The Hairdressing Coalition

Hairdressing Coalition is the world’s leading platform for beauty industry leaders to share, inspire and grow together! We highlight what sets the leading Salons, Spas & Beauty Schools apart from the competition. The one belief we’ve had since the beginning is there is enough business for us all to win. No secrets here… The Coalition is a community where leaders share their knowledge & experience to raise the standards of the industry, to enrich the lives of all involved.

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Catching Up On PK

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Joico is a brand that’s been creating and sharing healthy hair products since 1975. The mission of Joico is to spread what they call “Joi”—pronounced just like “joy”—through delivering salon innovations. Basically, whenever you pick up a Joico product, you know you’re getting something that’s going to make your hair happy. And, when you know your hair is healthy and happy, you can feel happy, too, inside and out.
Joico offers a range of hair products, from shampoos to coloring treatments. But what exactly brings that sense of “joi” into each specific type?

The “Joi” of Joico K Pak Products


The Joico K Pak line includes a range of shampoos and treatments for a couple of different hair types. The best sellers in this line, though, include the K Pak Reconstructing Shampoo and K Pak Reconstructing Conditioner, both of which are packed full of healthy keratin and divine Guajava fruit extract, leaving strands smelling good and joi-full. And, when both of these products are used together, damaged hair has been proven to be recovered, and, oftentimes, future damage has been prevented.
There are 4 treatment plans for different hair types through the K Pak line. This includes the RevitaLuxe, Intense Hydrator, Reconstructor, and Luster Lock plans that treat hair types as follows:

  • RevitaLuxe: For rough-textured hair or hair that has light heat damage
  • Intense Hydrator: For hair that’s dehydrated, from mild to severe
  • Reconstructor: For hair that is heavily damaged by heat or coloring and shows signs of breakage and/or split ends
  • Luster Lock: For hair that’s dull or lacks shine, usually due to heat or coloring damage


All of Joico’s K Pak products are proven to reverse years of hair damage in as little as one use, though the most lasting results occur when the K Pak treatment products are used regularly for at least a few months. All of the K Pak products make use of keratin, too, which strengthens all hair types while each individual product targets either rough, dry or damaged strands.

The “Joi” of Joico Moisture Recovery Products


The Joico Moisture Recovery line includes three simple products that give dry hair types the quenching they all need: Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo, Joico Moisture Recovery Conditioner and Joico Moisture Recovery Treatment Balm.
The Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo uses a unique “deep sea” formula that’s infused with sea kelp, seawater nutrients and brown algae—all super hydrating ingredients sure to bring you “joi.” The Moisture Recovery shampoo and conditioner are both safe to use on color-treated hair, too, since they work by cleansing and delivering moisture without stripping the hair of its natural nutrients. Maximizing the benefits of these ingredients, too, is the Moisture Recovery Treatment Balm, which also includes murumuru, olive butter and shea butter for happy, strong locks. This balm also eliminates frizz even from thick and coarse curls.

The “Joi” of Joico Hair Color


One of the most popular Joico hair color lines is the Color Intensity line, which includes a wide range of semi-permanent dyes in vivid colors from lime green to deep violet. These colors allow for users to get a bright, head-turning look that lasts over 20 washes, and the dyes are formulated with healthy ingredients like kukui nut oil so that the hair and scalp are never left feeling duller or weaker than before dye use.
Another hot Joico color line is the LumiShine line which includes permanent colors and demi-permanent colors. With a wide palate range from glowing nudes to cool ashes, the products in this line make use of the Joico ArgiPlex technology which makes hair up to 2 times stronger than before.
And, for those craving a lighter shade, the Joico Blonde Life color line delivers lightening and brightening just for blonde colors. The main ingredient in these products is arginine, an amino acid necessary for building strength at the cellular level. This combined with exotic oils allows for this line to fight off the brassiness that often comes with living the “blonde life.”

The “Joi” of the Joico Color Eraser


Ever wanted to completely change your hair color in under 30 minutes? The Joico Color Eraser is a unique product that brings “joi” to customers by doing just that—lifting any direct dye or semi-permanent color from hair in just a half-hour.
And, not only does the color eraser remove color quickly, but it delivers a deep conditioning treatment at the same time. This is because the same proteins that are included in the Joico K Pak line are included in this product, making sure that hair is not damaged further by removing its color.

The “Joi” in All Joico Shampoo Products


When you don’t know where to start when looking into Joico’s lineup of products, consider trying a Joico shampoo first. If you know you have damaged or dry hair, try one of the shampoos offered through the K Pak line listed above. Alternatively, if you are just looking for a shampoo to keep up your hair’s glow, whether your strands are colored or not, try Joico’s JoiFull Shampoo which serves as the foundation for all other Joico products. After trying this shampoo for yourself, build up your regimen with a conditioner, treatment and styler as you desire.

With keratin, proteins and/or extracts in every product, Joico is sure to leave you with a sense of “joi” inside and out.

Joico is a brand that has been offering hair styling and treating products since the 1980s, and it is actually the very first haircare brand to invent and implement keratin protein into its products—the building block of all naturally healthy hair types. Aside from turning damaged hair into stronger hair, Joico also makes coloring options that promote hair health above all.
So, what are Joico’s best product lines available today, and what makes each so special?

The Joico Color Intensity Line


Perhaps Joico’s most popular line is its Color Intensity line. One reason that pros and at-home stylers alike love this line’s products is the fact that it’s made up of coloring formulas that do not require any developer to be added to them. This line is also unique in that it’s made up of over 20 vibrant colors ranging from hot pink to bright blue and everything in between. And, as an added bonus, users are encouraged to mix colors as desired, creating even more shade possibilities than just what comes straight from the tube.
The Joico Color Intensity line is comprised of semi-permanent dyes, which means they are designed to last for a short amount of time compared to completely permanent dyes. However, these semi-permanent colors often still last through over 20 washes without fading, which is an amazing result for such coloring. The dyes of this line are all formulated with healthy, good-for-your-hair ingredients, too, such as Kukui nut oil, ensuring that hair treated with color intensity shades is left feeling even smoother than before coloring.
A hot product in this line is the Joico Color Intensity Eraser, which works to remove direct and semi-permanent dyes from hair in less than 30 minutes. That way, users can change up their hair color before it even fades. The Joico Color Intensity Eraser is also made using Joico’s famous keratin proteins, so it will not damage hair between color treatments. This color eraser comes in a powder formula that can be mixed with either water or a developer and then added to dry hair strands, afterward washed out with shampoo and sealed in with conditioner.

The Joico Defy Damage Line


The Joico Defy Damage line is an award-winning hair care line composed of different Joico shampoo and conditioner types as well as a few hair masques and treatments. Joico’s goal in offering this line is offering hair care products that protect hair against possible future damage done by heat styling, UV rays and environmental pollution—hence defying damage.
The Joico Defy Damage Shampoo actually won an HL Beauty Award in 2019 for being a part of the best shampoo and conditioner duo. In this shampoo, you’ll find protective ingredients like lipids, moringa seed oil and arginine that all work together to strengthen the bonds of hair strands. The Joico Defy Damage Shampoo also utilizes an innovative “smartrelease” technology that brings in keratin bit by bit, and when used in conjunction to the Defy Damage conditioner, hair will be left with a protective barrier of resilience day after day.

The Joico K Pak Color Therapy Line


The Joico K Pak Color Therapy line is also made up of Joico shampoo and conditioner protective products, specifically shampoo and conditioner products that are formulated to make the color in color-treated hair last longer. In fact, the K Pak Color Therapy Shampoo has been proven to maintain at least 82% of a hair’s color after as many as 18 washes. The matching K Pak Color Therapy Conditioner has been proven to protect hair against future damage and breakage due to aging and color treating, and both of these products include ingredients like African manketti oil, argal oil and that rich keratin that every hair type benefits from.
Two other products from this line include the Luster Lock spray and Luster Lock treatment, both of which are intensive repairing products that do wonders when used with Joico shampoo and conditioners. For example, the Luster Lock treatment can be used as a deep conditioner before or after a regular wash, and it has been proven to make hair strands up to 9 times stronger than they were before treatment. Also powerful is the matching Luster Lock spray which can lock in the shade of color-treated hair with 82% vibrancy over an 8-week period. The spray can do this so well because it works to prevent UV ray damage to hair, often the biggest factor in color fading.

The Joico Color Balance Line


Color-treated hair can get immense benefits from the Joico Color Balance line too. Composed of 2 sets of shampoo and conditioner duos, this line strives to eliminate brassiness in both blonde and brunette-colored hair types by using neutralizing pigments right in the product formulas.
For blonde hair types that want to eliminate yellow or orange undertones, the Joico purple shampoo and conditioner duo can do wonders. This shampoo and conditioner duo actually uses violet pigments that attach to those warm yellows and oranges, making them seem to instantly disappear. The Joico purple shampoo and conditioner both use UV absorbers to combat changes to the hair in the sunlight, too, while strengthening strands with green tea extract.
Brunette-colored hair types can take advantage of this line through the Joico blue shampoo and conditioner duo as well. For brunettes, orange undertones can cause brassy shades to come through, and these products can neutralize these shades through the addition of blue pigments. Just like with the purple shampoo and conditioner, the blue shampoo and conditioner get rid of unwanted brassiness by targeting blue coloring right on those orange areas. This results in an overall hair color that’s cooler in tone, and the results will last through 12 washes with a regular shampoo. And, just like the purple shampoo and conditioner, the blue shampoo and conditioner fights off UV ray damage to hair colors and controls static and dryness.

Joico offers a range of product lines, each specially designed to help certain hair types or hair colors. However, keratin and other ultra-healthy ingredients are added to all of the brand’s products, ensuring that you get locks that are smoother and stronger with every wash or treatment.

Kevin Murphy was born in Melbourne, Australia, and grew up to be a world-renown hairdresser and stylist. He trained for his profession at the famous Vidal Sassoon in London, and he won multiple awards in hair styling during the 2000s as he worked on multiple magazine cover shoots. Perhaps his most famous look is the beach wave, for which he won the prestigious Australian Masters Award in 2007.

It wasn’t until 2010 that Kevin Murphy started his own product line, and the very reason he invented his first products was to fill a need for more performance-ready hair styling tools. He then worked to ensure haircare was treated as valuably as skincare, and all of the products in Kevin Murphy’s line, then and now, include natural Australian active ingredients before anything else. This, of course, not only creates products that are long-lasting and performance-ready but also healthier than alternatives with less than ideal ingredients.

The Best 5 Kevin Murphy Hair Products


Narrowing down the top Kevin Murphy products to just 5 is difficult, but there are a few best-sellers that have withstood the test of time since 2010. These top products include a range of stylers, washes, rinses and treatments.

1. Kevin Murphy Bedroom Hair


The Kevin Murphy Bedroom Hair styling spray is the ultimate hairspray that users of all hair types absolutely love. The first ingredient to this product is ginger root, and this boosts the elasticity and strength of hair straight from the roots. Vegetable glycerin is also added to help keep moisture inside of hair strands.

A flexible hairspray, this product is lightweight but still gives a strong hold to hair. It adds texture without making hair clump or stick together, giving users the chance to have that sexy bedroom hair look.

2. Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash


The Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash adds maximum volume to all hair types, though aging and brittle hair show the most benefit from its use. To plump up each strand, ginger root and nettle are the first used active ingredients. Other natural ingredients like aloe vera leaf extract, rice bran, rice amino acids, bamboo extract, silk amino acids and acai berry extract are also added to add shine and strength to the hair with every wash.

Users love this product because it makes hair thicker without weighing it down. At the same time, it brings in a sense of volume to all hair types as well as more sheen and healthy shine. By using it as a true wash, too, users get more stimulation of the scalp and hair follicles, promoting future hair growth and naturally formed strength.

3. Kevin Murphy Shimmer Shine


The Kevin Murphy Shimmer Shine mist is a two-in-one powerhouse that both styles and treats hair at one time. The number one ingredient in this product is a blend of Australian fruit extracts from different types of lime to plum. Also included is baobab seed oil, which is considered a type of “superfood” that’s packed with nutrition that boosts hair health when applied. An anti-aging ingredient included is immortelle extract, which soothes, strengthens and repairs damaged or aged hair extremely quickly.

Perhaps the first reason users fall in love with this product is the fact that it smells divine, thanks to all of the Australian fruit extracts. It also works for all hair types and gives a boost of shine and shimmer to even the dullest colors, meaning those overdue for a coloring can hold off a dye job for another day with just a few sprits.

4. Kevin Murphy Free Hold


The Kevin Murphy Free Hold styling paste is a unique product that’s thick enough to keep a style in place even when the hottest temperatures hit yet light enough to let hair flow freely. The main ingredients of the paste are lanolin and carnauba waxes, both of which create that flexible hold as well as a glossy finish from root to tip.

Many users choose this product to get that resilient styling hold that many hairsprays can’t achieve. Others find that it lubricates the hair and scalp for lasting hair health.

5. Kevin Murphy Smooth Again Rinse


The Kevin Murphy Smooth Again Rinse is a specialty conditioner that’s full of oils and butters that every hair type loves. The most important ingredient to the product is keratin, which strengthens the natural proteins already found in hair to create a healthy shine that can’t be beaten. Monoi oil is also included to hold in hair’s moisture and combat frizz long after the product is rinsed out.

Since this product is the top-selling Kevin Murphy hair rinse, it’s pretty much got all that users look for in a conditioner. It makes all types smoother, shinier and more nourished, though hair types that are overly thick or frizzy will notice the most improvement from product use.

All of Kevin Murphy’s hair products leave users with locks that are healthier, thanks to the natural Australian-based ingredients that the world-famous hairdresser always uses. These top 5 picks are just a few from the Kevin Murphy collection, too, but they’re the most known to deliver the best results time and time again.
The Top 5 Kevin Murphy Hair Products

                            <h2>About Kevin Murphy and The Brand</h2> 
Kevin Murphy was born in Melbourne, Australia, and grew up to be a world-renown hairdresser and stylist. He trained for his profession at the famous Vidal Sassoon in London, and he won multiple awards in hair styling during the 2000s as he worked on multiple magazine cover shoots. Perhaps his most famous look is the beach wave, for which he won the prestigious Australian Masters Award in 2007.

It wasn't until 2010 that Kevin Murphy started his own product line, and the very reason he invented his first products was to fill a need for more performance-ready hair styling tools. He then worked to ensure haircare was treated as valuably as skincare, and all of the products in Kevin Murphy's line, then and now, include natural Australian active ingredients before anything else. This, of course, not only creates products that are long-lasting and performance-ready but also healthier than alternatives with less than ideal ingredients.

<h2>The Best 5 Kevin Murphy Hair Products</h2>
Narrowing down the top Kevin Murphy products to just 5 is difficult, but there are a few best-sellers that have withstood the test of time since 2010. These top products include a range of stylers, washes, rinses and treatments.

