Barber Shops originated in ancient Egypt when the hairdressers of the noble families started gaining popularity. Around 6000 years ago, the haircutting and grooming job was done using sharp seashells, precious metals, and beeswax for styling.
A Look Back at the Evolution of Barbershops
The history of men’s grooming can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, where barbers were highly respected members of society. They were responsible for shaving the heads of pharaohs and noblemen, and their services were often accompanied by a variety of rituals and ceremonies.
Even the Bible mentions the influence of barbers: when Joseph was summoned to appear before Pharaoh, a barber was sent for to shave Joseph, so that Pharaoh’s sight would not be offended by a dirty face! Bit extreme, eh?
Firm hold: A mummies curls are still in place after 3,000 years. New research by a team at Manchester University has revealed that ancient Egyptians used fat-based products to keep their hair in placeLike you just stepped out of a salon: This Egyptian wall painting shows a mummy being prepared for the afterlife complete with ‘tub of gel’ on its head
As civilizations progressed, so did the art of grooming. In ancient Rome, barbershops were popular gathering places for men, who would go there to have their hair cut, beards trimmed, and enjoy conversation with their peers. Barbers were also responsible for performing bloodletting and other medical procedures.
During the Middle Ages, barbers continued to play an important role in society, serving not only as groomers but also as surgeons and dentists. In fact, the traditional red and white striped pole that we associate with barbershops today was originally used as a symbol of bloodletting – the red representing the blood and the white representing the bandages.
19th & 20th Century Barbershops
It wasn’t until the 19th century that barbershops began to take on the familiar look and feel that we know today. With the advent of the safety razor in 1901, men no longer needed to visit the barber as frequently for a shave, and the focus of the barbershop shifted towards haircuts and styling.
In the early 20th century, barbershops became popular gathering places for men of all walks of life. They were places where men could go to socialize, smoke cigars, and play games like chess and checkers. Barbershops also became associated with the emerging jazz culture, with many famous musicians like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong getting their haircuts and hanging out in barbershops.
During the mid-20th century, the popularity of barbershops began to decline as men started going to unisex salons for their grooming needs. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional barbershops, with many men seeking out the unique experience of a classic shave and haircut.
Modern Day Men’s Grooming
Today, barbershops have adapted to meet the changing demands of their clients. Many modern barbershops offer a range of services beyond just haircuts and shaves, including beard trims, facials, and even massages. Some barbershops have also embraced technology, with online booking systems and mobile apps that allow customers to easily schedule appointments.
Chop Shop Barbers in Bloemfontein
In conclusion, the history of men’s grooming is a rich and fascinating one, with barbershops playing an important role throughout the ages. From ancient Egypt to modern-day establishments, the barbershop has evolved and adapted to meet the changing needs and desires of its clients. Whether you’re looking for a classic shave and haircut or a range of modern grooming services, there’s no denying the enduring appeal of the traditional barbershop like the Chop Shop.
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Welcome to our Barbershop in Langenhoven park Bloemfontein. The finest barbers are ready to give you a fresh new look with their own unique style and a 100% Chop Shop quality.
It’s not a cut. It’s a tool to get what you want. Rules boardrooms. Does awfully well in bedrooms, as well.
Get it:
The Executive Contour is a classic men’s cut. It’s a bit like a Hard Part Pompadour, but without the hard part and with considerably more length on the sides and back, so you can’t see scalp. Consider starting with a clipper guard of four. You can always cut it closer after that. The Executive Contour works with or without a hard part, depending on how structured you want it to appear.
Build it:
1. Scrub a towel over your hair, leaving it only slightly damp.
2. Use a comb to create a smart part, straight back from your hairline to your crown.
3. Blow the whole mess dry, maintaining the parting, using a Vent type brush to add a bit of a natural wave.
4. When everything’s dry, smooth Reuzel Green Pomadeevenly through your hair.
5. Comb The Executive Contour into place.
6. Use your fingers to create a natural curl in the bangs, laying it back against the hair on top. After all, there isn’t a single titan of industry who isn’t a bit of a rascal when he needs to be.
The Junior Contour
Popular Men Hairstyle
Know it:
Somewhere along the way, every l’il rascal starts to transform into a proper scumbag. This isn’t just a cut, it’s a rite of passage.
Get it:
Have the young gentleman tell his barber he wants his hair short on the back and sides, but rather long and thick up top. The intent is to create a natural side part.
