Barbers vs. Beauticians Over Striped Poles

[Mark]

Barbers, beauticians get snippy over striped poles


Friendly arguments aren't hard to find in a barbershop, but try cutting in on a hallowed symbol — that red, white and blue pole — and it may be time to hide the scissors.

Steeped in history and symbolism, those iconic cylinders spinning on storefronts across America are an increasing source of friction between barbers and beauticians. Minnesota and Michigan are the latest fronts in a spreading legislative campaign to reserve the swirling poles for barbers. The proposals, which often include fines for offenders, are driving a new wedge in a trade where gender lines have long run deep.

"The barber pole is the oldest sign in town besides the cross. It should not be displayed where there is not a licensed barber," said Charles Kirkpatrick, of Arkansas, a barber since 1959 who keeps tabs on such legislation for the National Association of Barber Boards of America.

For many, the only real difference between a barber and hairstylist is the clientele they serve. But barbers say the tools of their trade and unique services they provide make them different, and that laws are needed to prevent beauty parlors, salons and other establishments from passing themselves off as barbershops, including chain shops that bear the barber name and logo but don't have a single licensed barber on site.
Cosmetologists argue that haircuts are haircuts, and say the protective efforts are silly and chauvinist.

"They're still trying to hang onto the vestiges that say they're special. I can cut a man's hair. Why shouldn't I be able to put a barber pole up?" said Jeanie Thompson, president of the Minnesota Salon and Spa Association and owner of a beauty parlor. "They're making a mountain out of a molehill." read more

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Are barbers really making too much out of the issue of the striped poles?

And guys, does it really matter who cuts your hair? A barber or a hairstylist?

[Josef]

I'm curious what the strippers think

[Chase]

i go to hair cuttery to get my hair cut. not sure why, just a habit i guess.

then i get my hair cut like once a month if that...lol....i be getting shaggy

[longnecker]

The barber pole signifies a place to get a hair cut. If the salon or "parlor cuts men's hair why should they not be allowed to display the pole?

[M.Bush]

Why am I picturing "Grumpy Old Men" while reading this article??

[Bellicose]

But barbers say the tools of their trade and unique services they provide make them different, and that laws are needed to prevent beauty parlors, salons and other establishments from passing themselves off as barbershops, including chain shops that bear the barber name and logo but don't have a single licensed barber on site.


Cosmetologists argue that haircuts are haircuts

Are barbers really making too much out of the issue of the striped poles?

And guys, does it really matter who cuts your hair? A barber or a hairstylist?

Tools of the trade, as in, the same things that a stylist is using right? If they are just doing straight razor then yeah I get it. But I am sure that they are also using slippers, scissors, and a comb. Which are the same exact tools of the trade that a stylist uses.

Haircuts are not haircuts. For me, it has to be a 1 on the side, and scissor cut the top, as short as you can make it. No exceptions. Don't like the clippers up top, just don't look right. I actually prefer the comb/clipper fade, over the progressive attachment fade in.

Yes they are making too much out of this, and at first I thought it said STRIPPER POLE....lmao

At first, it really did matter who cut my hair. You see up until about 2 years ago there has only been about 4 people that cut my hair, since I have been paying for it. Before I paid for it myself, my dad used to take me to the same barber all the time. Well when we moved to Delaware, I had to find another person, so I went by work. Girl cut my hair perfect, she moved to Illinois. Then after Wifey complaining for a bit about my hair being too long. I broke down and just started to try people out hoping to find the right person again. Has been about 6 different people so far, 2 are pretty good, and have went back to them. Although I really want to try this new place by the house. Essenze, I think it is called. Really just want to try it, because that place is always packed, and I want to know what is going on, are the haircuts really that good?

Yeah I know you didn't need the story, but just wanted to show you that, it really did matter to me.

Oh and for the record, I prefer the person cutting my hair to be a female, and a non-smoker. Nobody will ever be as good as Michelle from Images Salon in Woodbury, NJ, NOBODY! Although Aubrey was pretty close, shame she moved to Illinois though.


Chase what Hair Cuttery you go to?

[Grin]

Haircuts are not haircuts. For me, it has to be a 1 on the side, and scissor cut the top, as short as you can make it. No exceptions. Don't like the clippers up top, just don't look right. I actually prefer the comb/clipper fade, over the progressive attachment fade in.

Well shit Bel, now I know exactly what you look like and stalking you is no longer any fun

[Bellicose]

Well shit Bel, now I know exactly what you look like and stalking you is no longer any fun

This is eerily funny, I think....

[cracker]

I'm super pale and I shave my own head. I like to rock the "Skinny Uncle Fester" look. No barber necessary.

[Chase]

i go to governor's square. they are all pretty good, except the one lady, who i get all the time, and i don't have the heart to NOT request her....lol

[Bellicose]

i go to governor's square. they are all pretty good, except the one lady, who i get all the time, and i don't have the heart to NOT request her....lol

May I ask is she of Asian descent?

Just so you know, if you ever get the new lady Alice, she is great. She is new there, but has been cutting hair for years, think she managed the one down by U of D at one time. She is a Family friend, that's who cut my hair last time, and she did a great job. Oh and that was also the first time she ever cut my hair.

[Missy]

Why am I picturing "Grumpy Old Men" while reading this article??

Because you were looking in the mirror ??

[Chase]

haha, yes bellicose, nice lady, can't cut my hair though

[Bellicose]

haha, yes bellicose, nice lady, can't cut my hair though

I knew it, same here. Been to her once, and that was it for me, scared the heck out of me. My very next haircut went to Supercuts by Chic-fil-A. Have not been back until my most recent one, but I knew who was going to cut my hair.

May I ask, since you are taller then me. Was a step stool involved as well?

[Panama Girl]

I would say leave the striped pole for barber shops and their male-only clientele. There's nothing wrong with a little tradition!

For mixed or female clientele, I leave you with Bobbi:

Phineas and Ferb - Fabulous - YouTube

[Chase]

No no step stool..lol

[Roogle]

Really i'm indifferent. I think if someone can cut hair there. The pole can be there. Personally i think you can only get the pole if you are an actually good place.

Finding a barber that can do black dudes' hair is a pain in the ass. Once you find a good one. you have to follow that bastard until he moves away. A bad haircut can get your ass beat in the hood.

[Bellicose]

No no step stool..lol

Schucks, she actually said, "excuse me, I will be right back". After trying to get the chair lower for a good 5 minutes. Then came back with a step stool, so she could cut the top of my hair. Let's just say that was not the thing that I remembered the most from that experience either.....