Most baby boomers recall the conventional barber shop of their youth. Young men would hop in the car with their Dad and visit the shop every week for a cut. First, you would sit and wait for your turn to happen. During this time period, the guys would cool their heels and browse the men’s magazines and comics laying on the coffee tables. Then, when your place opened you would get into the chair where the barber would cover you up with a clean white cloth and ask what type of cut you were seeking. While waiting for your dad might be getting lathered up for a fine, close shave. After that when it was all completed you would both get hot towels and a few minutes to sit and relax.
It was pretty easy to see the guy with a fresh haircut. The preferred style of the day was very tight and clean. Prevalent haircuts included flat tops and butchers. At the time the traditional military haircuts were very similar to what the ordinary guy on the street sported. Around the 60s the most contemporary cut was probably the variety of combover that Sean Connery wore as James Bond in Goldfinger, which was very popular among grownups and children alike.
In the 1970s, there were important political and cultural upheavals. It was the inauguration of the Generation of Love that was to a certain extent a reaction to the Vietnam War. There was a great chasm in between those that orchestrated the war, and the teenage boys drafted to serve. A common saying of the time was “don’t trust anyone over 30”. Hairstyles of the time demonstrated this chasm. Teenage boys rebelled against their parents’ style by letting their hair grow lengthy. Some merely let it grow in “hippie-style”, letting it seem to be thoroughly unkempt. On the other hand, others styled their hair to make it look cared for, notwithstanding being long. In other words, they began to manage their lengthy hair as women always had.
Barbershops of the day frequently held to the more conventional hairstyles. A man with long hair could be ready to be given a long, hard stare when coming into their area barbershop and requesting “just a little trim”. Many exited the shops with a lot shorter hair than they had expected. Men of that time realized that longer hair meant that more focus was provided to the shape of the hair than to the exactness of the cut against the skin. It required more effort to keep it looking nice. The regular hair care plan meant getting it washed and styled. These men found the best places to make this happen were at hair styling salons.
Now that the social upheaval has settled down, modern day barbershops cater to their customers no matter hair length. They can still provide the precision cuts needed by the military, but will also provide all the facilities of a styling salon for men with modern day, longer-haired cuts. Some even make use of some of the rewards of a day spa, providing massaging chairs, food bars, and also day care. Now clients can come to their barber shop to discover the comfort and ambiance of an old-style shop, but take advantage of all the services available from hair styling salons. If you have not visited a barber shop lately, be sure you give one a try.