Build it:
1. Shampoo with REUZEL 3-in-1 Men’s Tea Tree Shampoo. (Because lord knows boys don’t stand still long enough for proper conditioning.)
2. Thoroughly towel-dry the hair.
3. Use a comb to create a side part, and then blowdry the hair on top brushing up and back as you do.
4. Scoop out a liberal amount of Reuzel Red Pomade and smooth it through the hair, working from crown to tips.
5. Now comb the whole mop back into place, sweeping the long bangs up and back over the opposite side of the head.
6. Snap a photo now, dad. Because if your lad’s anything like ours, he won’t be returning quite as clean as he left.
The Scumbag Boogie
Popular Men Hairstyle
Know it:
Calling Jay Gatsby. This is the look that flattened women’s hearts during America’s Golden Age.
Get it:
The Scumbag Boogie is in every Reuzel barber’s wheelhouse. If you find yourself elsewhere, ask for a high fade and a relatively high side part. Tell them you want enough left up top to give your hair a bit of a wave.
Build it:
1. After a nice shower and daily shampoo, dry your hair with a towel. Use a comb to establish a clean part.
2. Blow dry hair with a vent brush, without lifting or creating excessive volume. (In fact, if you aren’t headed out for a bit, you can let the hair dry on its own.)
3. Once dry, apply a liberal amount of Reuzel Blue Pomadefor a firm hold, smoothing it from the part sideways. Or use Reuzel Red Pomade for a hold that’ll loosen up after a solid hour of jitterbugging, if you know what we mean.
4. Comb hair into place, letting the teeth flow naturally with the wave of your hair. Let the good times roll.
The Vanguard Hairstyle
Popular Men Hairstyle
Know it:
The full-bore slick back. No part. No fuss. Nothing standing between your face and the world about to be laid at your feet.
Get it:
A Reuzel-certified shop will clock just what The Vanguard is. But a lesser stylist, who knows? So tell them you want to comb your hair straight back, without any obvious blending or undercut.
Build it:
1. Apply a generous palm of REUZEL Grooming Tonic to clean, towel dried hair.
2. Run a comb through your hair to make sure the tonic is spread evenly.
3. For an extra-straight look, blow dry while directing hair backward with a 7-9 row Denman type brush. If you’d rather keep just a bit of natural wave, use a vent brush instead.
4. Once that’s done, you’ll want to put in some product to lock The Vanguard down. Use Reuzel Blue Pomade, and let the pork do the work.
5. Comb everything backwards evenly, so there’s no visible part.
6. If you’d like a bit of height, use a hair pick to lift up the front and top. But in general, keep it smoothed back from your face. After all, the whole point of The Vanguard is looking like you got nothing to hide. Even if you do.
The Low Fade Pompadour
Popular Men Hairstyle
Know it:
Keep it low, buddy. Get down to the scalp around the neck and ears. Then a speedy blend to create weight on the sides and back.
Get it:
Ask your stylist for a Low Fade Pompadour. The most common question you’ll get is, “How low do you want to go?” The proper reply is that you want the fade to blend one inch above your ears.
Build it:
1. Apply Reuzel Grooming Tonic to clean, towel dried hair. This’ll make your hair easier to control, and smell very nice indeed.
2. Use a comb to create a part, pushing the hair over and back.
3. Blow your hair dry, while using a 7-9 row Denman- type brush to direct your hair. The sides go backwards. The front goes up and then back over your crown.
4. When you’re done drying, scoop out a knuckle’s worth of Reuzel Blue Pomade for a clean, high shine. Or useReuzel Pink Pomade, which will thicken your hair into pure grease.
5. Rub the product between your palms and smooth it through the hair, petting yourself like a good doggie from front to back, away from the part.
6. Comb everything into place, lifting your bangs up and back if you want even more height up front.
The Textured Long Crop
Popular Men Hairstyle
KNOW IT:
The textured long crop is a classic shorter at the sides and back with a bit of extra length on top haircut. Enough hair on the sides and back to cover the scalp and just enough length on top to show lift and texture.
GET IT:
Tell your barber or stylist you just saw Steve McQueen in the movie “The Great Escape” and you’ve been inspired but you want the top a bit more texturized. If they don’t know what you’re talking about, show ’em this picture.
BUILD IT:
Clean the textured crop haircut with one of our shampoos and condition the hair. Towel dry the hair and spritz on a small amount of Reuzel Spray Grooming Tonic. Comb the hair into place on the sides and back and tussle the top with your fingers. Allow to dry naturally.
