Long before the barbershop became a place for stylish fades and hot towel shaves, barbers played a much more complex role — one that blended medicine with grooming. The history of barber surgeons is not just a curious footnote, but a compelling journey through time that shaped both the grooming industry and healthcare itself.

The Dual Role of the Barber Surgeons

During the Middle Ages, barber surgeons were among the most accessible medical practitioners. In addition to cutting hair and trimming beards, they performed bloodletting, tooth extractions, minor surgeries, and even amputations. Lacking formal medical education, their skills were learned through apprenticeships, and their tools — razors, scissors, and scalpels — served multiple purposes.

The famous red-and-white barber pole? That originated from bloodletting. The red symbolised blood, the white represented bandages, and the pole itself stood in for the staff patients would grip during the procedure.

Separation of Trades – Barber Surgeons

As medicine advanced and regulations emerged in the 18th century, the medical and grooming professions began to diverge. Surgeons became formally trained and licenced, while barbers returned their focus to grooming and personal care. The once unified barber surgeons were now two distinct trades.

Rise of the Modern Barber

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, barbershops had become social spaces, particularly for men. They offered more than a haircut — they provided community, conversation, and a place to unwind. The barber’s role evolved from medical practitioner to personal stylist and confidant.

Barbering Today: Craft with Heritage

Today, while barbers no longer pull teeth or lance boils, the pride in craft, precision, and personal care remains. At The Grafton Barber, we honour the legacy of those early barber surgeons with a commitment to tradition, professionalism, and gentlemanly grooming.