Days Long Gone: Smoking in the Barbershop

[RainKing]

Banned by cities, states and regulatory boards, smoking inside the barbershop is long gone. Barber chairs used to be made (I still have one) with ashtrays built into the arm. a true space for men and freedom. Don't get me wrong, I understand why these changes were made and it's a reflection on society in general. Having said this, it would be wonderful to have again. Walking into the shop and just getting hit with the fragrance from a wonderful blend, Pinaud Clubman talc, and pure vintage America.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

My daughter has her cosmetology license and cuts my hair at home. I could smoke while getting my hair cut if I wanted, but ever since I was a kid, being told to keep my hands under the cape, I don't dare expose my hands to smoke while getting my hair cut. I might get hair on it.
If someone did smoke while getting a haircut, they'd be covered in those prickly little hair pieces. I think those ashtrays were more for the barber to smoke while awaiting the next customer. Otherwise, trying to cut the hair of a client who is constantly moving and smoking would be annoying as hell, I would think.

 

[RainKing]

My daughter has her cosmetology license and cuts my hair at home. I could smoke while getting my hair cut if I wanted, but ever since I was a kid, being told to keep my hands under the cape, I don't dare expose my hands to smoke while getting my hair cut. I might get hair on it.
If someone did smoke while getting a haircut, they'd be covered in those prickly little hair pieces. I think those ashtrays were more for the barber to smoke while awaiting the next customer. Otherwise, trying to cut the hair of a client who is constantly moving and smoking would be annoying as hell, I would think.

Been a barber for many years. Honestly, people checking their phones and watches provide more movement than smoking would. Not to mention cutting kids hair, that’s just throwing darts at a moving target. Haha. Hair doesn’t really go everywhere. I don’t know the last time I’ve had a customer with a face full of hair. The ashtrays were used by both the barber and customer. In the 70’s many barber shops actually would give away matchbooks with their advertising information on the matches, my shop included. I digress,.. it was just fun to think about.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Been a barber for many years. Honestly, people checking their phones and watches provide more movement than smoking would. Not to mention cutting kids hair, that’s just throwing darts at a moving target. Haha. Hair doesn’t really go everywhere. I don’t know the last time I’ve had a customer with a face full of hair. The ashtrays were used by both the barber and customer. In the 70’s many barber shops actually would give away matchbooks with their advertising information on the matches, my shop included. I digress,.. it was just fun to think about.

In the 60's and 70's as a kid getting my hair cut, my hand would get smacked for reaching out from below the cape. You probably can't do that today, ha ha. But, I wouldn't dare go to get my hair cut without turning my phone on silent first... but people today don't get smacked enough.

 

[Casual]

The old barber shop was as close to a working class men’s club as you could get. I’ve been in the leather-backed chair, wooden panels, and cigars type of men’s clubs too, and they’re both great, if different.

It’s a shame they’re both outlawed where I live.

 

[Old School 3319]

I have not paid for a haircut since I left the military. But in my area the barbershops are all but gone

 

[cosmicfolklore]

In Tuscaloosa, there was a barber shop that Bear Bryant used to frequent, and every coach thereafter was expected to drop by Mike's Barber Shop. They had display with quite a few machine made cigars to chose from, and you could get just about any beer that came in a can, very posh, wood panels, big screen tvs, and lots of Alabama college logo stuff all over the walls, a shrine to Alabama football. But, i don't remember a single man ever getting their hair cut while still smoking their White Owls.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I haven't had someone else cut my hair for nearly thirty-five years. Went to barbering school a few years ago to do family barbering at home as well. I could only imagine the additional cleanup of having clients smoking, not to mention damage to barber chairs from dropped embers.

 

[mikethompson]

There is a cigar store / barbershop in my area. I'm not sure you can smoke while getting a haircut, but it smells incredible in there.

 

[STP]

I remember ashtrays in airplane armrests, buses, trains and in cars (standard)... on tables in restaurants, offices, social halls, and amusement parks... Barbershops? I’m surprised it took this long

 

[mordy18]

When I was a kid I used to look forward to going to the barber because of the Playboy magazines mixed in with the Sports Illustrated and newspapers. Was sometimes told to put it down, but not always.

 

[macaroni]

Great posts! Great memories. Thanks,
mike

 

[mso489]

The great sociability associated with the old time barbershop had the feature of accepting that half the men in the shop weren't getting haircuts but just came for the conversation and company. I think many barbers and stylists today, pre and post pandemic, wouldn't invite that for various reasons. In these times, my wife has discovered that she is a fine hair stylist/barber. Now she's always fixing up my hair, getting it properly tousled. I hadn't give it that much thought in my entire life.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Also, back when barbershops were where people discussed current events and politics, it was usual for people to be best friends in the world and hold different political stances. You didn't "cancel" going to see your barber because he preferred a different politician or religion. And, people often changed their minds about a particular politician after a discussion. You don't see any of that now. But, of course if you lived in Tuscaloosa and you rooted for Auburn, you probably never stepped foot inside of Mike's Barber Shop, because it was a shrine to all things Bear Bryant. But, that was different. Sportsball over rules all else down here.

 

[RainKing]

Also, back when barbershops were where people discussed current events and politics, it was usual for people to be best friends in the world and hold different political stances. You didn't "cancel" going to see your barber because he preferred a different politician or religion. And, people often changed their minds about a particular politician after a discussion. You don't see any of that now. But, of course if you lived in Tuscaloosa and you rooted for Auburn, you probably never stepped foot inside of Mike's Barber Shop, because it was a shrine to all things Bear Bryant. But, that was different. Sportsball over rules all else down here.

Luckily I still own a shop that people are allowed to disagree and no feelings get hurt. I talk politics, religion and all the things they teach you not to. No one is out to hurt feelings or name call. Just honest, hilarious discussion.

 

[Reggie]

Another great thread!

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Luckily I still own a shop that people are allowed to disagree and no feelings get hurt. I talk politics, religion and all the things they teach you not to. No one is out to hurt feelings or name call. Just honest, hilarious discussion.

Here in Alabama, before I closed the business five or so years ago, we had finally had to put a stop to all politics, religion, and sports talk, because people did start getting really angry, on both sides. It always made me confused when two people would get into an argument, and then both would stop coming back in. I never discussed any of this myself, because I don't have opinions on these, so it was always baffling why I was being punished because of what someone else said. So, I put up a sign. But, if they want to argue over gemstones or watches... I would roll up my sleeves and take it on, ha ha.

 

[mso489]

In a small town or a close-knit urban neighborhood, barber shops can double as community centers, because the people are mostly known to each other and have some accountability. Even a person who is just staying off the street has a place and some friends. That doesn't translate well in situations where none of the people know each other. Our human connections seem to need a lot of repair.

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

Also, back when barbershops were where people discussed current events and politics, it was usual for people to be best friends in the world and hold different political stances. You didn't "cancel" going to see your barber because he preferred a different politician or religion. And, people often changed their minds about a particular politician after a discussion. You don't see any of that now. But, of course if you lived in Tuscaloosa and you rooted for Auburn, you probably never stepped foot inside of Mike's Barber Shop, because it was a shrine to all things Bear Bryant. But, that was different. Sportsball over rules all else down here.

What a terrible place that Mike's must have been..

 

[cosmicfolklore]

What a terrible place that Mike's must have been..

Are you one of the blue and orange types?