<h3>1. Kevin Murphy Bedroom Hair</h3>
The Kevin Murphy Bedroom Hair styling spray is the ultimate hairspray that users of all hair types absolutely love. The first ingredient to this product is ginger root, and this boosts the elasticity and strength of hair straight from the roots. Vegetable glycerin is also added to help keep moisture inside of hair strands.

A flexible hairspray, this product is lightweight but still gives a strong hold to hair. It adds texture without making hair clump or stick together, giving users the chance to have that sexy bedroom hair look.

<h3>2. Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash</h3>
The Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash adds maximum volume to all hair types, though aging and brittle hair show the most benefit from its use. To plump up each strand, ginger root and nettle are the first used active ingredients. Other natural ingredients like aloe vera leaf extract, rice bran, rice amino acids, bamboo extract, silk amino acids and acai berry extract are also added to add shine and strength to the hair with every wash.

Users love this product because it makes hair thicker without weighing it down. At the same time, it brings in a sense of volume to all hair types as well as more sheen and healthy shine. By using it as a true wash, too, users get more stimulation of the scalp and hair follicles, promoting future hair growth and naturally formed strength.

<h3>3. Kevin Murphy Shimmer Shine</h3>
The Kevin Murphy Shimmer Shine mist is a two-in-one powerhouse that both styles and treats hair at one time. The number one ingredient in this product is a blend of Australian fruit extracts from different types of lime to plum. Also included is baobab seed oil, which is considered a type of "superfood" that's packed with nutrition that boosts hair health when applied. An anti-aging ingredient included is immortelle extract, which soothes, strengthens and repairs damaged or aged hair extremely quickly.

Perhaps the first reason users fall in love with this product is the fact that it smells divine, thanks to all of the Australian fruit extracts. It also works for all hair types and gives a boost of shine and shimmer to even the dullest colors, meaning those overdue for a coloring can hold off a dye job for another day with just a few sprits.

<h3>4. Kevin Murphy Free Hold</h3>
The Kevin Murphy Free Hold styling paste is a unique product that's thick enough to keep a style in place even when the hottest temperatures hit yet light enough to let hair flow freely. The main ingredients of the paste are lanolin and carnauba waxes, both of which create that flexible hold as well as a glossy finish from root to tip.

Many users choose this product to get that resilient styling hold that many hairsprays can't achieve. Others find that it lubricates the hair and scalp for lasting hair health.

<h3>5. Kevin Murphy Smooth Again Rinse</h3>
The Kevin Murphy Smooth Again Rinse is a specialty conditioner that's full of oils and butters that every hair type loves. The most important ingredient to the product is keratin, which strengthens the natural proteins already found in hair to create a healthy shine that can't be beaten. Monoi oil is also included to hold in hair's moisture and combat frizz long after the product is rinsed out.

Since this product is the top-selling Kevin Murphy hair rinse, it's pretty much got all that users look for in a conditioner. It makes all types smoother, shinier and more nourished, though hair types that are overly thick or frizzy will notice the most improvement from product use.

All of Kevin Murphy's hair products leave users with locks that are healthier, thanks to the natural Australian-based ingredients that the world-famous hairdresser always uses. These top 5 picks are just a few from the Kevin Murphy collection, too, but they're the most known to deliver the best results time and time again.
The Top 5 Kevin Murphy Hair Products

About Kevin Murphy and The Brand


Kevin Murphy was born in Melbourne, Australia, and grew up to be a world-renown hairdresser and stylist. He trained for his profession at the famous Vidal Sassoon in London, and he won multiple awards in hair styling during the 2000s as he worked on multiple magazine cover shoots. Perhaps his most famous look is the beach wave, for which he won the prestigious Australian Masters Award in 2007.

It wasn’t until 2010 that Kevin Murphy started his own product line, and the very reason he invented his first products was to fill a need for more performance-ready hair styling tools. He then worked to ensure haircare was treated as valuably as skincare, and all of the products in Kevin Murphy’s line, then and now, include natural Australian active ingredients before anything else. This, of course, not only creates products that are long-lasting and performance-ready but also healthier than alternatives with less than ideal ingredients.

The Best 5 Kevin Murphy Hair Products


Narrowing down the top Kevin Murphy products to just 5 is difficult, but there are a few best-sellers that have withstood the test of time since 2010. These top products include a range of stylers, washes, rinses and treatments.

1. Kevin Murphy Bedroom Hair


The Kevin Murphy Bedroom Hair styling spray is the ultimate hairspray that users of all hair types absolutely love. The first ingredient to this product is ginger root, and this boosts the elasticity and strength of hair straight from the roots. Vegetable glycerin is also added to help keep moisture inside of hair strands.

A flexible hairspray, this product is lightweight but still gives a strong hold to hair. It adds texture without making hair clump or stick together, giving users the chance to have that sexy bedroom hair look.

2. Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash


The Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash adds maximum volume to all hair types, though aging and brittle hair show the most benefit from its use. To plump up each strand, ginger root and nettle are the first used active ingredients. Other natural ingredients like aloe vera leaf extract, rice bran, rice amino acids, bamboo extract, silk amino acids and acai berry extract are also added to add shine and strength to the hair with every wash.

Users love this product because it makes hair thicker without weighing it down. At the same time, it brings in a sense of volume to all hair types as well as more sheen and healthy shine. By using it as a true wash, too, users get more stimulation of the scalp and hair follicles, promoting future hair growth and naturally formed strength.

3. Kevin Murphy Shimmer Shine


The Kevin Murphy Shimmer Shine mist is a two-in-one powerhouse that both styles and treats hair at one time. The number one ingredient in this product is a blend of Australian fruit extracts from different types of lime to plum. Also included is baobab seed oil, which is considered a type of “superfood” that’s packed with nutrition that boosts hair health when applied. An anti-aging ingredient included is immortelle extract, which soothes, strengthens and repairs damaged or aged hair extremely quickly.

Perhaps the first reason users fall in love with this product is the fact that it smells divine, thanks to all of the Australian fruit extracts. It also works for all hair types and gives a boost of shine and shimmer to even the dullest colors, meaning those overdue for a coloring can hold off a dye job for another day with just a few sprits.

4. Kevin Murphy Free Hold


The Kevin Murphy Free Hold styling paste is a unique product that’s thick enough to keep a style in place even when the hottest temperatures hit yet light enough to let hair flow freely. The main ingredients of the paste are lanolin and carnauba waxes, both of which create that flexible hold as well as a glossy finish from root to tip.

Many users choose this product to get that resilient styling hold that many hairsprays can’t achieve. Others find that it lubricates the hair and scalp for lasting hair health.

5. Kevin Murphy Smooth Again Rinse


The Kevin Murphy Smooth Again Rinse is a specialty conditioner that’s full of oils and butters that every hair type loves. The most important ingredient to the product is keratin, which strengthens the natural proteins already found in hair to create a healthy shine that can’t be beaten. Monoi oil is also included to hold in hair’s moisture and combat frizz long after the product is rinsed out.

Since this product is the top-selling Kevin Murphy hair rinse, it’s pretty much got all that users look for in a conditioner. It makes all types smoother, shinier and more nourished, though hair types that are overly thick or frizzy will notice the most improvement from product use.

All of Kevin Murphy’s hair products leave users with locks that are healthier, thanks to the natural Australian-based ingredients that the world-famous hairdresser always uses. These top 5 picks are just a few from the Kevin Murphy collection, too, but they’re the most known to deliver the best results time and time again.
 

 

Kevin Murphy, the world-famous hairdresser and hairstylist from Australia, first started his hair product and tools line in 2010 to fill a need for healthier hair in the styling industry. With the motto “skincare for your hair,” all Kevin Murphy products are known to provide ultimate satisfaction to users in terms of volumizing, anti-aging and shine-boosting with the best styling, treating, washing, rinsing and coloring products.
But what makes these products deliver time and time again? The answer is in the active ingredients, which are always 100% natural and often come right from Murphy’s home country, Australia.

What’s in Kevin Murphy Styling Products?


Styling products can range from hairsprays and holds to texturizers and mousses. And, since Kevin Murphy is known as the king of the best beach wave, a lot of his customers run to his styling products before anything else.
Perhaps the most important ingredient in these styling products is pure Australian fruit extracts. These fruits range from desert lime and Australian round lime to Illawarra plum and Kakadu plum, and the first purpose of fruit extracts is to add resilience to hair strands in even the hottest of climates. The second purpose, though, is to add an amazing natural fruit scent to all hair types.
Each styling product includes secondary ingredients that make the product entirely unique, too. For example, the Kevin Murphy Killer Curls product includes yerba mate leaf extract to add moisture to curls and the scalp as well as watermelon extract for added hydration.

What’s in Kevin Murphy Treatment Products?


Kevin Murphy’s treatment products do wonders for even the most aged or damaged locks. These treatments include weightless sprays, scrubs and serums that are either left in the hair to dry or washed out with the aid of a Kevin Murphy wash.
The ingredients of treatment products vary with the purpose of each treatment, but all use some form of hydrating and replenishing oils and extracts, all completely natural. In the Kevin Murphy Young Again treatment product, safflower seed oil is added to lubricate both the hair and scalp, and lemon peel oil is added to bring a shine and luster into aged hair types. In the Kevin Murphy Leave in Repair treatment product, jojoba seed oil is added to soothe the scalp, and bamboo extract, the ultimate antioxidant and vitamin, is added to provide overall nourishment.

What’s in Kevin Murphy Wash Products?


Aside from the styling products, Kevin Murphy’s wash products are the best-sellers across all hair types and colors. These wash products include shampoos that are designed specifically for each different hair type from blondes to fine strands.
A lot of the wash products are infused with superfood enzymes that deliver high nutrition to hair while still cleansing the hair. This makes for a wash that can add volume and scalp health without stripping the hair of its essential oils. In the Kevin Murphy Repair Me Wash, these superfood enzymes include bromelain, which is extracted from pineapple, and papain, which is extracted from papaya. Green pea protein and silk amino acids are also added, and all of these natural ingredients add up to make a powerful blend that can hydrate and restore shine and health to even the most damaged hair types.

What’s in Kevin Murphy Rinse Products?


Perhaps the most powerful products that Kevin Murphy offers are his rinse products. All of these products are conditioners meant to be used alongside a wash, and all are full of multiple ingredients that target restoration of damaged hair and preservation of healthy hair.
Since the rinse products contain more active ingredients than some other products, they can provide incredible benefits, like softening and strengthening each individual hair strand. In the Kevin Murphy Young Again Rinse, you can expect to find elasticity benefits from the added orchid flower extract, greater hair manageability from the added baobab seed oil and a boost of vitamin c from the added Kakadu plum extract.
Similarly to the matching wash, the Kevin Murphy Repair Me Rinse shares ingredients like bromelain, papain and green pea protein, but shea butter, aloe vera leaf extract and acai berry extract is also added for an extra boost of goodness that doesn’t clog the pores of the scalp or cuticles. And, by using the matching rinse alongside that wash, users get the repair they need in more concentration. That way, repair will show through the hair at least twice as fast as it would without the use of a rinse.

What’s in Kevin Murphy Coloring Products?


Kevin Murphy color products come in options for users that prefer ammonia-free coloring, and all of these products include active and inactive ingredients that aim to boost hair health. With these coloring products, you’ll never leave the salon feeling that your hair is more damaged from coloring—you’ll actually feel lighter and healthier along with your new shade.
Kevin Murphy hair color products are different than the usual treatments, stylers, rinses and washes in that they are combined by salon professionals with activators and lighteners. However, these additional products make use of healthy and natural ingredients, too, just as all of Kevin Murphy’s product line does.
As a start to any coloring, users can choose from the 101 honey-based shades that this brand offers in colors that range from bright blue to deep brown or natural blonde. In every shade cream, honey is the number 1 ingredient as it contains all of the necessary vitamins and minerals to bring in and lock moisture into the hair. Other ingredients of the shade cream include pomegranate enzymes, shea butter, rose hip, aloe vera and grape seed oil.
Alternatively, hair can be colored by using one of the Kevin Murphy toners, which are all ammonia-free and include swatches of unique colors from shiny silver to cool lavender. These toners use honey as the first ingredient, too, and also include all of the same secondary ingredients that the 101 honey-based shades do. And, just as those shade creams do, these toners work to rejuvenate hair at the same time as coloring it.
Kevin Murphy also offers lightener creams and powders that can give users natural hair lightening. Oftentimes, these lighteners can offer up to 7 or 9 levels of lightening, and they all use naturally derived ingredients that pump moisture as well as color into the body of hair. For example, the Kevin Murphy Cream Lightener includes ingredients like murumuru butter, inca inchi oil, bees wax and corn proteins to boost hair volume and health on top of creating a lighter look.

Staying true to his motto, Kevin Murphy designs all of his hair products, including his stylers, treatments, washes, rinses and colors, with natural ingredients at the forefront. Only with Kevin Murphy can you truly get that “skincare for your hair.”

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Guy Tang is more than just a hairstylist—he’s a hair dreamer. Growing up, Guy Tang, just like many of us, did not know who he was or what his true identity is. That’s why he invented his Guy Tang products which include Guy Tang colors and styling tools—to help everyone find their identities through their hair. In order to discover your own identity, try these hot Guy Tang hair looks.

The Guy Tang Rose Gold Look

One of the most popular Guy Tang colors is the rose gold color. This look includes golden blonde and red locks that are highlighted with peach and pink hues. The overall coloring is subtle yet animated, making it perfect for everyday wear on women and men who like a feminine touch. To get the Guy Tang Rose Gold look, start with #Big9 creme lightener mixes with a Guy Tang developer to pre-lighten the hair as needed. Then, use a demi-permanent developer mixed up with the Dual Booster COLOR MAX Pink Glow product to use on the roots to ends, adding streaks of demi-permanent Rose Gold product as desired. And, as per Guy Tang’s guidance, consider adding Guy Tang collagen powder to your lightener and coloring mixes to prevent any hair damage as a result of coloring.

The Guy Tang Crimson Spell Look

For a fiercer color, try the Guy Tang Crimson Spell look, which looks fiery on long and short hairstyles. This look is made of deep red to purple hues that shine bright in direct light.
To achieve this unique look, start with the Guy Tang #Magnum8 Powder Lightener mixed with a developer. Apply this mixture to hair for up to 45 minutes until a lightened level of 9 or 10 is reached. After that, apply Super Power™ Direct Dye Crimson Spell™ to the dried hair and process for 20 minutes before rinsing. And, as with any Guy Tang looks, try adding the Guy Tang collagen powder to your dye formula to keep hair healthy during and after the coloring process.

The Guy Tang Naked Glow Look

To get a subtle blonde shade, look no further than the Guy Tang Naked Glow hair color. A cross between a sun-kissed blonde and a crisp white, this look is great for all hair types, especially on longer strands.
To get this look, start by lightening the hair with the #Magnum8 lightening product and a developer. Process the hair for 20 to 45 minutes before washing with a shampoo and rinsing with a conditioner. Dry the hair, then mix the Demi-Permanent Naked Glow 9 product with a developer and apply to the roots and mid strands. To finish off the ends, use a mix of the Demi-Permanent Naked Glow 9 and Demi-Permanent Crystal Clear products with developer. And, if you’d like a warmer hue overall, consider adding either the Copper Red Copper or Rose Gold demi-permanent shades with both your roots and ends mixtures.

