Women and men have been styling their hair since the beginning of civilization, adorning their hair with jewels, flowers, combs, pins and braids.
It was believed in some African cultures, that a person's spirit occupied his or her hair, giving hairdressers within these communities high status. Examples of ancient art have been discovered depicting people working on another person's hair, while early Egyptian culture shows hairdressers owned specially decorated cases to hold their tools, including scissors, lotions, and styling materials.
By Roman times and throughout ancient Greece, household slaves or servants took on hairdresser role, including the shaving of men's beards.
In the 1600s, the modern word 'hairdresser' first made an appearance in Europe, and from then on, hairdressing was considered a profession, and by 1777, approximately 1,200 hairdressers were working in Paris, where wigmakers also trained as hairdressers forming their own union. Wig wearing within this culture at the time was popular, so wigmakers were also trained as hairdressers.
Since then, beauty salons have become the norm, happily trading alongside men's barbershops. Along with the cutting and styling of hair, many of these businesses offer other services such as facials, eyebrow shaping and 'having your nails, done', as well as a great place to meet up and chat! The ancient Egyptians would probably be proud.
