Barber surgeon: When barbers were also doctors

Throughout history, barbers have been much more than just hair cutters. Barber surgeons (barber-surgeons) performed surgical procedures, pulled teeth and let go of veins. This fascinating chapter of history explains many of the symbols associated with barbershops to this day.

The emergence of a profession

In medieval Europe she was medicine the domain of monasteries. But the monks were not allowed to touch blood, so they delegated vein-letting and surgical procedures to barbers who had sharp tools and skillful hands. This is how a unique profession was born, combining care for appearance with medicine.

What barber surgeons did

Bloodletting: At that time, they believed that removing „bad blood“ cured diseases. Pulling teeth: Barbers were often the only ones who could do it. Wound dressing: After battles and in everyday life. Amputation: They also performed these procedures in emergencies. And of course cutting and shaving.

Barber field – symbol with meaning

The iconic red-white-blue pole in barbershops has its origins in the surgical past. Red: Blood. White: Bandages. Spiral pattern: Bandages wrapped around the arm when released by a vein. The original barber fields were literally poles around which patients pressed their arms for better blood flow.

Separation of professions

In 1540, the Company of Barber-Surgeons was established in England, which formally united the two professions. But in 1745, surgeons from barbers separated and created the Royal College of Surgeons. Barbers returned to hair and beards, surgeons devoted themselves to medicine.

The law even stipulated: barbers could cut and shave, but not perform surgery (except pulling teeth).

Heritage in modern times

Many tools and techniques has origins in the surgical past. The razor was a surgical instrument. The hot towel technique came from preparation for procedures. The emphasis on sterility and hygiene in barbershops has its roots in medicine.

Barber surgeons in Czech history

Also in the Czech lands there were barbers and barberswho, in addition to shaving, performed minor medical procedures. Their guilds had strict rules and exams. The tradition was maintained until the 18th and 19th centuries. century.

Modern barbershop

Today’s barbershops are heirs of this rich tradition. Rituals, instruments and atmosphere refer to centuries of history. When you sit in a holly chair, you are part of a tradition that is thousands of years old.