The Guy Tang Natural Ice Look

Another amazing subtle look is the Natural Ice one, which combines warm and cool chocolate shades for a natural hair color. Perhaps best on medium to long hair lengths, this look is complemented by natural waves or curls.
To achieve the Natural Ice look, start with the #Magnum8 lightener mixed with developer, and apply this to the strands that frame the face most. Then, use Guy Tang’s Permanent 7NI and Permanent 6AA colors mixed with a permanent developer as the hair base color, and mix up Demi-Permanent 7BB with a demi-permanent developer as a base glaze. Mix the Demi-Permanent 9BB color with another demi-permanent developer for the mid strands, and finish off with that Demi-Permanent 9BB mixed with the Demi-Permanent Crystal Clear product and developer for the hair’s ends.

Finding Your Natural Identity with Guy Tang Again

Of course, it’s fun to try different colored looks on, but sometimes we find that our natural hair colors are a part of our identities. Perhaps one of the best Guy Tang products is from the Guy Tang color remover collection, dubbed the #STRIPTEASE Conditioning Direct Dye Remover. By mixing and applying this Guy Tang color remover, you can save the integrity of your natural color and texture while bringing your identity back to its “roots

Guy Tang is a hairstylist focused on connecting people with their true identities through hair coloring. From beach blondes to hot pinks, he offers a wide range of products to get just the right shade every time. If you’re wondering where to start when coloring with Guy Tang hair products, though, read on to learn which products you might need to use and which products should be used in a certain order.

When to Use Guy Tang Bleach


Hair bleaching has been known to cause terrible hair damage, but stylists like Guy Tang are changing that with bleaching and lightening products that actually condition hair while lightening it. And, unless you have naturally “bleach blonde” hair, you will need to use some type of lightener before applying any direct dye to your hair. This is because direct dyes need to be applied to a clean, pre-lightened canvas of hair in order to show the true, full color of the dye.
If you were to apply a direct dye to hair that has not been pre-lightened, you would end up with a result that is a mix of the dye color and the hair’s base color. For example, if you were to apply a dusty lavender dye to hair that is already a deep brown, you will end up with the result of a very muted, dark purple that is not as vibrant as intended, and the purple coloring may not even show through at all.
With all of that being said, using Guy Tang bleach is almost always the first step of any Guy Tang coloring process. There are also a few different Guy Tang lightening products to choose from too.

Guy Tang #Magnum8 Powder Lightener


Anyone who wants a fast lightening process should opt for the #Magnum8 Powder Lightener. This product, when mixed with a permanent developer, can be applied directly to dry, unwashed hair. And, just like the name says, it can lift hair up to 8 shades lighter in one process, and it contains conditioning ingredients to help keep hair healthy while undergoing bleaching.

Guy Tang #Big9 Creme Lightener


For thick or coarse hair, or hair that’s naturally very dark, the #Big9 Creme Lightener is the way to bleach. This lightener works to lift hair to up to 9 levels lighter, and the creme base is easy on sensitive skin and scalps. There are also moisturizing agents included in the creme’s ingredients for hair smoothening, and it can be mixed with a permanent developer and applied directly to dry hair for great results.

Guy Tang #Stroke7 Rose Balayage Lightener


Another powder lightener option is the #Stroke7 Rose Balayage Lightener, which is a great choice for fine hair or hair that is already naturally on the lighter side. While it works to lift hair up to 7 levels lighter, it also works to coat hair evenly with the product, not letting any flaky spots show through. To use this lightener, mix the product with a Guy Tang activator and apply to dry hair.

How to Choose Guy Tang Color Products


After completing hair lightening, you can continue to apply Guy Tang hair coloring products, from direct dyes to demi-permanent and fully permanent colors. All of these dyes change the appearance of hair with conditioning still in mind, and different shades of each can be mixed together for even more colorful results.

Guy Tang Direct Dyes


Direct dyes are the most concentrated types of hair coloring products on the market. Direct dyes give the most vibrant colors to hair, especially after lightening. They can also be removed easily with direct dye removers, so you can always try on a new shade whenever you’d like, and your hair will not be damaged as it would by re-lightening a demi-permanent or permanent dye.
Guy Tang offers direct dyes in bright shades that range from Pink Diamond to Arctic Blue and Charcoal to Lightning Bolt, and the Rose Gold Guy Tang color is a long-loved favorite. Guy Tang direct dyes do not require a developer to be activated, and they can be applied directly to clean, dried hair with or without added heat.

Guy Tang Demi-Permanent Dyes


Demi-permanent hair dyes contain no ammonia, meaning they are slightly more healthy to apply than permanent dyes. They do last for shorter periods of time, though, usually up to 30 washes before noticeable fading occurs.
Guy Tang offers demi-permanent hair colors in shades that range from natural to vibrantly unique. To use a Guy Tang demi-permanent dye, mix the dye with a demi-permanent developer and process the hair for just 5 to 25 minutes before rinsing and washing the hair.

Guy Tang Permanent Dyes


Permanent dyes are perhaps the most traditionally used hair dyes. They last a relatively long time without fading, and they penetrate hair strands for some of the deepest colors. Just like the Guy Tang demi-permanent options, the Guy Tang permanent dyes come in a wide range of colors, and different permanent dyes can be mixed together as desired. The popular Rose Gold Guy Tang color comes in permanent dye too.
To use one of these Guy Tang dyes, mix the permanent dye with a permanent developer and apply to dry hair for a minimum of 30 minutes before washing out.

The Guy Tang Hair Color Chart


You can refer to the Guy Tang hair color chart to find the shade that matches your desired result most closely. The shades of all Guy Tang hair colors can range from 1, which is considered black, to 10, which is considered ultra light blonde, and the possible tints are:

  • Natural Ice
  • Ash
  • Ash Ash
  • Shadow Ash
  • Wicken Shadow
  • Brown Beige
  • Ice Gold
  • Gold Ice
  • Gold Gold
  • Naked
  • Naked Glow
  • Naked Blush
  • Copper Red Copper
  • Rose Red
  • Midnight Rose
  • Midnight Violet
  • Midnight Blue
  • Dusty Lavender
  • Rose Gold
  • Amber Rose
  • Silver Pearl
  • Silver Smoke

When to Use Guy Tang Toners


Toners are unique in that they act like demi-permanent dyes, but they aim to neutralize undesired hair colors rather than add a brand new color to the hair. For example, blonde hair types may want to eliminate brassy undertones, so a toner can be used to replace those golden tones with a cooler tone. Toners are most often used on hair that is already color-treated, and they can be re-applied as needed to keep those undertones of the hair neutralized.
Alternatively, toners can be used as a mix-in to other demi-permanent dyes or used as a demi-permenant dye completely on its own if desired.

Guy Tang XPRESS Toners


The top Guy Tang toners are the XPRESS Toners which come mainly in cool shades that are meant to block out undesired warm and brassy tones. The Guy Tang Pearl Toner is one of these that is often used to recolor any golden colors, and it is made up of cool violet pigments that target those hard golden tones. The Guy Tang Pearl Toner, and all of the Guy Tang XPRESS Toners, can be used by mixing the toner with a developer and applying the mix to damp hair for a minimum of 5 minutes. After washing the toner out, the Guy Tang Crystal Clear demi-permanent dye can be added on top to create a more sheer look that makes the toner blend with the base color.

Guy Tang Hair Products are leaders in the hair coloring market for a reason; they color hair perfectly every time without excess damage to hair strands. And, by following the Guy Tang product lines from lighteners to dyes to toners, you can get the perfect shade every time too.

Course Title

Featured Work

Barbering

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Barbering is a profession that has been around for thousands of years. And, though it has changed its face slightly over time, the barbers of barbering continue to offer hair cutting and shaving services to the public worldwide.
But have you ever wondered what the true origin of barbering is? Or, perhaps, if you are a barber yourself, do you have questions about what materials you need to purchase to keep your barbershop running today?
If either of your answers is yes, be sure to read on.

The Ultimate History Guide to Barbering


Today, a barber is considered to be any hairdresser that offers cutting, styling and grooming services to men, boys or any individual with short hair and/or facial hair. Barbers are known to work mainly at barbershops; however, a lot of barbers also work at salons and other similar locations.
Barbershops have historically been places for socialization. Barbers and their clients have been known to enjoy the community that develops at a barbershop, and this is often still the case today. However, mainly in the past, barbershops have also been known to be places for public debates on political issues, making them important for cultural and governmental development over time.

The Origins of Barbering


Although no historian can be sure, there is a general agreement that barbering first came to be in the times of ancient Egypt, as early 5000 BCE. Relics of the first razors made for facial hair have been found and dated to this time period, and these relics include sharpened flint and oyster shells. It is believed that these instruments were used first for the Egyptian nobility only, and the barbers that were trained to perform shaving were considered very highly skilled workers. Later on, during the 3500s BCE, more distinguished razors were created by the Egyptians as well.
Evidence of barbering has also been found through the art and relics of other ancient cultures, including the Mayans, Aztecs, Iroquois, Vikings and Mongolians. In many of these cultures, barbers were often men of medical and spiritual or religious practice, and the purpose of shaving was to differentiate the roles of men in war.
Perhaps it was in ancient Greece that the first true barbershops came to be. Within this time and culture, men were known to congregate at the agroas, or marketplaces, and have their hair, facial hair and fingernails groomed by the cureus, or the barbers. These agoras were also great places of socialization and public debates, a lot like the barbershops of the modern day.
Following the practice of barbering in ancient Greek culture is the practice of barbering in ancient Roman culture in what is now present-day Italy, specifically Sicily. As early as the 290s BCE, barbershops called tonsors were popping up all over Rome, and men were known to visit these locations daily, following up with a visit to a public bathhouse. Roman barbers were known as tonores, and many of them were considered middle class skilled workers, though a select few of them did become wealthy workers that served only upper class men. In ancient Rome, shaving was considered vital to a man’s hygiene, and a boy’s very first shave was considered a rite of passage into manhood.

The Formation of the Barber-Surgeon Practice


During the Middle Ages of Europe, starting around the year 900 CE, barbers came into practice as “barber-surgeons.” These workers were known to work as barbers as well as surgeons, and they could perform hair cutting and shaving in addition to surgical procedures. The reason this profession came to be is from the need for more medical practitioners in war and battle while barbers, already prepared with razors and cutting tools, often seemed to be the only available choice in place of traditional surgeons. It’s also important to note that, during this time period, traditional doctors rarely treated the middle or lower classes; instead, they often worked at universities and treated citizens of the nobility or upper class, so it makes sense that barbers were often allowed to perform such medical procedures.
Barber-surgeons more often practiced both barbering and surgery on soldiers in wartime, but in times of peace, they also could perform their services on civilians of the lower and middle classes. Some barber-surgeons were even hired to be residents of monasteries because Catholic monks were required to maintain a bald head, and they needed barbering services frequently. The barber-surgeons of monasteries also were known to perform procedures on these monks such as bloodletting, which involved draining some blood for the supposed removal of infection, and teeth pulling.
During the late Middle Ages, barber-surgeons from London even formed a guild called the “Worshipful Company of Barbers,” and other organizations were formed in multiple other European cities and countries, like France. Workers of the Middle Ages that formed guilds or other organizations held a lot of power politically, and they often earned a lot more money from the clients or patients they saw than workers not in a guild would have. Even when actual surgeons began entering the scene at the end of the Middle Ages, barber-surgeons were still often paid more for their services.
However, around 1450, laws were enacted in England to separate barbering from surgery practices. These laws stated that no barber should practice surgery and that no surgeon should practice barbering with one exception: barbers could still pull teeth.

The Beginnings of Barbering in the United States


Barbering practices continued on in colonial America in the same manner as they had in England during the 1450s and beyond. However, in 1745, the colonies passed a bill that made sure the barber and surgeon profession were each kept completely separated, that is, no barber could pull teeth any longer.
The men of the upper class in colonial America chose to shave all facial hair and wear wigs to represent their status. Additionally, as the United States became officially founded, the barbering profession was deemed unfit for the wealthy to have, and majority of barbers were actually African American slaves or indentured servants.
At the beginning of the 1800s, African Americans freed of slavery often started their own barbershops to provide paid services to wealthy Caucasian men; these locations were the origins of African American-owned businesses in the United States. After the Civil War had ended, more of these barbershops opened up across the country, and they were soon available for serving Caucasian and African American men of the upper and lower classes. A simple haircut during this time would have cost 5 to 10 cents, and a shaving service would have cost 3 cents.

The Origin and History of Barber Schools


In 1893, A.B. Moler founded the very first barber school in Chicago, Illinois. The school proved very successful as it created a way for barbering to become an educated profession, and students were very interested in this idea. Other major metropolitan cities in the United States began opening higher education barber schools as well, and these schools offered lessons and training in haircutting and shaving at first. During the 1920s, some schools began to offer lessons in the science of hair and skin treatments too.
Today, most states require a barber’s license to practice barbering, and acquiring a license in barbering is similar to acquiring a license in cosmetology. Similar to cosmetology training, barber training at barber school costs usually between $6,000 to $10,000 to complete, and the required hours of training for a barber license is usually set between 800 to 2,000. Oftentimes, barber training programs are designed to be completed within 15 months.
The barber schools of the past and present all focus on the training of hair cutting and styling, specifically for short hairstyles. Today, though, additional training is added to focus on the chemical alterations of hair, like dyeing and relaxing. Modern barber schools also teach safety and sanitary practices as well as helpful subjects like anatomy, physiology, bacteriology and pharmacology in relation to barber practices. Another lesson sometimes taught in barber schools is related to entrepreneurship since some barbers choose to open and run their own barbershops. At the end of all barber school training, barbers have to complete a licensure exam, which usually tests their knowledge of the subjects taught as well as tests their practical hair cutting and shaving skills.

Life in Barbershops from the 1900s to Now


It wasn’t until the end of the 1800s that barbershops were beginning to show up on the main streets of cities and towns large and small. By the beginning of the 1900s, barbershops were a popular location for socialization among men. In the 1920s, some women also began visiting barbershops to get the popular short bob haircut of the decade. This is also when barbershops began to open up for public debates and the discussion of politics. Barbershops with a high number of clients offered board games to play while waiting, and after the 1950s, some barbershops began offering TV and magazines to clients as well.
In 1959, a barber named Edmond O. Roffler created a technique of barber cutting that could let barbers cut hair while still keeping the hair generally long in the back, meaning clients would have to see the barber for cutting services more often. This was dubbed the Roffler method, and while it only started with 20 barbers that learned the technique, it grew to over 6,000 barbers that were trained in the technique by 1975. This partially influenced the styles of men’s hair during the 1960s, 70s and 80s when longer cuts were preferred; for example, The Beatles were known to keep longer hairstyles, and since this group had such a strong influence on popular culture and style, barbers that did not follow the methods of styling hair to this length began to lose business quickly.
Since the 1990s, there has been an increase in women and African Americans that attend barber schools and acquire barber licensure. And, even during times of economic recession over the course of the early 2000s, barbershops have remained open and are actually a form of business that seems to grow despite economic hardships. Some modern barbershops also combine barbering services with other services commonly sought by customers; for example, some barbershops have hired pharmacists to work in the barbershop and see customers as needed in between receiving barbering services.

