser. This isn’t always the case but is more plausible.
Open Your First Barbershop
Now that you know when to choose a barber vs. a hairdresser, maybe you are interested in opening up your barbershop since it seems like it’s an up-and-coming industry and something you’ve always been fascinated by!
Check out Buckner Barber School for our Class A Barber program.
Contact us to learn more about admissions, costs, and other details. We also have scholarships available for eligible students.
