When Did Barbers Stop Pulling Teeth?

Haircuts, shaves, and facial hair maintenance have traditionally been linked with barbers. They used to be in charge of a considerably wider range of treatments, such as minor operations, tooth extraction, and surgical procedures like bloodletting. When, though, did barbers cease plucking out teeth?

Barbers have been known to extract teeth since the Middle Ages, when they were regarded as trained professionals who could carry out simple surgical treatments. In many towns and villages, barbers served as the only available healthcare providers, and they were asked to carry out a wide range of medical treatments. One of them was having your teeth pulled.

But as medical science and technology developed, it became obvious that barbers lacked the training necessary to handle dental procedures. The separation of dentistry from the barbering profession was facilitated by the establishment of professional dental education in the 19th century. Tooth extractions and other dental treatments could no longer be done by barbers.

Sweeney Todd, a fictional barber invented by author James Malcolm Rymer in the middle of the 19th century, is likely the most well-known barber in history. According to the legend, Sweeney Todd was a barber in Victorian-era London who would murder his clients before turning their corpses into meat pies. Despite being a fictional character, Sweeney Todd has gained popularity in literature and culture thanks to countless film, television, and stage adaptations.

What do barbers do now, then? Today’s barbers are skilled professionals who offer a range of male grooming services, such as haircuts, shaves, and beard trimming. Along with selling hair care items, they also provide style and hair care guidance. Some barbershops also provide extra services like massages and facials.

One must complete a state-approved barbering program, which normally lasts between nine months and two years, before becoming a barber. Students gain the knowledge and abilities needed to perform haircuts, shaves, and other grooming services during this period. They also study company management, hygiene and sanitation procedures, and the anatomy of the hair and skin. After completing their education, students must pass a licensure test in order to become licensed barbers.

Barbers employ a wide range of methods and equipment for creating various hairdos. The traditional short back and sides, the contemporary pompadour, and the current undercut are some fashionable haircuts for guys. Hair is cut and styled by barbers using clippers, scissors, and razors. They may also use hair treatments like gels, waxes, and pomades.

In conclusion, a much wider range of treatments than those offered now were previously the responsibility of barbers, including tooth extraction. Barbers were once permitted to do dental procedures, but as medical knowledge and technology increased, the dental profession was split apart from the barbering industry. Today’s barbers are educated experts who offer men’s grooming services as well as guidance on hair maintenance and styling. They must finish a state-approved barbering program and pass a licensure exam in order to become licensed barbers. They employ a wide range of methods and equipment to create various haircuts.