The History of the Barber’s Pole


The iconic barber’s pole, the pole often seen outside barbershops that rotates stripes of red, white and blue, has a history of its own in conjunction with the overall history of barbering.
Originally, the barber’s pole was colored red and white, during the Middle Ages, to represent the services offered by barber-surgeons. Since these barber-surgeons were able to perform medical and surgical procedures, the white was meant to represent bandages while the red was meant to represent blood. In other areas of Europe during the time of the Renaissance, the blue stripe was added, and while the color red still represented blood taken in medical practice, the white represented the service of pulling teeth, and the blue represented the service of shaving. In both cases of these barber’s poles, though, the pole itself was representative of the physical pole a patient would hold during medical procedures to increase blood flow.
Nowadays, the colors of the barber’s pole do not have a specific representation. However, some American barbershops consider the barber’s pole colors to be representative of the nation’s colors, and others still believe the colors represent blood, veins and bandages, even though barbers no longer perform surgical and medical procedures.
There is also only one manufacturer of barber’s poles in North America today, which is the William Marvy Company. This company has been the only one to manufacture and sell barber’s poles since 1950, and it has reportedly sold fewer and fewer barber’s poles each year, although the number of barbershops open in the United States is still increasing. This leads us to believe that the barber’s pole is a less popular symbol than it used to be, although, in some cases, barbershops in certain states are not permitted to use moving signs, meaning they cannot display the moving stripes of a traditional barber’s pole.

The History of Barbering Equipment

 

Barber Chairs


Barbershop chairs usually can rotate and adjust their height so that clients can be attended to easily. Majority of barber chairs include a headrest because, in most states, it is required by law to have a headrest when shaving is performed.
Modern-day barber chairs resemble the ones designed during the Civil War era in that they include footrests, a high seat and a leather cover. The first reclining barber chair was patented in 1878, and the first reclining and revolving barber chair was patented soon after, around 1885. Perhaps the most successful barber chair design, though, is the original Koken chair design, which features hydraulic chair lifting and reclining that can be controlled through a moving lever. The Koken name dominated the barber supply industry until the 1950s when more inexpensive brands emerged on the market.
However, in 1969, a Japanese manufacturing company acquired the Koken name and began bringing the Koken chair design back on the market, making it the most popular brand in the U.S. again, as it still is today.

Clippers


Hair clippers work to clip hair by oscillating thin blades back and forth, so they work similarly to scissors but with more efficiency.
The first hair clippers were manual clippers, and they were invented between 1850 and 1890. These manual clippers, or hand clippers, would have 2 handles that had to be squeezed together and released in one hand with a consistent motion in order to make the blades oscillate. At the same time, the clippers would need to be pressed flush against a person’s head and moved at a slow rate to the cut hair evenly. Barbers who used, or still use, manual clippers were required to have a high level of hand strength and dexterity to use them properly.
Electric hair clippers widely replaced manual ones when they were invented by Leo J. Wahl in 1921. Wahl went on to patent over 100 clipper designs before he died, and today, his Wahl Clipper Corporation is still considered number 1 in the barber supply market. However, the second most popular electric clipper, the Andis Company, was also founded around 1921 by Mathew Andis Sr. and his own versions of electric clippers and remains nearly as popular of a brand today.

Razors


As an essential part of barbering, the razor first came into existence during the time of the ancient Egyptians. However, the first modern razor is considered to be the straight razor, or cutthroat razor, which was created in the 1700s in England. These razors were made from quality steel, as they still commonly are today, are were the only instrument used for shaving until World War I.
During the course of WWI, soldiers were required to have clean-shaven faces in order to wear properly fitting gas masks. Because of this, soldiers needed to shave themselves daily, and the modern safety razor, complete with a protective comb above the razor blade, became popularized. And, right before the war, King Camp Gillette invented a safety razor that included disposable blades, and his brand, Gillette, is still a go-to for disposable safety razors today.
Electric razors that do not require the use of water or shaving cream came to be in 1898, around the same time that safety razors were rising in popularity. Electric razors are powered by small motors and include small blades that are round and rotate or horizontal and cut in block motions.

Combs


Combs are often used by barbers in addition to clippers and razors, giving the barber a tool to blend and style the hair during cutting.
Combs were also used in prehistoric times, and the earliest comb-like artifacts date to ancient Persia. Combs can also be made of many different materials, though the combs in barbershops today are usually made of plastic or metal. Barbers may also choose to have an array of different comb types and sizes, making sure to use more fine-toothed combs on thinner, shorter hair and wider toothed combs on thicker, longer hair.

Scissors


Barbers often use scissors for cutting the ends of long hair or the sides of hair that is too short to reach with clippers.


Also known as barber shears or hair shears, hairdressing scissors also trace their roots to ancient Egypt. In modern-day use, though, there are scissors with different length blades and blade types to cut different types of hair most efficiently. Almost all barber shears use blades made of metal, like stainless steel, and there are hair thinning and texturing scissors to shape as well as cut hair.

Perhaps the most widely sought item by barbers today are electric hair clippers—an essential for cutting and shaping every short hairstyle. But, with so many different clippers available on the market, how do you know which is right for your own barbering?
Read on to see our ultimate guide to the best clippers on the market today.

The Best Clippers for Fades


The fade haircut is a hot style for lots of men to get these days. Fade hairstyles are so popular that they’re even a top Google search term, and the fade is actually the name of a lot of different hairstyles. However, all of these hairstyles do have one thing in common: they “fade” hair from shorter to longer, usually tapering from short hair by the base of the neck and ears to long hair at the top of the head.

The Andis Fade Master Clippers


Perhaps one of the best clippers for fades is the Andis Fade Master Clippers which are designed specifically for getting a close cut and adjustable taper on fade hairstyles. These cutters include a high-powered magnetic motor that can make its blades cut up to 14,000 strokes in a minute, and the shape of the clippers is fitted for any hand to hold with a side switch located right under the thumb, making it easy to turn the clippers on and off.
The Fade Master Clippers are perfect for fades because they include an adjustable blade. This blade can be changed from the 00000 to 000 level quickly and easily, giving barbers a chance to give the perfect fade every time. These clippers can also be turned into zero gap clippers as needed for styles that are very close to the skin.

The Andis Envy Hair Clippers


The Andis Envy clippers are a great option for those who want to give a fade look to those with coarse or thick hair. This is because these clippers have an adjustable blade that can switch from the 000 level to 1 level instantly with the touch of a lever, giving barbers more options when styling different hair types.
These Envy clippers also have a small but powerful motor that can move the blade in over 7,200 strokes in a minute, and the clippers themselves are lightweight, weighing in at only 17 ounces. The body of the clippers is also small enough for all hand types to hold, and the structure of the clippers makes them durable for long-term use.

Wahl Senior Cordless Clippers


A leader in the clipper marker, Wahl is a name to remember. The Wahl Senior Cordless Clippers is the perfect option for barbers that like a traditional clipper that can perform modern looks like the fade. This product had been known to get 5 stars for performance across the board, and it’s no wonder why.
These clippers include a cordless design, meaning it can be maneuvered much more easily around a client’s hair than a cord design would. It includes a lithium-ion battery that is charged for up to 80 minutes of running time at once, and its slim body design makes it easy to hold and move at the same time. In terms of fades, it has adjustable 2191 blades that can cut fine to coarse hair at long or short lengths, and it is capable of tapering hair more than smoothly. It can also turn into zero gap clippers instantly, and the powerful clipper motor makes sure hair is cut at a quick and consistent rate.

Different Types of Clippers for All Styles


Although fades are a popular style right now, there are still plenty of clients that come to barbershops seeking a more traditional look that’s always in style or even more creative looks that aren’t as common. This means barbers should have versatile clippers that work for multiple different looks at once to cater to all client needs.

Edge Up Clippers


Edge up hairstyles, or shape up hairstyles, aren’t as common as fades and other traditional styles, but they are still a request that barbers are getting more and more of. These hairstyles make use of uniquely shaped hairlines, ranging from square-shaped corners of the hair on either side of the forehead to thin lines etched into the sides of the head’s hair. These styles are often achieved through the use of edge up clippers or edger clippers.
Edge up clippers make use of sharp blades that cut extremely close to the skin, oftentimes as close as a razor would. And, though they are used a lot for edge up looks, they can also be used to trim up the hair of the neck and sides of the ears. They can also clean up the edges of beards and facial hair nicely, even when a true shape up isn’t the end goal.

Detachable Blade Clippers


Clippers with detachable blades are a good investment for barbers on a budget because, with detachable blade clippers, you can purchase your clipper and blades separately, and you will only need to replace the blades as they wear out rather than replace the entire clipper mechanism. You also get the option to fit a lot more blades to one clipper when the blades are detachable, as you can purchase a blade in every size level and just attach them to the clipper when you need them; the alternative to getting such a wide range of blade sizes is purchasing separate clippers with each blade size.
Some barbers are even able to perform all clipper services with just detachable blade clippers, including fade cuts and edge ups. However, remember that these clipper types must have their blades physically removed and replaced to switch from, say, size level 000 to 0000 whereas clippers made for fading are able to switch blade sizes with just the touch of a button. This means that hairstyling could take longer per session.

Custom Clippers


Barbershops that want to establish a popular brand name can invest in custom clippers which can be engraved with the shop’s name or logo. Alternatively, custom clippers can be ordered to match the color scheme of a specific barbershop, and all options give the shop a truly professional feel that clients will love.
Some clippers can be customized in terms of performance in addition to, or rather than, appearance. For example, if a barber needs a clipper with a unique handle shape to fit his or her hand, a custom clipper can be ordered to fit the barber’s need.

Open Vs Closed Clippers


Open vs closed clippers—which are better?
All clippers are actually closed by default, and some clippers allow for opening through a taper lever. Generally speaking, when a clipper is closed, less hair will be cut, and when a clipper is open, more hair will be cut.
More specifically, a closed clipper is only able to cut hair to the length of the blade that is currently being used, for example, only up to 1/8 of an inch. On the other hand, an open clipper can cut slightly more than the length of the blade currently being used, for example, more than 1/8 of an inch, depending on how close the clipper blade is held to the hair; the closer it is held, the more hair that can be cut.
Barbers that are pretty new to hairstyling may want to use closed clippers until they are comfortable enough with the feel of the clippers before beginning to experiment with open clipper settings. However, experienced barbers often use a mix of closed and open clippers in order to get a smooth taper on certain styles like fades. They can achieve this by starting with a longer blade length at the nape of the neck, then opening the blade as they trail the clippers up to the middle of the head, then closing the blade again on a shorter blade length as the clippers reach the top of the head.

A Quick Note on Hair Clipper Blade Sizes


Some hair clippers come with blades that are not removable and can be adjusted to different lengths with the push of a button while others include detachable blades that need to be removed and changed out to get different blade lengths. However, in the cases of both clipper types, there are different numbering systems that indicate how short the hair can be cut.
It’s useful to know which blade number correlates to which blade length, especially when you purchase detachable/removable blades, so that you can cut hair to the right length every time. For the Oster brand clipper blades, the blade numbers correlate to these blade lengths:
  • 00000: 1/125 inch, 0.2 millimeter
  • 0000: 1/100 inch, 0.25 millimeter
  • 000: 1/50 inch, 0.5 millimeter
  • 0A: 3/64 inch, 1.2 millimeters
  • Size 1: 3/32 inch, 2.4 millimeters
  • Size 1A: 1/8 inch, 3.2 millimeters
  • Size 1 1/2: 5/32 inch, 4 millimeters
  • Size 2: 1/4 inch, 6.3 millimeters
  • Size 3 1/2: 3/8 inch, 9.5 millimeters
  • Size 3 3/4: 1/2 inch, 12.7 millimeters

For the Andis brand clipper blades, the blade numbers correlate to these blade lengths:
  • 00000: 1/125 inch, 0.2 millimeter
  • 0000: 1/100 inch, 0.25 millimeter
  • 000: 1/50 inch, 0.5 millimeter
  • 0A: 3/64 inch, 1.2 millimeters
  • Size 1: 3/32 inch, 2.4 millimeters
  • Size 1 1/4: 7/64 inch, 2.8 millimeters
  • Size 1A: 1/8 inch, 3.2 millimeters
  • Size 1 1/2: 5/32 inch, 4 millimeters
  • Size 2: 1/4 inch, 6.3 millimeters
  • Size 2 3/4: 5/15 inch, 7.9 millimeters
  • Size 3 1/2: 3/8 inch, 9.5 millimeters

The Wahl brand clippers produce blades that can be changed to different blade lengths in a range, and the blade numbers correlate to these length ranges:
  • 1005: 1/32 to 1/8 inch, 1 to 3 millimeters
  • 1006: 1/32 to 1/8 inch, 1 to 3 millimeters
  • 2191: 1/50 inch, 0.5 millimeter


Remember, closed clippers will only cut up to the lengths listed for each number, and open clippers can cut slightly more than the lengths listed for each number depending on how close the clippers are held to the head.

From the beginnings of barbering in ancient Egypt to the barber-surgeons of the Middle Ages and beyond, the profession of the barber has a rich and lengthy history. And, with so many barbers practicing this historic craft still today, there are countless clipper products on the market to choose from. However, by stocking their shops with clippers and other supplies that fit their needs, barbers can continue to cut and shave hair to perfection well through the next couple thousand years.
The Ultimate Guide to Today’s Clippers and the History of Barbering

                            <h1>The Ultimate Guide to Today’s Clippers and the History of Barbering</h1>
Barbering is a profession that has been around for thousands of years. And, though it has changed its face slightly over time, the barbers of barbering continue to offer hair cutting and shaving services to the public worldwide.
But have you ever wondered what the true origin of barbering is? Or, perhaps, if you are a barber yourself, do you have questions about what materials you need to purchase to keep your barbershop running today?
If either of your answers is yes, be sure to read on.

<h2>The Ultimate History Guide to Barbering</h2>
Today, a barber is considered to be any hairdresser that offers cutting, styling and grooming services to men, boys or any individual with short hair and/or facial hair. Barbers are known to work mainly at barbershops; however, a lot of barbers also work at salons and other similar locations.
Barbershops have historically been places for socialization. Barbers and their clients have been known to enjoy the community that develops at a barbershop, and this is often still the case today. However, mainly in the past, barbershops have also been known to be places for public debates on political issues, making them important for cultural and governmental development over time.

