Barber history dates all the way back to ancient Egypt. Archeologists have uncovered razor blades from as early as 3500 BC. In the Middle Ages, barbers were trusted with much more than just cutting hair.

In Egypt, Barbers often doubled as religious priests. This arose out of the belief that evil could enter the body through the hair and had to be removed by cutting the hair. Because of their ‘paranormal powers’,

barbers often performed religious ceremonies such as weddings and baptisms. Barbers also conducted medical surgeries and became known for things like pulling teeth and setting broken bones.

In addition, they also performed an ancient practice known as “bloodletting,” where patients would be cut to supposedly bleed out illnesses in the body.

During this time, they earned the name “barber surgeons.” Barbers would go so far as to place bowls of patients’ blood in the window to advertise their services. It wasn’t until the late 18th century that the first barber school opened in Chicago, IL.

So, just imagine, your barber performing life threatening procedures with far less training than is required of barbers today.

Ever wonder where the barber pole originated? It was back in the Middle Ages, when people visited their barber for a haircut, shave, teeth pulling, and maybe some bloodletting (what an afternoon!).

In 1307, it became illegal to place blood in the window. So, since it was rather common to be illiterate during this time, barbers needed a new way to advertise their ’medical’ services.

And so, the classic barber pole was born. The red signified bloodletting, the white represented medical bandages, and the blue was said to stand for non-oxygenated blood. Even the downward spiral had meaning, it signified the aortic flow of blood as it flows down through the body.