The 7 Most Famous Barbers in History
Every time we visit our barbers, we leave with smiles and satisfaction on our faces.
This list contains the 7 most famous barbers in history!
You might not be aware, but they had an interesting backstory in the past.
As a brief review, barbers used to do both: cut hairs and perform surgeries. Over time, barbers shifted only to grooming hair, while those who operated on human bodies became surgeons.
Yes, their tale is unbelievable; however, we shouldn’t settle there.
Aside from that, it’s also great to discover the most notable individuals throughout history whose influence and works shaped modern barbers today.
If you’re ready, let’s cut to the chase!
1. Ambroise Paré
The Godfather of Barbers
If you name someone that barbers should look up to, it’s Ambroise Paré, a Frenchmen who served many kings.
Born in 1510, Ambroise is the ultimate model of the barber-surgeon class.
What made him more famous is he worked under four different Kings: Charles IX, Francis II, Henry II, and Henry III.
What’s more interesting is that he’s referred to as one of the fathers of surgery.
How? You might ask.
Well, aside from grooming, he also performed medical operations, hence the title barber-surgeon. Ambroise is a well-remembered figure and an iconic representation of the barbers in old history.
2. A.B. Moler
The Man of Barbering Advice
A.B. Moler is one of the foundations of modern barbers. In 1893, he opened the first barber school in the USA, particularly in Chicago.
Yes, it’s a great deed, but he accomplished more than that.
Mr. Moler is well-known for his great 40 years of providing barbering advice to anyone.
His talent and education paved the way to where our dear grooming friends are now.
Besides, he wrote seven books on his profession, one being the famous “The Moler Manual of Barbering.”
Due to his excellence, he became a part of the Barber Hall of Fame in 1965.
3. Edmond Roffler
The Inventor of the Roffler-Kut Style
Edmond Roffler is famous for his invention of the Roffler-Kut style.
If you’re unfamiliar, it’s a method of correcting hair’s shape and form using a razor.
While it may seem unspecial, it’s an innovative way at Edmond’s time and has hugely influenced today’s cutting styles.
An achieved man like Edmond Roffler, you wouldn’t believe that he only became a barber because of the pressure his wife put on him.
Had she didn’t persuade Edmond, the grooming industry wouldn’t be the same by now.
Lastly, due to the demand for his mentorship, he opened the Roffler Sculpture-Kut National Franchise System, a training academy that remained operational today.
4. Mathew Andis
The Creator of the Hand-held Electric Clippers
Today, barbers can do their job quickly with the use of electric clippers.
These hand-held machines are capable of cutting through hair faster than using scissors.
It’s a brilliant solution that many take for granted.
Regardless, without the genius of Mathew Andis, there wouldn’t be a device as loved by barbers like this.
5. Alexander Miles
The Barber who Invented the Door of the Elevator
Unlike other individuals on the list who achieved greatness in the grooming industry, Alexander Miles had created something else for the world.
Instead of developing a new device for cutting hairs, he invented the elevator door that automatically opens and closes in 1887.
While it’s a breakthrough, he still spent and enjoyed most of his life being a barber.
6. Charles DeZemler
The Man who Barbered Presidents
Charles DeZemler deserved all the praise in the world.
At only age 4, he was orphaned and had to rely on his own.
At age 14, he started his journey as a barber.
It was when he moved to the USA in 1913 that he’d advanced his career.
Charles became the head barber of the Racquet and Tennis Club, where he had the privilege to offer his services for Howard Taft and Teddy Roosevelt, both U.S. presidents.
He later established a small barbershop in 1921 and three larger shops across Sixth Avenue, New York. In 1968, Charles received the highest honor for his profession, being a member of the Barber Hall of Fame.
7. Richard Milburn
The Ballad Barber
Richard Milburn is a barber whose famous as one of the most popular ballads of the nineteenth century.
When working in his father’s barbershop, he would whistle his songs and occasionally plays the guitar.
He’s well known for writing the song “Listen to the Mocking Bird” and selling without payment nor credit the 20 million copies of his music sheets.
An Inspiration
These men indeed established the modern barbers that we know and like today.
They’re both inspirations to keep going no matter what and models for how and who the barbers are.
We hope that you’ve learned something today as we read through the 7 most famous barbers in history.
Until next time, we wish you the best!