<h3>The Origins of Barbering</h3>
Although no historian can be sure, there is a general agreement that barbering first came to be in the times of ancient Egypt, as early 5000 BCE. Relics of the first razors made for facial hair have been found and dated to this time period, and these relics include sharpened flint and oyster shells. It is believed that these instruments were used first for the Egyptian nobility only, and the barbers that were trained to perform shaving were considered very highly skilled workers. Later on, during the 3500s BCE, more distinguished razors were created by the Egyptians as well.
Evidence of barbering has also been found through the art and relics of other ancient cultures, including the Mayans, Aztecs, Iroquois, Vikings and Mongolians. In many of these cultures, barbers were often men of medical and spiritual or religious practice, and the purpose of shaving was to differentiate the roles of men in war.
Perhaps it was in ancient Greece that the first true barbershops came to be. Within this time and culture, men were known to congregate at the agroas, or marketplaces, and have their hair, facial hair and fingernails groomed by the cureus, or the barbers. These agoras were also great places of socialization and public debates, a lot like the barbershops of the modern day.
Following the practice of barbering in ancient Greek culture is the practice of barbering in ancient Roman culture in what is now present-day Italy, specifically Sicily. As early as the 290s BCE, barbershops called tonsors were popping up all over Rome, and men were known to visit these locations daily, following up with a visit to a public bathhouse. Roman barbers were known as tonores, and many of them were considered middle class skilled workers, though a select few of them did become wealthy workers that served only upper class men. In ancient Rome, shaving was considered vital to a man’s hygiene, and a boy’s very first shave was considered a rite of passage into manhood.

<h3>The Formation of the Barber-Surgeon Practice</h3>
During the Middle Ages of Europe, starting around the year 900 CE, barbers came into practice as “barber-surgeons.” These workers were known to work as barbers as well as surgeons, and they could perform hair cutting and shaving in addition to surgical procedures. The reason this profession came to be is from the need for more medical practitioners in war and battle while barbers, already prepared with razors and cutting tools, often seemed to be the only available choice in place of traditional surgeons. It’s also important to note that, during this time period, traditional doctors rarely treated the middle or lower classes; instead, they often worked at universities and treated citizens of the nobility or upper class, so it makes sense that barbers were often allowed to perform such medical procedures.
Barber-surgeons more often practiced both barbering and surgery on soldiers in wartime, but in times of peace, they also could perform their services on civilians of the lower and middle classes. Some barber-surgeons were even hired to be residents of monasteries because Catholic monks were required to maintain a bald head, and they needed barbering services frequently. The barber-surgeons of monasteries also were known to perform procedures on these monks such as bloodletting, which involved draining some blood for the supposed removal of infection, and teeth pulling.
During the late Middle Ages, barber-surgeons from London even formed a guild called the “Worshipful Company of Barbers,” and other organizations were formed in multiple other European cities and countries, like France. Workers of the Middle Ages that formed guilds or other organizations held a lot of power politically, and they often earned a lot more money from the clients or patients they saw than workers not in a guild would have. Even when actual surgeons began entering the scene at the end of the Middle Ages, barber-surgeons were still often paid more for their services.
However, around 1450, laws were enacted in England to separate barbering from surgery practices. These laws stated that no barber should practice surgery and that no surgeon should practice barbering with one exception: barbers could still pull teeth.

<h3>The Beginnings of Barbering in the United States</h3>
Barbering practices continued on in colonial America in the same manner as they had in England during the 1450s and beyond. However, in 1745, the colonies passed a bill that made sure the barber and surgeon profession were each kept completely separated, that is, no barber could pull teeth any longer.
The men of the upper class in colonial America chose to shave all facial hair and wear wigs to represent their status. Additionally, as the United States became officially founded, the barbering profession was deemed unfit for the wealthy to have, and majority of barbers were actually African American slaves or indentured servants.
At the beginning of the 1800s, African Americans freed of slavery often started their own barbershops to provide paid services to wealthy Caucasian men; these locations were the origins of African American-owned businesses in the United States. After the Civil War had ended, more of these barbershops opened up across the country, and they were soon available for serving Caucasian and African American men of the upper and lower classes. A simple haircut during this time would have cost 5 to 10 cents, and a shaving service would have cost 3 cents.

<h3>The Origin and History of Barber Schools</h3>
In 1893, A.B. Moler founded the very first barber school in Chicago, Illinois. The school proved very successful as it created a way for barbering to become an educated profession, and students were very interested in this idea. Other major metropolitan cities in the United States began opening higher education barber schools as well, and these schools offered lessons and training in haircutting and shaving at first. During the 1920s, some schools began to offer lessons in the science of hair and skin treatments too.
Today, most states require a barber’s license to practice barbering, and acquiring a license in barbering is similar to acquiring a license in cosmetology. Similar to cosmetology training, barber training at barber school costs usually between $6,000 to $10,000 to complete, and the required hours of training for a barber license is usually set between 800 to 2,000. Oftentimes, barber training programs are designed to be completed within 15 months.
The barber schools of the past and present all focus on the training of hair cutting and styling, specifically for short hairstyles. Today, though, additional training is added to focus on the chemical alterations of hair, like dyeing and relaxing. Modern barber schools also teach safety and sanitary practices as well as helpful subjects like anatomy, physiology, bacteriology and pharmacology in relation to barber practices. Another lesson sometimes taught in barber schools is related to entrepreneurship since some barbers choose to open and run their own barbershops. At the end of all barber school training, barbers have to complete a licensure exam, which usually tests their knowledge of the subjects taught as well as tests their practical hair cutting and shaving skills.

<h3>Life in Barbershops from the 1900s to Now</h3>
It wasn’t until the end of the 1800s that barbershops were beginning to show up on the main streets of cities and towns large and small. By the beginning of the 1900s, barbershops were a popular location for socialization among men. In the 1920s, some women also began visiting barbershops to get the popular short bob haircut of the decade. This is also when barbershops began to open up for public debates and the discussion of politics. Barbershops with a high number of clients offered board games to play while waiting, and after the 1950s, some barbershops began offering TV and magazines to clients as well.
In 1959, a barber named Edmond O. Roffler created a technique of barber cutting that could let barbers cut hair while still keeping the hair generally long in the back, meaning clients would have to see the barber for cutting services more often. This was dubbed the Roffler method, and while it only started with 20 barbers that learned the technique, it grew to over 6,000 barbers that were trained in the technique by 1975. This partially influenced the styles of men’s hair during the 1960s, 70s and 80s when longer cuts were preferred; for example, The Beatles were known to keep longer hairstyles, and since this group had such a strong influence on popular culture and style, barbers that did not follow the methods of styling hair to this length began to lose business quickly.
Since the 1990s, there has been an increase in women and African Americans that attend barber schools and acquire barber licensure. And, even during times of economic recession over the course of the early 2000s, barbershops have remained open and are actually a form of business that seems to grow despite economic hardships. Some modern barbershops also combine barbering services with other services commonly sought by customers; for example, some barbershops have hired pharmacists to work in the barbershop and see customers as needed in between receiving barbering services.

<h3>The History of the Barber’s Pole</h3>
The iconic barber’s pole, the pole often seen outside barbershops that rotates stripes of red, white and blue, has a history of its own in conjunction with the overall history of barbering.
Originally, the barber’s pole was colored red and white, during the Middle Ages, to represent the services offered by barber-surgeons. Since these barber-surgeons were able to perform medical and surgical procedures, the white was meant to represent bandages while the red was meant to represent blood. In other areas of Europe during the time of the Renaissance, the blue stripe was added, and while the color red still represented blood taken in medical practice, the white represented the service of pulling teeth, and the blue represented the service of shaving. In both cases of these barber’s poles, though, the pole itself was representative of the physical pole a patient would hold during medical procedures to increase blood flow.
Nowadays, the colors of the barber’s pole do not have a specific representation. However, some American barbershops consider the barber’s pole colors to be representative of the nation’s colors, and others still believe the colors represent blood, veins and bandages, even though barbers no longer perform surgical and medical procedures.
There is also only one manufacturer of barber’s poles in North America today, which is the William Marvy Company. This company has been the only one to manufacture and sell barber’s poles since 1950, and it has reportedly sold fewer and fewer barber’s poles each year, although the number of barbershops open in the United States is still increasing. This leads us to believe that the barber’s pole is a less popular symbol than it used to be, although, in some cases, barbershops in certain states are not permitted to use moving signs, meaning they cannot display the moving stripes of a traditional barber’s pole.

<h3>The History of Barbering Equipment</h3>
<h4>Barber Chairs</h4>
Barbershop chairs usually can rotate and adjust their height so that clients can be attended to easily. Majority of barber chairs include a headrest because, in most states, it is required by law to have a headrest when shaving is performed.
Modern-day barber chairs resemble the ones designed during the Civil War era in that they include footrests, a high seat and a leather cover. The first reclining barber chair was patented in 1878, and the first reclining and revolving barber chair was patented soon after, around 1885. Perhaps the most successful barber chair design, though, is the original Koken chair design, which features hydraulic chair lifting and reclining that can be controlled through a moving lever. The Koken name dominated the barber supply industry until the 1950s when more inexpensive brands emerged on the market.
However, in 1969, a Japanese manufacturing company acquired the Koken name and began bringing the Koken chair design back on the market, making it the most popular brand in the U.S. again, as it still is today.

<h4>Clippers</h4>
Hair clippers work to clip hair by oscillating thin blades back and forth, so they work similarly to scissors but with more efficiency.
The first hair clippers were manual clippers, and they were invented between 1850 and 1890. These manual clippers, or hand clippers, would have 2 handles that had to be squeezed together and released in one hand with a consistent motion in order to make the blades oscillate. At the same time, the clippers would need to be pressed flush against a person’s head and moved at a slow rate to the cut hair evenly. Barbers who used, or still use, manual clippers were required to have a high level of hand strength and dexterity to use them properly.
Electric hair clippers widely replaced manual ones when they were invented by Leo J. Wahl in 1921. Wahl went on to patent over 100 clipper designs before he died, and today, his Wahl Clipper Corporation is still considered number 1 in the barber supply market. However, the second most popular electric clipper, the Andis Company, was also founded around 1921 by Mathew Andis Sr. and his own versions of electric clippers and remains nearly as popular of a brand today.

<h4>Razors</h4>
As an essential part of barbering, the razor first came into existence during the time of the ancient Egyptians. However, the first modern razor is considered to be the straight razor, or cutthroat razor, which was created in the 1700s in England. These razors were made from quality steel, as they still commonly are today, are were the only instrument used for shaving until World War I.
During the course of WWI, soldiers were required to have clean-shaven faces in order to wear properly fitting gas masks. Because of this, soldiers needed to shave themselves daily, and the modern safety razor, complete with a protective comb above the razor blade, became popularized. And, right before the war, King Camp Gillette invented a safety razor that included disposable blades, and his brand, Gillette, is still a go-to for disposable safety razors today.
Electric razors that do not require the use of water or shaving cream came to be in 1898, around the same time that safety razors were rising in popularity. Electric razors are powered by small motors and include small blades that are round and rotate or horizontal and cut in block motions.

<h4>Combs</h4>
Combs are often used by barbers in addition to clippers and razors, giving the barber a tool to blend and style the hair during cutting.
Combs were also used in prehistoric times, and the earliest comb-like artifacts date to ancient Persia. Combs can also be made of many different materials, though the combs in barbershops today are usually made of plastic or metal. Barbers may also choose to have an array of different comb types and sizes, making sure to use more fine-toothed combs on thinner, shorter hair and wider toothed combs on thicker, longer hair.

<h4>Scissors</h4>
Barbers often use scissors for cutting the ends of long hair or the sides of hair that is too short to reach with clippers.
Also known as barber shears or hair shears, hairdressing scissors also trace their roots to ancient Egypt. In modern-day use, though, there are scissors with different length blades and blade types to cut different types of hair most efficiently. Almost all barber shears use blades made of metal, like stainless steel, and there are hair thinning and texturing scissors to shape as well as cut hair.

<h2>The Ultimate Guide to Today’s Clippers</h2>
Perhaps the most widely sought item by barbers today are electric hair clippers—an essential for cutting and shaping every short hairstyle. But, with so many different clippers available on the market, how do you know which is right for your own barbering?
Read on to see our ultimate guide to the best clippers on the market today.

<h3>The Best Clippers for Fades</h3>
The fade haircut is a hot style for lots of men to get these days. Fade hairstyles are so popular that they’re even a top Google search term, and the fade is actually the name of a lot of different hairstyles. However, all of these hairstyles do have one thing in common: they “fade” hair from shorter to longer, usually tapering from short hair by the base of the neck and ears to long hair at the top of the head.

<h4>The Andis Fade Master Clippers</h4>
Perhaps one of the best clippers for fades is the Andis Fade Master Clippers which are designed specifically for getting a close cut and adjustable taper on fade hairstyles. These cutters include a high-powered magnetic motor that can make its blades cut up to 14,000 strokes in a minute, and the shape of the clippers is fitted for any hand to hold with a side switch located right under the thumb, making it easy to turn the clippers on and off.
The Fade Master Clippers are perfect for fades because they include an adjustable blade. This blade can be changed from the 00000 to 000 level quickly and easily, giving barbers a chance to give the perfect fade every time. These clippers can also be turned into zero gap clippers as needed for styles that are very close to the skin.

<h4>The Andis Envy Hair Clippers</h4>
The Andis Envy clippers are a great option for those who want to give a fade look to those with coarse or thick hair. This is because these clippers have an adjustable blade that can switch from the 000 level to 1 level instantly with the touch of a lever, giving barbers more options when styling different hair types.
These Envy clippers also have a small but powerful motor that can move the blade in over 7,200 strokes in a minute, and the clippers themselves are lightweight, weighing in at only 17 ounces. The body of the clippers is also small enough for all hand types to hold, and the structure of the clippers makes them durable for long-term use.

<h4>Wahl Senior Cordless Clippers</h4>
A leader in the clipper marker, Wahl is a name to remember. The Wahl Senior Cordless Clippers is the perfect option for barbers that like a traditional clipper that can perform modern looks like the fade. This product had been known to get 5 stars for performance across the board, and it’s no wonder why.
These clippers include a cordless design, meaning it can be maneuvered much more easily around a client’s hair than a cord design would. It includes a lithium-ion battery that is charged for up to 80 minutes of running time at once, and its slim body design makes it easy to hold and move at the same time. In terms of fades, it has adjustable 2191 blades that can cut fine to coarse hair at long or short lengths, and it is capable of tapering hair more than smoothly. It can also turn into zero gap clippers instantly, and the powerful clipper motor makes sure hair is cut at a quick and consistent rate.

<h3>Different Types of Clippers for All Styles</h3>
Although fades are a popular style right now, there are still plenty of clients that come to barbershops seeking a more traditional look that’s always in style or even more creative looks that aren’t as common. This means barbers should have versatile clippers that work for multiple different looks at once to cater to all client needs.

<h4>Edge Up Clippers</h4>
Edge up hairstyles, or shape up hairstyles, aren’t as common as fades and other traditional styles, but they are still a request that barbers are getting more and more of. These hairstyles make use of uniquely shaped hairlines, ranging from square-shaped corners of the hair on either side of the forehead to thin lines etched into the sides of the head’s hair. These styles are often achieved through the use of edge up clippers or edger clippers.
Edge up clippers make use of sharp blades that cut extremely close to the skin, oftentimes as close as a razor would. And, though they are used a lot for edge up looks, they can also be used to trim up the hair of the neck and sides of the ears. They can also clean up the edges of beards and facial hair nicely, even when a true shape up isn’t the end goal.

