A person whose craft is cutting and shaving other people is what the barber is. Consider the essence of the profession in more detail.
A small historical excursion
Ancient sources bring us interesting information. It turns out that the prototype of today's hairdresser was considered the most important person in the tribe. He played the responsible role of a priest and a healer. People at that time were deeply superstitious and believed that evil and good spirits penetrated through their hair. They believed that only by getting rid of hair could dark forces be expelled. Who is the barber of antiquity? With all confidence, we can say that he was a very valuable member of society.
Medieval hairdressers were most often called bath attendants. In addition to putting in order hairstyles and faces, they had the right to provide other hygiene services. In addition, they could engage in minor surgery: apply bandages to wounds, splint fractures, correct dislocations. Great importance was given to bloodletting, which at that time was quite popular. The barbers were involved in dental treatment and other important procedures. Only in the 19th century did the separation of specialties begin.
From the darkness of centuries to the present day
What is a barber today? The profession of hairdresser or universal wizard is widespread. The requirements for them have changed: they should not just have haircuts, curls and dyeing skills. The master should be able to make a child’s, male and female hairstyle, well versed in the types of hair and care for them.
To meet the high standards of hairdressing, he has to constantly improve. He must know and be able to use various professional tools and devices, understand the compositions for hair coloring, in their effect on one or another of their types. Being aware of all modern technologies and techniques, he can advise on the care of dreadlocks and other exclusive exotic.
Profession Features
The current representatives of the profession have significantly expanded the meaning of the word "barber". Today this craft is one of the difficult ones: a creative approach is required from a specialist. He should not just mechanically cut hair, his task is to choose a hairstyle suitable for the face and the whole image, which does not disfigure him, but, on the contrary, highlight advantages and hide flaws.
Nowadays, the profession has acquired a qualitatively new meaning. It used to be limited to styling, haircut and coloring. Modern means and technologies make it possible to create real miracles with hair - to build, laminate, highlight, colorize, etc. Within the framework of the specialty, new separate areas appear, the number of which is growing.
Pros and cons of this profession
What is a barber and what skills should a modern hairdresser have, we figured out. Each profession has its pros and cons, and a hairdresser is no exception. The obvious benefits are:
- interesting creative work;
- high demand;
- convenient schedule, the ability to work not only in the cabin;
- pretty high pay.
But there are also disadvantages. It:
- the need to be in a standing position all day, which negatively affects health;
- regular contact with chemicals, many of which may be allergenic, cause the development of various pathologies of the respiratory tract and skin;
- emotional fatigue from working with people.
The profession has pretty good prospects. True, they depend largely on the skill and desire of a specialist. Gaining theoretical and practical knowledge, constantly improving, he can move forward, increasing the number of regular customers and increasing demand. This is what a barber is in our modern world.