Barbers and (the lack of!) Polite Advertising

I’ve been digging into eighteenth-century trade cards and in this post I ask why barbershops resisted polite advertising. I look at barbershop advertising in the 18th century, the barbers versus surgeons split, shaving routines, hairdressers’ image work, and how barbers kept clients.

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Rolly's Take

For the curious soul who delights in the interplay of history and human behavior. They appreciate the quiet defiance of barbershops amidst a world of polished advertising, sensing there’s a deeper narrative about identity, class, and societal expectations waiting to be unearthed. This blog whispers the secrets of the past, inviting readers to reflect on how appearances have always shaped our connections.