<h4>Detachable Blade Clippers</h4>
Clippers with detachable blades are a good investment for barbers on a budget because, with detachable blade clippers, you can purchase your clipper and blades separately, and you will only need to replace the blades as they wear out rather than replace the entire clipper mechanism. You also get the option to fit a lot more blades to one clipper when the blades are detachable, as you can purchase a blade in every size level and just attach them to the clipper when you need them; the alternative to getting such a wide range of blade sizes is purchasing separate clippers with each blade size.
Some barbers are even able to perform all clipper services with just detachable blade clippers, including fade cuts and edge ups. However, remember that these clipper types must have their blades physically removed and replaced to switch from, say, size level 000 to 0000 whereas clippers made for fading are able to switch blade sizes with just the touch of a button. This means that hairstyling could take longer per session.

<h4>Custom Clippers</h4>
Barbershops that want to establish a popular brand name can invest in custom clippers which can be engraved with the shop’s name or logo. Alternatively, custom clippers can be ordered to match the color scheme of a specific barbershop, and all options give the shop a truly professional feel that clients will love.
Some clippers can be customized in terms of performance in addition to, or rather than, appearance. For example, if a barber needs a clipper with a unique handle shape to fit his or her hand, a custom clipper can be ordered to fit the barber’s need.

<h3>Open Vs Closed Clippers</h3>
Open vs closed clippers—which are better?
All clippers are actually closed by default, and some clippers allow for opening through a taper lever. Generally speaking, when a clipper is closed, less hair will be cut, and when a clipper is open, more hair will be cut.
More specifically, a closed clipper is only able to cut hair to the length of the blade that is currently being used, for example, only up to 1/8 of an inch. On the other hand, an open clipper can cut slightly more than the length of the blade currently being used, for example, more than 1/8 of an inch, depending on how close the clipper blade is held to the hair; the closer it is held, the more hair that can be cut.
Barbers that are pretty new to hairstyling may want to use closed clippers until they are comfortable enough with the feel of the clippers before beginning to experiment with open clipper settings. However, experienced barbers often use a mix of closed and open clippers in order to get a smooth taper on certain styles like fades. They can achieve this by starting with a longer blade length at the nape of the neck, then opening the blade as they trail the clippers up to the middle of the head, then closing the blade again on a shorter blade length as the clippers reach the top of the head.

<h3>A Quick Note on Hair Clipper Blade Sizes</h3>
Some hair clippers come with blades that are not removable and can be adjusted to different lengths with the push of a button while others include detachable blades that need to be removed and changed out to get different blade lengths. However, in the cases of both clipper types, there are different numbering systems that indicate how short the hair can be cut.
It’s useful to know which blade number correlates to which blade length, especially when you purchase detachable/removable blades, so that you can cut hair to the right length every time. For the Oster brand clipper blades, the blade numbers correlate to these blade lengths:
<ul>
<li>00000: 1/125 inch, 0.2 millimeter</li>
<li>0000: 1/100 inch, 0.25 millimeter</li>
<li>000: 1/50 inch, 0.5 millimeter</li>
<li>0A: 3/64 inch, 1.2 millimeters</li>
<li>Size 1: 3/32 inch, 2.4 millimeters</li>
<li>Size 1A: 1/8 inch, 3.2 millimeters</li>
<li>Size 1 1/2: 5/32 inch, 4 millimeters</li>
<li>Size 2: 1/4 inch, 6.3 millimeters</li>
<li>Size 3 1/2: 3/8 inch, 9.5 millimeters</li>
<li>Size 3 3/4: 1/2 inch, 12.7 millimeters</li>
</ul>
For the Andis brand clipper blades, the blade numbers correlate to these blade lengths:
<ul>
<li>00000: 1/125 inch, 0.2 millimeter</li>
<li>0000: 1/100 inch, 0.25 millimeter</li>
<li>000: 1/50 inch, 0.5 millimeter</li>
<li>0A: 3/64 inch, 1.2 millimeters</li>
<li>Size 1: 3/32 inch, 2.4 millimeters</li>
<li>Size 1 1/4: 7/64 inch, 2.8 millimeters</li>
<li>Size 1A: 1/8 inch, 3.2 millimeters</li>
<li>Size 1 1/2: 5/32 inch, 4 millimeters</li>
<li>Size 2: 1/4 inch, 6.3 millimeters</li>
<li>Size 2 3/4: 5/15 inch, 7.9 millimeters</li>
<li>Size 3 1/2: 3/8 inch, 9.5 millimeters</li>
</ul>
The Wahl brand clippers produce blades that can be changed to different blade lengths in a range, and the blade numbers correlate to these length ranges:
<ul>
<li>1005: 1/32 to 1/8 inch, 1 to 3 millimeters</li>
<li>1006: 1/32 to 1/8 inch, 1 to 3 millimeters</li>
<li>2191: 1/50 inch, 0.5 millimeter</li>
</ul>

Remember, closed clippers will only cut up to the lengths listed for each number, and open clippers can cut slightly more than the lengths listed for each number depending on how close the clippers are held to the head.

From the beginnings of barbering in ancient Egypt to the barber-surgeons of the Middle Ages and beyond, the profession of the barber has a rich and lengthy history. And, with so many barbers practicing this historic craft still today, there are countless clipper products on the market to choose from. However, by stocking their shops with clippers and other supplies that fit their needs, barbers can continue to cut and shave hair to perfection well through the next couple thousand years.
The Ultimate Guide to Today’s Clippers and the History of Barbering

The Ultimate Guide to Today’s Clippers and the History of Barbering


Barbering is a profession that has been around for thousands of years. And, though it has changed its face slightly over time, the barbers of barbering continue to offer hair cutting and shaving services to the public worldwide.
But have you ever wondered what the true origin of barbering is? Or, perhaps, if you are a barber yourself, do you have questions about what materials you need to purchase to keep your barbershop running today?
If either of your answers is yes, be sure to read on.

The Ultimate History Guide to Barbering


Today, a barber is considered to be any hairdresser that offers cutting, styling and grooming services to men, boys or any individual with short hair and/or facial hair. Barbers are known to work mainly at barbershops; however, a lot of barbers also work at salons and other similar locations.
Barbershops have historically been places for socialization. Barbers and their clients have been known to enjoy the community that develops at a barbershop, and this is often still the case today. However, mainly in the past, barbershops have also been known to be places for public debates on political issues, making them important for cultural and governmental development over time.

The Origins of Barbering


Although no historian can be sure, there is a general agreement that barbering first came to be in the times of ancient Egypt, as early 5000 BCE. Relics of the first razors made for facial hair have been found and dated to this time period, and these relics include sharpened flint and oyster shells. It is believed that these instruments were used first for the Egyptian nobility only, and the barbers that were trained to perform shaving were considered very highly skilled workers. Later on, during the 3500s BCE, more distinguished razors were created by the Egyptians as well.
Evidence of barbering has also been found through the art and relics of other ancient cultures, including the Mayans, Aztecs, Iroquois, Vikings and Mongolians. In many of these cultures, barbers were often men of medical and spiritual or religious practice, and the purpose of shaving was to differentiate the roles of men in war.
Perhaps it was in ancient Greece that the first true barbershops came to be. Within this time and culture, men were known to congregate at the agroas, or marketplaces, and have their hair, facial hair and fingernails groomed by the cureus, or the barbers. These agoras were also great places of socialization and public debates, a lot like the barbershops of the modern day.
Following the practice of barbering in ancient Greek culture is the practice of barbering in ancient Roman culture in what is now present-day Italy, specifically Sicily. As early as the 290s BCE, barbershops called tonsors were popping up all over Rome, and men were known to visit these locations daily, following up with a visit to a public bathhouse. Roman barbers were known as tonores, and many of them were considered middle class skilled workers, though a select few of them did become wealthy workers that served only upper class men. In ancient Rome, shaving was considered vital to a man’s hygiene, and a boy’s very first shave was considered a rite of passage into manhood.

The Formation of the Barber-Surgeon Practice


During the Middle Ages of Europe, starting around the year 900 CE, barbers came into practice as “barber-surgeons.” These workers were known to work as barbers as well as surgeons, and they could perform hair cutting and shaving in addition to surgical procedures. The reason this profession came to be is from the need for more medical practitioners in war and battle while barbers, already prepared with razors and cutting tools, often seemed to be the only available choice in place of traditional surgeons. It’s also important to note that, during this time period, traditional doctors rarely treated the middle or lower classes; instead, they often worked at universities and treated citizens of the nobility or upper class, so it makes sense that barbers were often allowed to perform such medical procedures.
Barber-surgeons more often practiced both barbering and surgery on soldiers in wartime, but in times of peace, they also could perform their services on civilians of the lower and middle classes. Some barber-surgeons were even hired to be residents of monasteries because Catholic monks were required to maintain a bald head, and they needed barbering services frequently. The barber-surgeons of monasteries also were known to perform procedures on these monks such as bloodletting, which involved draining some blood for the supposed removal of infection, and teeth pulling.
During the late Middle Ages, barber-surgeons from London even formed a guild called the “Worshipful Company of Barbers,” and other organizations were formed in multiple other European cities and countries, like France. Workers of the Middle Ages that formed guilds or other organizations held a lot of power politically, and they often earned a lot more money from the clients or patients they saw than workers not in a guild would have. Even when actual surgeons began entering the scene at the end of the Middle Ages, barber-surgeons were still often paid more for their services.
However, around 1450, laws were enacted in England to separate barbering from surgery practices. These laws stated that no barber should practice surgery and that no surgeon should practice barbering with one exception: barbers could still pull teeth.

The Beginnings of Barbering in the United States


Barbering practices continued on in colonial America in the same manner as they had in England during the 1450s and beyond. However, in 1745, the colonies passed a bill that made sure the barber and surgeon profession were each kept completely separated, that is, no barber could pull teeth any longer.
The men of the upper class in colonial America chose to shave all facial hair and wear wigs to represent their status. Additionally, as the United States became officially founded, the barbering profession was deemed unfit for the wealthy to have, and majority of barbers were actually African American slaves or indentured servants.
At the beginning of the 1800s, African Americans freed of slavery often started their own barbershops to provide paid services to wealthy Caucasian men; these locations were the origins of African American-owned businesses in the United States. After the Civil War had ended, more of these barbershops opened up across the country, and they were soon available for serving Caucasian and African American men of the upper and lower classes. A simple haircut during this time would have cost 5 to 10 cents, and a shaving service would have cost 3 cents.

The Origin and History of Barber Schools


In 1893, A.B. Moler founded the very first barber school in Chicago, Illinois. The school proved very successful as it created a way for barbering to become an educated profession, and students were very interested in this idea. Other major metropolitan cities in the United States began opening higher education barber schools as well, and these schools offered lessons and training in haircutting and shaving at first. During the 1920s, some schools began to offer lessons in the science of hair and skin treatments too.
Today, most states require a barber’s license to practice barbering, and acquiring a license in barbering is similar to acquiring a license in cosmetology. Similar to cosmetology training, barber training at barber school costs usually between $6,000 to $10,000 to complete, and the required hours of training for a barber license is usually set between 800 to 2,000. Oftentimes, barber training programs are designed to be completed within 15 months.
The barber schools of the past and present all focus on the training of hair cutting and styling, specifically for short hairstyles. Today, though, additional training is added to focus on the chemical alterations of hair, like dyeing and relaxing. Modern barber schools also teach safety and sanitary practices as well as helpful subjects like anatomy, physiology, bacteriology and pharmacology in relation to barber practices. Another lesson sometimes taught in barber schools is related to entrepreneurship since some barbers choose to open and run their own barbershops. At the end of all barber school training, barbers have to complete a licensure exam, which usually tests their knowledge of the subjects taught as well as tests their practical hair cutting and shaving skills.

Life in Barbershops from the 1900s to Now


It wasn’t until the end of the 1800s that barbershops were beginning to show up on the main streets of cities and towns large and small. By the beginning of the 1900s, barbershops were a popular location for socialization among men. In the 1920s, some women also began visiting barbershops to get the popular short bob haircut of the decade. This is also when barbershops began to open up for public debates and the discussion of politics. Barbershops with a high number of clients offered board games to play while waiting, and after the 1950s, some barbershops began offering TV and magazines to clients as well.
In 1959, a barber named Edmond O. Roffler created a technique of barber cutting that could let barbers cut hair while still keeping the hair generally long in the back, meaning clients would have to see the barber for cutting services more often. This was dubbed the Roffler method, and while it only started with 20 barbers that learned the technique, it grew to over 6,000 barbers that were trained in the technique by 1975. This partially influenced the styles of men’s hair during the 1960s, 70s and 80s when longer cuts were preferred; for example, The Beatles were known to keep longer hairstyles, and since this group had such a strong influence on popular culture and style, barbers that did not follow the methods of styling hair to this length began to lose business quickly.
Since the 1990s, there has been an increase in women and African Americans that attend barber schools and acquire barber licensure. And, even during times of economic recession over the course of the early 2000s, barbershops have remained open and are actually a form of business that seems to grow despite economic hardships. Some modern barbershops also combine barbering services with other services commonly sought by customers; for example, some barbershops have hired pharmacists to work in the barbershop and see customers as needed in between receiving barbering services.

The History of the Barber’s Pole


The iconic barber’s pole, the pole often seen outside barbershops that rotates stripes of red, white and blue, has a history of its own in conjunction with the overall history of barbering.
Originally, the barber’s pole was colored red and white, during the Middle Ages, to represent the services offered by barber-surgeons. Since these barber-surgeons were able to perform medical and surgical procedures, the white was meant to represent bandages while the red was meant to represent blood. In other areas of Europe during the time of the Renaissance, the blue stripe was added, and while the color red still represented blood taken in medical practice, the white represented the service of pulling teeth, and the blue represented the service of shaving. In both cases of these barber’s poles, though, the pole itself was representative of the physical pole a patient would hold during medical procedures to increase blood flow.
Nowadays, the colors of the barber’s pole do not have a specific representation. However, some American barbershops consider the barber’s pole colors to be representative of the nation’s colors, and others still believe the colors represent blood, veins and bandages, even though barbers no longer perform surgical and medical procedures.
There is also only one manufacturer of barber’s poles in North America today, which is the William Marvy Company. This company has been the only one to manufacture and sell barber’s poles since 1950, and it has reportedly sold fewer and fewer barber’s poles each year, although the number of barbershops open in the United States is still increasing. This leads us to believe that the barber’s pole is a less popular symbol than it used to be, although, in some cases, barbershops in certain states are not permitted to use moving signs, meaning they cannot display the moving stripes of a traditional barber’s pole.

