Shaving is an art. Men have come a long way when it comes to their ability to effectively and efficiently remove hair from their faces. Shaving has always been a concern for men that cannot be properly appreciated without a short history.

The Ancients

For as long as men have been growing hair on their faces, they have been trying to find ways to remove it. Archaeologists have found evidence of men using a variety of interesting tools to remove their whiskers. They have used parts of animals like clam shells and shark’s teeth to shave, as well as sharpened rocks such as flints. It is speculated that facial hair was seen as too much of a danger when battling an enemy, and had to come off at all costs. Egyptian tombs have held both copper and gold razors undoubtedly used by pharaohs. Warriors have been found buried with their razors and their weapons, both tools being cultural signs of stature.

Not every culture looked upon shaving as something to be celebrated. In Rome, shaving and razors were seen as a sign of degeneracy until foreigners infiltrated the city and made being clean shaven the standard. Barber shops were popularized in ancient Rome, which allowed men who were not wealthy enough to own slaves the luxury of a clean shave given by a skilled professional. Most Roman leaders including Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great were clean shaven.

The Middle Ages

Barber shops in Europe during them Middle Ages were not the same as the shops we think of today. Barbers of the day were also surgeons. The red and white barber’s pole outside of the shop was used to symbolize the blood that was associated with the surgeries, and the bandages that would cover them up. Barbers would routinely do minor surgical procedures such as pulling teeth and letting blood along with hair removal. This practice ended in the mid 1700’s, and surgeons began to (thankfully) hone their specialized skills and were not allowed to shave or barber any longer.

Modern Day

This country was built by and fought for by clean shaven men on both sides during the American Revolution. During the Civil War, however, the fashion changed and side burns and beards began to become popular. From the 1800’s through the 1900’s it is easy to find pictures and descriptions of many powerful men who wore facial hair, although beards were not considered “common” during either of the World Wars. Today, anything goes in the realm of facial hair, but if you are a man who has no interest in growing a beard and sometimes feel frustrated in your attempt to secure the perfect shave, know that you are in good historical company!

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