The Difference Between Barbering and Hairdressing According to ADAM
Is this age-old question as simple as breaking into a binary – men go to barbers and women go to hairdressers – or is there more to the story than meets the untrained eye? At ADAM we pride ourselves on a rich heritage; one where barbers are recognized as ateliers and where barbershops bring signature style to the gentlemanly way of life. We aren’t splitting hairs, here are the reasons why barbering and hairdressing are different.
A Hint of History
Unravel the etymology behind the word barbering and you see a wealth of history and weight. The term barber comes from the Latin ‘Barba’ which roughly translates to ‘beard’. While this may seem a simple and straightforward translation, trace your finger back through the ages and barbers have played an integral role in tribal history.
In a time when ancient tribes were shaken by the belief of good and bad spirits, the Barba was the original medicine man – the community leader. In roman times the barbershop was a place of status as only the barbarians would sport beards. Barbers were also considered high-society surgeons; covering everything from fire cupping to neck manipulation.
The history of hairdressing comes later; with the word first appearing in Europe’s 17th century when the towering bouffant of wealthy ladies needed to be teased and tamed and held in place. Hairdressing is a response to crafting trends in society, whereas barbering is arguably the very foundation for building a society.
Soft Style or Sharp Cut
Today, people often assume that hairdressers occupy a more feminine space whereas barbers hold court in a male environment. This can be true as hairdressers tend to bring softer styles to the table – words like feathering, layering, highlighting, and teasing all come into play.
Compare this to the hair-centric words used in modern barbering – cut, clip, buzz and it’s easy to see that barbering is more synonymous with a sharp masculine look.
Trending or Timeless Skill
That’s not to say that barbering takes a heavy-handed approach; in fact, barbering has long been considered one of society’s most important skillsets. We almost lost the lilt of barbering a few decades ago as unisex salons started to crop up. However, these spaces seemed to cater for basic grooming needs rather than calling on the in-depth specialist skillset that went with the art of barbering.
As culture shifted from the easy come easy go nature of the sixties, the modern man wanted a return - not only to the rugged edge of masculinity, but to a laid-back space dedicated to escaping the daily routine, committing to the self, and building their own social status.
Tailored Treatments
While hairdressers will be busy dressing tresses, barbers bring a wealth of male-centric treatments to the table. Hairdressers are well-versed in colors, cuts, wash and blow drying but the barber is specially trained in added elements such as beard grooming and trims, ear flaming, timeless wet shaving, and hands on friction massages and hot towels to truly amp up the experience. Hairdressers are not trained in the art of shaving or dealing with neck trimming.
The same ethos applies to the range of products pulled off the shelves by your stylist or atelier. In a hairdressing salon the products will often be geared towards more feminine styles; spritzes and shining creams and light mists. In a barber shop you find the range of products tailored towards the masculine with gels and beard balms and treatments that tailor texture, hold and style.
It’s All in the Vibe
Throughout history the barbershop has served as a place for blending male centric socialization with style. From the opulent golden era where marble counters and leather chairs set the scene to those tiny backstreet barbers found stashed in Morocco’s medinas; the emphasis on providing an urban or neighborhood hangout for men has always been the backbone of the barbershop industry.
As soon as you step inside, you know you are entering a world you can wear as well as a carefully tailored suit. There’s a casual cool yet high-end vibe, there’s a drink with your name on it and the kind of conversation that keeps you at ease. Along with the soothing style of a hot-towel treatment, style and shave you become part of a crafted scene, a space where modern men are celebrated, and you are free to find your style. Barbering will forever outlast the trends; it’s a timeless craft built on honor, heritage, and heart.