The History of Barbering Equipment


Barber Chairs


Barbershop chairs usually can rotate and adjust their height so that clients can be attended to easily. Majority of barber chairs include a headrest because, in most states, it is required by law to have a headrest when shaving is performed.
Modern-day barber chairs resemble the ones designed during the Civil War era in that they include footrests, a high seat and a leather cover. The first reclining barber chair was patented in 1878, and the first reclining and revolving barber chair was patented soon after, around 1885. Perhaps the most successful barber chair design, though, is the original Koken chair design, which features hydraulic chair lifting and reclining that can be controlled through a moving lever. The Koken name dominated the barber supply industry until the 1950s when more inexpensive brands emerged on the market.
However, in 1969, a Japanese manufacturing company acquired the Koken name and began bringing the Koken chair design back on the market, making it the most popular brand in the U.S. again, as it still is today.

Clippers


Hair clippers work to clip hair by oscillating thin blades back and forth, so they work similarly to scissors but with more efficiency.
The first hair clippers were manual clippers, and they were invented between 1850 and 1890. These manual clippers, or hand clippers, would have 2 handles that had to be squeezed together and released in one hand with a consistent motion in order to make the blades oscillate. At the same time, the clippers would need to be pressed flush against a person’s head and moved at a slow rate to the cut hair evenly. Barbers who used, or still use, manual clippers were required to have a high level of hand strength and dexterity to use them properly.
Electric hair clippers widely replaced manual ones when they were invented by Leo J. Wahl in 1921. Wahl went on to patent over 100 clipper designs before he died, and today, his Wahl Clipper Corporation is still considered number 1 in the barber supply market. However, the second most popular electric clipper, the Andis Company, was also founded around 1921 by Mathew Andis Sr. and his own versions of electric clippers and remains nearly as popular of a brand today.

Razors


As an essential part of barbering, the razor first came into existence during the time of the ancient Egyptians. However, the first modern razor is considered to be the straight razor, or cutthroat razor, which was created in the 1700s in England. These razors were made from quality steel, as they still commonly are today, are were the only instrument used for shaving until World War I.
During the course of WWI, soldiers were required to have clean-shaven faces in order to wear properly fitting gas masks. Because of this, soldiers needed to shave themselves daily, and the modern safety razor, complete with a protective comb above the razor blade, became popularized. And, right before the war, King Camp Gillette invented a safety razor that included disposable blades, and his brand, Gillette, is still a go-to for disposable safety razors today.
Electric razors that do not require the use of water or shaving cream came to be in 1898, around the same time that safety razors were rising in popularity. Electric razors are powered by small motors and include small blades that are round and rotate or horizontal and cut in block motions.

Combs


Combs are often used by barbers in addition to clippers and razors, giving the barber a tool to blend and style the hair during cutting.
Combs were also used in prehistoric times, and the earliest comb-like artifacts date to ancient Persia. Combs can also be made of many different materials, though the combs in barbershops today are usually made of plastic or metal. Barbers may also choose to have an array of different comb types and sizes, making sure to use more fine-toothed combs on thinner, shorter hair and wider toothed combs on thicker, longer hair.

Scissors


Barbers often use scissors for cutting the ends of long hair or the sides of hair that is too short to reach with clippers.
Also known as barber shears or hair shears, hairdressing scissors also trace their roots to ancient Egypt. In modern-day use, though, there are scissors with different length blades and blade types to cut different types of hair most efficiently. Almost all barber shears use blades made of metal, like stainless steel, and there are hair thinning and texturing scissors to shape as well as cut hair.

The Ultimate Guide to Today’s Clippers


Perhaps the most widely sought item by barbers today are electric hair clippers—an essential for cutting and shaping every short hairstyle. But, with so many different clippers available on the market, how do you know which is right for your own barbering?
Read on to see our ultimate guide to the best clippers on the market today.

The Best Clippers for Fades


The fade haircut is a hot style for lots of men to get these days. Fade hairstyles are so popular that they’re even a top Google search term, and the fade is actually the name of a lot of different hairstyles. However, all of these hairstyles do have one thing in common: they “fade” hair from shorter to longer, usually tapering from short hair by the base of the neck and ears to long hair at the top of the head.

The Andis Fade Master Clippers


Perhaps one of the best clippers for fades is the Andis Fade Master Clippers which are designed specifically for getting a close cut and adjustable taper on fade hairstyles. These cutters include a high-powered magnetic motor that can make its blades cut up to 14,000 strokes in a minute, and the shape of the clippers is fitted for any hand to hold with a side switch located right under the thumb, making it easy to turn the clippers on and off.
The Fade Master Clippers are perfect for fades because they include an adjustable blade. This blade can be changed from the 00000 to 000 level quickly and easily, giving barbers a chance to give the perfect fade every time. These clippers can also be turned into zero gap clippers as needed for styles that are very close to the skin.

The Andis Envy Hair Clippers


The Andis Envy clippers are a great option for those who want to give a fade look to those with coarse or thick hair. This is because these clippers have an adjustable blade that can switch from the 000 level to 1 level instantly with the touch of a lever, giving barbers more options when styling different hair types.
These Envy clippers also have a small but powerful motor that can move the blade in over 7,200 strokes in a minute, and the clippers themselves are lightweight, weighing in at only 17 ounces. The body of the clippers is also small enough for all hand types to hold, and the structure of the clippers makes them durable for long-term use.

Wahl Senior Cordless Clippers


A leader in the clipper marker, Wahl is a name to remember. The Wahl Senior Cordless Clippers is the perfect option for barbers that like a traditional clipper that can perform modern looks like the fade. This product had been known to get 5 stars for performance across the board, and it’s no wonder why.
These clippers include a cordless design, meaning it can be maneuvered much more easily around a client’s hair than a cord design would. It includes a lithium-ion battery that is charged for up to 80 minutes of running time at once, and its slim body design makes it easy to hold and move at the same time. In terms of fades, it has adjustable 2191 blades that can cut fine to coarse hair at long or short lengths, and it is capable of tapering hair more than smoothly. It can also turn into zero gap clippers instantly, and the powerful clipper motor makes sure hair is cut at a quick and consistent rate.

Different Types of Clippers for All Styles


Although fades are a popular style right now, there are still plenty of clients that come to barbershops seeking a more traditional look that’s always in style or even more creative looks that aren’t as common. This means barbers should have versatile clippers that work for multiple different looks at once to cater to all client needs.

Edge Up Clippers


Edge up hairstyles, or shape up hairstyles, aren’t as common as fades and other traditional styles, but they are still a request that barbers are getting more and more of. These hairstyles make use of uniquely shaped hairlines, ranging from square-shaped corners of the hair on either side of the forehead to thin lines etched into the sides of the head’s hair. These styles are often achieved through the use of edge up clippers or edger clippers.
Edge up clippers make use of sharp blades that cut extremely close to the skin, oftentimes as close as a razor would. And, though they are used a lot for edge up looks, they can also be used to trim up the hair of the neck and sides of the ears. They can also clean up the edges of beards and facial hair nicely, even when a true shape up isn’t the end goal.

Detachable Blade Clippers


Clippers with detachable blades are a good investment for barbers on a budget because, with detachable blade clippers, you can purchase your clipper and blades separately, and you will only need to replace the blades as they wear out rather than replace the entire clipper mechanism. You also get the option to fit a lot more blades to one clipper when the blades are detachable, as you can purchase a blade in every size level and just attach them to the clipper when you need them; the alternative to getting such a wide range of blade sizes is purchasing separate clippers with each blade size.
Some barbers are even able to perform all clipper services with just detachable blade clippers, including fade cuts and edge ups. However, remember that these clipper types must have their blades physically removed and replaced to switch from, say, size level 000 to 0000 whereas clippers made for fading are able to switch blade sizes with just the touch of a button. This means that hairstyling could take longer per session.

Custom Clippers


Barbershops that want to establish a popular brand name can invest in custom clippers which can be engraved with the shop’s name or logo. Alternatively, custom clippers can be ordered to match the color scheme of a specific barbershop, and all options give the shop a truly professional feel that clients will love.
Some clippers can be customized in terms of performance in addition to, or rather than, appearance. For example, if a barber needs a clipper with a unique handle shape to fit his or her hand, a custom clipper can be ordered to fit the barber’s need.

Open Vs Closed Clippers


Open vs closed clippers—which are better?
All clippers are actually closed by default, and some clippers allow for opening through a taper lever. Generally speaking, when a clipper is closed, less hair will be cut, and when a clipper is open, more hair will be cut.
More specifically, a closed clipper is only able to cut hair to the length of the blade that is currently being used, for example, only up to 1/8 of an inch. On the other hand, an open clipper can cut slightly more than the length of the blade currently being used, for example, more than 1/8 of an inch, depending on how close the clipper blade is held to the hair; the closer it is held, the more hair that can be cut.
Barbers that are pretty new to hairstyling may want to use closed clippers until they are comfortable enough with the feel of the clippers before beginning to experiment with open clipper settings. However, experienced barbers often use a mix of closed and open clippers in order to get a smooth taper on certain styles like fades. They can achieve this by starting with a longer blade length at the nape of the neck, then opening the blade as they trail the clippers up to the middle of the head, then closing the blade again on a shorter blade length as the clippers reach the top of the head.

A Quick Note on Hair Clipper Blade Sizes


Some hair clippers come with blades that are not removable and can be adjusted to different lengths with the push of a button while others include detachable blades that need to be removed and changed out to get different blade lengths. However, in the cases of both clipper types, there are different numbering systems that indicate how short the hair can be cut.
It’s useful to know which blade number correlates to which blade length, especially when you purchase detachable/removable blades, so that you can cut hair to the right length every time. For the Oster brand clipper blades, the blade numbers correlate to these blade lengths:
  • 00000: 1/125 inch, 0.2 millimeter
  • 0000: 1/100 inch, 0.25 millimeter
  • 000: 1/50 inch, 0.5 millimeter
  • 0A: 3/64 inch, 1.2 millimeters
  • Size 1: 3/32 inch, 2.4 millimeters
  • Size 1A: 1/8 inch, 3.2 millimeters
  • Size 1 1/2: 5/32 inch, 4 millimeters
  • Size 2: 1/4 inch, 6.3 millimeters
  • Size 3 1/2: 3/8 inch, 9.5 millimeters
  • Size 3 3/4: 1/2 inch, 12.7 millimeters

For the Andis brand clipper blades, the blade numbers correlate to these blade lengths:
  • 00000: 1/125 inch, 0.2 millimeter
  • 0000: 1/100 inch, 0.25 millimeter
  • 000: 1/50 inch, 0.5 millimeter
  • 0A: 3/64 inch, 1.2 millimeters
  • Size 1: 3/32 inch, 2.4 millimeters
  • Size 1 1/4: 7/64 inch, 2.8 millimeters
  • Size 1A: 1/8 inch, 3.2 millimeters
  • Size 1 1/2: 5/32 inch, 4 millimeters
  • Size 2: 1/4 inch, 6.3 millimeters
  • Size 2 3/4: 5/15 inch, 7.9 millimeters
  • Size 3 1/2: 3/8 inch, 9.5 millimeters

The Wahl brand clippers produce blades that can be changed to different blade lengths in a range, and the blade numbers correlate to these length ranges:
  • 1005: 1/32 to 1/8 inch, 1 to 3 millimeters
  • 1006: 1/32 to 1/8 inch, 1 to 3 millimeters
  • 2191: 1/50 inch, 0.5 millimeter


Remember, closed clippers will only cut up to the lengths listed for each number, and open clippers can cut slightly more than the lengths listed for each number depending on how close the clippers are held to the head.

From the beginnings of barbering in ancient Egypt to the barber-surgeons of the Middle Ages and beyond, the profession of the barber has a rich and lengthy history. And, with so many barbers practicing this historic craft still today, there are countless clipper products on the market to choose from. However, by stocking their shops with clippers and other supplies that fit their needs, barbers can continue to cut and shave hair to perfection well through the next couple thousand years.
 

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Feather hair clips and extensions can actually come in 2 types: with real or faux feathers. Many retailers offer one type or the other, and some even offer both. So how do you know what the difference between these types really is, and which should you invest in?

What Makes a Real Feather Hair Piece


A real hair feather is usually an authentic feather taken from a rooster. These hair feather extensions include a quill running down the center of the extension with soft, fine hairs extending both left and right from that quill. Because these are real feathers, they are extremely durable and flexible, and they can often be left in a person’s hair for up to 3 months or more depending on how many washes the person puts it through; the fewer washes on an extension, the less wear will occur to the extension and the longer it will last.
Real feathers have a smooth texture that feels just like real human hair. They also have natural, muted patterns that vary from brown and tan stripes to deep amber dots. However, these muted colors often appear to be bright and vibrant in direct light, and they may even seem to sparkle or shimmer in the light.
A big positive to using genuine feathers is that you can leave them in your hair for extended periods of time, and you can both wash and style them just as you do with your natural hair. Real feather extensions can even be straightened with a flat iron or curled with a curling iron day after day, and because they are so versatile, they will hold the styled shape as long as your hair naturally does, perhaps even longer. Real clip in feather hair extensions are offered, too, to give users the option of removing extensions as desired, which can make them last even longer.
The only drawback to real feather extensions is that they can be limited in length. Since real feathers are taken from roosters, they can only be so long, and they may not be as long as your hair’s length. The average length of a real feather extension is 9 to 10 inches, and the maximum length you may find is 14 inches.

What Makes a Faux Feather Hair Piece


A synthetic hair feather is made artificially to resemble authentic feather extensions. They are usually made the same way that synthetic human hair extensions are made, which is from polymer plastic that is melted and crafted into thin strips like hair strands. Faux feathers are dyed to sometimes match real feathers, but they can also be dyed in more vivid colors not found on rooster feathers, like neon pink or lime green.
A big pro to investing in a faux hair feather kit is that you get to choose from a wider selection of colors, patterns and lengths. While real feathers can only be a certain length, synthetic ones can be as long as the wearer desires, and many come in long lengths that are meant to be cut down to match your hair’s current length.
However, faux feathers are not as durable as real ones, and they often do not last as long. To combat this, though, you may use feather hair clips that can be inserted and removed from your hair as needed. On the other hand, faux feathers are not as flexible as real ones, either, so it is difficult to style them to match your hair’s texture, for example, through straightening or curling. Faux feathers colored with unnatural colors may be difficult to match certain hair colors too.

Those looking for either a real or faux hair feather kit may find that one type of feather works better for them than the other. However, know that there are always clip-in feather hair extensions for you to experiment with—ones that can be changed out easily and effortlessly.

Feather hair extensions are a trend that has both emerged and waned off and on over the years and decades. However, feathers really have been around for a long time, leaving us all to believe that they’re here to stay. But have you ever wondered where and when the trend first started?

A Feather Accessory: Pre-History


Believe it or not, feathers were first used as accessories in the earliest of humans. A cave near Verona, Italy, was found full of dated bird bones, all of which had evidence of being de-feathered. It was the longest and, usually, most vibrantly colored feathers that had seemed to be removed, too, leading historians to believe that ancient humans used feathers as some type of accessory. The birds were not even known to be good food sources, either, leading historians to also believe that the birds had been targeted only for their bright feathers.

