Barber Poles

Barber poles have their roots in Europe where most were red and white. In America they often became red, white, and blue. Historically, barbers not only cut hair but did bloodletting as a medical procedure for cleansing and healing. This is where the red for the blood and white for the bandaging came to be represented in the barber pole. In the United States, some look to the red, white, and blue as part of our patriotic heritage as a country. The addition of the blue apparently was tied to the Centennial celebrations of 1876. Still today, the first thing a person needing a haircut looks for is the revolving barber pole.

"The barbers' poles are undoubtedly one of the most enduring and recognized trade signs ever known...The electrified, mechanized poles we know today have evolved from bloodstained, white cloth dressings which hung to dry outside barbers' doorways centuries ago...It was routine for barber/medical practitioners to shave, cut hair, and perform surgical procedures, bloodletting, and tooth extractions as well" (Jones, pg. 18).

“The barber pole also, and importantly, represents the skill, artistry and creativity of the men and women standing behind the barber’s chair wielding scissors and clippers. The best barbers have a certain cultural capital that supports their authority and expertise. The barber pole speaks to that artistry” (Mills).

“Today when a man sees the cylinder with its red and white stripes swirling downward, he knows that this is a place to get a haircut. Moreover, the barber pole is more than a signal that you can get your haircut here; it is a partial representation of the history of barbering. It is a claim that the man who cuts herein has been thoroughly trained to shave and cut hair. When the barber pole is slowly turning with its bright light shining, it acts like a lighthouse, letting the customer know that this place is close to home and is welcoming to all” (Harrison, pgs. 40-41). 

Consider the titans of commerce such as Wal-Mart, McDonald’s, Nike, Costco, and Amazon with their powerful logos and sense of identity. Each has an almost universal brand across the world. Nike’s Swoosh or McDonald’s Golden Arches invoke strong feelings and allegiance for these corporations: their products, services, and systems. When you consider the barber pole, similar powerful association and branding takes place. This is not for a corporation or international operating company but for the whole barbering industry with its traditions and history. These barbers, generally independent small business owners, have a global brand indicating one barbershop at a time without any legal or financial connection to some holding company, franchise operation or even other barbers. The barber pole is a symbol of their independence. Even the colors, red, white and blue, symbolize their freedom from the jaws of corporate America.