Why Are Barbers so Important?
Have you noticed a new barbershop near you? New barbershops are opening everywhere. Men are going with more sophisticated haircuts and rocking carefully maintained facial hair. Beards have been growing in popularity over the last few years and are becoming more acceptable in the workplace. With a great beard comes maintenance. where else to go to keep your beard and hairline clean but the barbershop?
Barbershops have a rich history. They have traditionally been more than a place to go get a haircut; they’re a place for men to socialize. In the past, trips to the barbershop were a weekly ritual and men would wait in line for a shave and a haircut. According to Sharpologist, “Barbershops created a special social connectivity with their clients. Men went to have a break from their routine, socialize, and meet like-minded people. Barbershops were a social club rather than an ordinary hairdresser’s salon.” Barbershops were designed beautifully and some would even argue that they trumped the design of modern salons today.
The Decline of the Barbershop
As great as barbershops were, they quickly declined during the 20th century.
It’s easy to speculate, but it seems most likely that the decline of the barber shop kicked off in the early 1900s with the invention of the safety razor. If you compare the price of the barbershop with this new razor, the razor was a much more affordable alternative. There were many other events that contributed to the decline, such as:
- The Great Depression
- World War 2
- The long hair and beards trend of the ‘60s and ‘70s
The need for visiting the local barbershop became a thing of the past. With the decline in barbershops there was a rise in salons, which have their own history that brought them to where they are today.
The Rise of Barbershops (Again)
Barbershops have started to return over the last couple of years, and we’re here for the rising trend! Not only are they returning but they are thriving. According to SBDC, average income is higher for barbers than for cosmetologists, with an expected growth rate of 11% over the next 10 years. Even more exciting? Charles Kirkpatrick, the executive officer of the National Association of Barber Boards of America has stated that barbering is the “#1 Fastest Growing Industry. The number of licensed barbers has grown roughly 10 percent in the last two years, from 225,000 to 245,000.”
So what started this new rise in barbershops? There are many different theories on this. Celebs visiting the barbershop, posting it on their social media, and growing out their beards could have definitely helped this along. Visiting a barbershop is more than just getting a haircut, it’s a full on experience. Gone are the days where men need to meticulously edge their own hairline, when a quick trip to the barbershop can get it done quickly and professionally.
With men’s trends continuing to take a path of their own, we should continue to see growth in the barber industry, and we have already seen great things happening!
What’s Next for Barbers?
Along with the rise of barbershops also comes a rise in standards, as men are now requiring more talent from their barber. In order to stay on top, barbers need to be able to keep up with the trends in the industry. for those of you that are a fan of beards, don’t worry! They are not going anywhere any time soon. If you’re in the barbering industry – great news – you are needed. This industry looks like it will continue to be on the up and up and is constantly seeking new talent.
Unlike online stores taking over for retail shops, you will not be able to get your hair cut online. The cosmetology and barbering industry is growing and won’t be going anywhere until people decide to stop getting haircuts. Barbering has been around for a long time, and has proven it’s here to stay.
Someone’s gotta step up to be the next big name barber! Will it be you? Check out the barbering courses offered at our St. Petersburg campus.