Feather Headdresses: Native American Influences


Popular culture has often depicted Native American tribes wearing tall headdresses adorned with multiple feathers of many different colors. And, although there is some truth to this, pop culture has exaggerated the real history of Native Americans in feathered gear.
Feathered war bonnets were created by some Native American tribes to be worn by only men of the tribe and only on special occasions. These occasions included days of battle, ceremony or spiritual ritual, and there were no feathered headdresses that were worn daily. Also, only a few Native tribes in the North American plains made use of these headdresses, including the Sioux, Crow, Blackfeet, Cheyenne and Plains Cree.

The Feathered Masquerade: 16th Century Europe


In the 1700s, aristocrats of Europe used masks hand-crafted with real feathers as accessories for balls and banquets. Oftentimes, these masks were created by artisans out of materials that ranged from clay to velvet, and only members of the upper class had the access and means to purchase these masks. When masquerades were held, attendees would be expected to wear a mask as unique as him or herself, and the purpose of such masquerades was simply socialization or charity fundraising.

Flappers with Feathers: Into the 20th Century


Fast forward a couple of hundred years, and the female flappers of the United States were wearing clothing and accessories adorned with feathers during the 1920s, otherwise known as the roaring 20s. Women during this time were setting new fashion trends with short dresses that were flexible and could flow, making them perfect for dancing. Oftentimes, feathers were incorporated in these dresses to create a silhouette that could move and “flap” just as the dancers did.

Feather Boas: Onto the Stage


Feathers moved quickly from flapper dresses to feather boas and costumes, all of which were used frequently by stage dancers and performers during the rest of the 20th century. For many performers, feathered costumes created a sense of whimsy since feathers can be made of so many different bright colors. Feathers also gave performers, stage dancers especially, a sense of breeziness since feathers are lightweight and can move just as easily as the dancer can.

Hippy Culture: Creating Feather Hair Extensions


Feather extensions got their modern start during the era of the 1970s and 1980s when hippy culture was at its peak. These extensions were considered a bohemian trend and became popular among the common population as well as with celebrities, like musicians and actors. Even as the 20th century ended and the 21st century began, boho trend followers held onto the look of feathers in hair, and women and men of all hair types tried on feathers instead of beach blonde highlights.

The Difference a Feather in Hair Makes Today


Since the beginning of the 2020s, the feather hair extension trend has made a strong resurgence. Bohemian culture and style is at a new all-time high, and people are looking for fresh ways to accessorize themselves at beaches and music festivals where the easygoing vibe is embraced most. Perhaps feathers in hair is the easiest-going accessory of all, and it looks great on all hair types and colors, making it a go-to for trend followers of all ages.

From prehistoric humans to modern-day beachgoers, hair feathers are a trend to keep an eye on—you never know where the future may take it!

Indie hair is popular because it’s cool, sexy, and fun. The trend comes from the music scene, where band members combine a slight grunge look with bedhead, almost overgrown hair. Learn how to do it right and you can achieve perfect indie hairstyles with ease. It just takes a little know-how about styling, coloring, and hairspray. So if you’ve ever wanted to know how to rock indie hair, look no further. This short guide will get you up-close and personal with the unique, free-spirited ‘dos fast so you can look messily gorgeous, badass, or anything in-between.

Indie Hairstyles


It doesn’t matter if your hair is straight, curly, wavy, thick, or fine, I can confidently say there’s an indie hairstyle for you. But before you run off to create your own, you need to learn about some common styles first.

The most iconic indie looks for women’s touseled tresses are:

  • The Pixie Cut: One of the cutest ‘dos, the pixie gives a close-cropped look. Shears give the chunkiness you need while a texturing product maintains it. Plus, it’s low-maintenance with the lack of locks. But be forewarned: It is not for anyone who doesn’t have fine facial bone structure like Halle Berry — otherwise, you’ll look overly masculine rather than slightly boyish.
  • The Shag: A style that fits a lot more women, the shag has longer layers than the pixie. Again, shears and texturing product will set up the cut and keep the look going.
  • Bohemian: Long-haired ladies often enjoy this cut because it’s beautiful on them. Middle-parted bangs combine with Cleopatra-style blunt bangs. You can also choose from cropped or braided Bohemian as alternatives.
  • Choppy: Like a modern shag but with longer, textured layers, the choppy waves are best for thick hair of any length.
  • Scene: Choppy and layered, the scene cut also has long, side-swept bangs that are layered and blended with the rest of the hair.


For men, the most awesome looks for their messy manes are:

  • Indie Mullet: Orlando Bloom is one of those men who wore this cut best. The mullet made cool allows for changing it up with any length back hair. Alternately, instead of a front part, you could do a flipped, layered side part.
  • The Pompadour: A classic indie cut, this is basically a reverse mullet, with longer layers in front and sides and shorter ones in the back. It suits any thickness or length of hair.
  • Edward Scissorhands: This cut is for curly hair with layering for multiple lengths and the goal of a messy look.
  • The Shag: Always able to make look men great, you can tailor this cut to look classy or rebellious. Shorthaired men can make it short with front layered bangs, while those who want a messy look can do a flipped front-comb.
  • Short Brit Rock: Perfect for shorthaired men, this cut has a fringe and forward-swept hair, with the top being blended with the sides.
  • Curly Brit Rock: The best for curly-haired men, this cut has short, shaved sides with a fringe that is layered or textured differently from the top.

Indie Hair Color


There’s a whole other world of possibilities when introducing coloring. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about which one will work for you. Indie hair color tends to go with one’s natural shade, but if you do want to use color, indie favors lighter shades.

Indie Hair Setting


The crucial finishing touch of all indie hairstyles is setting, and your best bet is to use indie hairspray if you had to choose just one styling product. But why? Because it is specially made just for indie hairstyles. After all, you don’t want to have stickiness, which will make your look flop. If you have sensitivities to hairspray chemicals, look for a hairspray with as few ingredients as possible and is toxin-free.

On the other hand, you don’t have to limit yourself to only hairspray. While styling your hair, you can use styling gel, wax, cream, paste, or mousse for volume, texture, hydration, or anything else, while indie hairspray will simply add staying power on top. Here’s what works best for each type of hair:

  • Wax: Thick hair that is short or layered for a textured look
  • Gel: Any hair for a smooth look
  • Mousse: Any hair length and thickness for volume, especially curly hair
  • Cream: Usually curly hair but any length and thickness for a natural look
  • Hairspray: Gives hold, tames frizz, and adds shine, volume, hydration, etc. depending on type


When it comes to hairstyles, indie is most popular among the young crowd, but there’s no reason why it can’t be for older folks, too. Indie hair is not limited to musicians, so anyone can do it. The trend has a wide variety of looks to choose from with plenty of room for you to make your own.
Indie Hairstyles

                            <h1>A Guide to Indie Hairstyles</h1>
Indie hair is popular because it's cool, sexy, and fun. The trend comes from the music scene, where band members combine a slight grunge look with bedhead, almost overgrown hair. Learn how to do it right and you can achieve perfect indie hairstyles with ease. It just takes a little know-how about styling, coloring, and hairspray. So if you've ever wanted to know how to rock indie hair, look no further. This short guide will get you up-close and personal with the unique, free-spirited 'dos fast so you can look messily gorgeous, badass, or anything in-between.

<h2>Indie Hairstyles</h2>
It doesn't matter if your hair is straight, curly, wavy, thick, or fine, I can confidently say there's an indie hairstyle for you. But before you run off to create your own, you need to learn about some common styles first.

The most iconic indie looks for women's touseled tresses are:

<ul>
<li>The Pixie Cut: One of the cutest 'dos, the pixie gives a close-cropped look. Shears give the chunkiness you need while a texturing product maintains it. Plus, it's low-maintenance with the lack of locks. But be forewarned: It is not for anyone who doesn't have fine facial bone structure like Halle Berry -- otherwise, you'll look overly masculine rather than slightly boyish.</li>
<li>The Shag: A style that fits a lot more women, the shag has longer layers than the pixie. Again, shears and texturing product will set up the cut and keep the look going.</li>
<li>Bohemian: Long-haired ladies often enjoy this cut because it's beautiful on them. Middle-parted bangs combine with Cleopatra-style blunt bangs. You can also choose from cropped or braided Bohemian as alternatives.</li>
<li>Choppy: Like a modern shag but with longer, textured layers, the choppy waves are best for thick hair of any length.</li>
<li>Scene: Choppy and layered, the scene cut also has long, side-swept bangs that are layered and blended with the rest of the hair.</li>
</ul>

For men, the most awesome looks for their messy manes are:

<ul>
<li>Indie Mullet: Orlando Bloom is one of those men who wore this cut best. The mullet made cool allows for changing it up with any length back hair. Alternately, instead of a front part, you could do a flipped, layered side part.</li>
<li>The Pompadour: A classic indie cut, this is basically a reverse mullet, with longer layers in front and sides and shorter ones in the back. It suits any thickness or length of hair.</li>
<li>Edward Scissorhands: This cut is for curly hair with layering for multiple lengths and the goal of a messy look.</li>
<li>The Shag: Always able to make look men great, you can tailor this cut to look classy or rebellious. Shorthaired men can make it short with front layered bangs, while those who want a messy look can do a flipped front-comb.</li>
<li>Short Brit Rock: Perfect for shorthaired men, this cut has a fringe and forward-swept hair, with the top being blended with the sides.</li>
<li>Curly Brit Rock: The best for curly-haired men, this cut has short, shaved sides with a fringe that is layered or textured differently from the top.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Indie Hair Color</h2>
There's a whole other world of possibilities when introducing coloring. Fortunately, you don't have to worry about which one will work for you. Indie hair color tends to go with one's natural shade, but if you do want to use color, indie favors lighter shades.

<h2>Indie Hair Setting</h2>
The crucial finishing touch of all indie hairstyles is setting, and your best bet is to use indie hairspray if you had to choose just one styling product. But why? Because it is specially made just for indie hairstyles. After all, you don't want to have stickiness, which will make your look flop. If you have sensitivities to hairspray chemicals, look for a hairspray with as few ingredients as possible and is toxin-free.

On the other hand, you don't have to limit yourself to only hairspray. While styling your hair, you can use styling gel, wax, cream, paste, or mousse for volume, texture, hydration, or anything else, while indie hairspray will simply add staying power on top. Here's what works best for each type of hair:

<ul>
<li>Wax: Thick hair that is short or layered for a textured look</li>
<li>Gel: Any hair for a smooth look</li>
<li>Mousse: Any hair length and thickness for volume, especially curly hair</li>
<li>Cream: Usually curly hair but any length and thickness for a natural look</li>
<li>Hairspray: Gives hold, tames frizz, and adds shine, volume, hydration, etc. depending on type</li>
</ul>

When it comes to hairstyles, indie is most popular among the young crowd, but there's no reason why it can't be for older folks, too. Indie hair is not limited to musicians, so anyone can do it. The trend has a wide variety of looks to choose from with plenty of room for you to make your own.
Indie Hairstyles

A Guide to Indie Hairstyles


Indie hair is popular because it’s cool, sexy, and fun. The trend comes from the music scene, where band members combine a slight grunge look with bedhead, almost overgrown hair. Learn how to do it right and you can achieve perfect indie hairstyles with ease. It just takes a little know-how about styling, coloring, and hairspray. So if you’ve ever wanted to know how to rock indie hair, look no further. This short guide will get you up-close and personal with the unique, free-spirited ‘dos fast so you can look messily gorgeous, badass, or anything in-between.

Indie Hairstyles


It doesn’t matter if your hair is straight, curly, wavy, thick, or fine, I can confidently say there’s an indie hairstyle for you. But before you run off to create your own, you need to learn about some common styles first.

The most iconic indie looks for women’s touseled tresses are:

  • The Pixie Cut: One of the cutest ‘dos, the pixie gives a close-cropped look. Shears give the chunkiness you need while a texturing product maintains it. Plus, it’s low-maintenance with the lack of locks. But be forewarned: It is not for anyone who doesn’t have fine facial bone structure like Halle Berry — otherwise, you’ll look overly masculine rather than slightly boyish.
  • The Shag: A style that fits a lot more women, the shag has longer layers than the pixie. Again, shears and texturing product will set up the cut and keep the look going.
  • Bohemian: Long-haired ladies often enjoy this cut because it’s beautiful on them. Middle-parted bangs combine with Cleopatra-style blunt bangs. You can also choose from cropped or braided Bohemian as alternatives.
  • Choppy: Like a modern shag but with longer, textured layers, the choppy waves are best for thick hair of any length.
  • Scene: Choppy and layered, the scene cut also has long, side-swept bangs that are layered and blended with the rest of the hair.


For men, the most awesome looks for their messy manes are:

  • Indie Mullet: Orlando Bloom is one of those men who wore this cut best. The mullet made cool allows for changing it up with any length back hair. Alternately, instead of a front part, you could do a flipped, layered side part.
  • The Pompadour: A classic indie cut, this is basically a reverse mullet, with longer layers in front and sides and shorter ones in the back. It suits any thickness or length of hair.
  • Edward Scissorhands: This cut is for curly hair with layering for multiple lengths and the goal of a messy look.
  • The Shag: Always able to make look men great, you can tailor this cut to look classy or rebellious. Shorthaired men can make it short with front layered bangs, while those who want a messy look can do a flipped front-comb.
  • Short Brit Rock: Perfect for shorthaired men, this cut has a fringe and forward-swept hair, with the top being blended with the sides.
  • Curly Brit Rock: The best for curly-haired men, this cut has short, shaved sides with a fringe that is layered or textured differently from the top.

Indie Hair Color


There’s a whole other world of possibilities when introducing coloring. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about which one will work for you. Indie hair color tends to go with one’s natural shade, but if you do want to use color, indie favors lighter shades.


Indie Hair Setting


The crucial finishing touch of all indie hairstyles is setting, and your best bet is to use indie hairspray if you had to choose just one styling product. But why? Because it is specially made just for indie hairstyles. After all, you don’t want to have stickiness, which will make your look flop. If you have sensitivities to hairspray chemicals, look for a hairspray with as few ingredients as possible and is toxin-free.

On the other hand, you don’t have to limit yourself to only hairspray. While styling your hair, you can use styling gel, wax, cream, paste, or mousse for volume, texture, hydration, or anything else, while indie hairspray will simply add staying power on top. Here’s what works best for each type of hair:

  • Wax: Thick hair that is short or layered for a textured look
  • Gel: Any hair for a smooth look
  • Mousse: Any hair length and thickness for volume, especially curly hair
  • Cream: Usually curly hair but any length and thickness for a natural look
  • Hairspray: Gives hold, tames frizz, and adds shine, volume, hydration, etc. depending on type


When it comes to hairstyles, indie is most popular among the young crowd, but there’s no reason why it can’t be for older folks, too. Indie hair is not limited to musicians, so anyone can do it. The trend has a wide variety of looks to choose from with plenty of room for you to make your own.

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