old occupations - hair dresser

[zannette]

I have come across a male relative in the UK 1881 census who is described as a 'Hair Dresser' He is only 12 yrs old, living in Wigan. He cannot possibly be a ladies hairdresser can he? So what was a hair dresser? Something to do with horse hair perhaps?

Hope someone knows, and many thanks.

[stanmapstone]

He could be a horse hair dresser,aka hair drawer, who secured a bunch of hair, after it has been hackled,drew it over wire teeth, called cards,to remove short lengths of hair; drew out hairs of approximately aqual length,and made them up into lots which he tied tightly into bunches; also sorted the hair into grades according to fineness,soundness, and colour. "A Dictionary of Occupational Terms"

Stan

[BumbleB]

As his father wasn't a hairdresser, I'm assuming he might have been an apprentice    But there again he might have been working for a couple of years, even though only aged 12, or may have been the lad who soaped up the beards in readiness for shaving, and his Dad who would have answered the census questions maybe gave him a grander title    Or he could be what Stan says, a dresser of hair.  Who knows 

BumbleB

[stanmapstone]

His brother was a brush maker so I assume he was probably a hair dresser for brush making,who dressed bristle i.e. hog hair, badger hair, or whale whiskers. RG11; Piece: 3764; Folio: 67; Page: 26

Stan

[Roger The Hat]

As a point of interest, I have hairdressers in my family history, dating from 1881, in Bermondsey.
That particular gentleman finally gave up his scissors in 1945 - his death certificate says "Retired Master Barber".

'Hat.

Added: He'd be turning in his grave if he could see my hair!
 
 

[zannette]

Thank you all for that wealth of information, and yes Stanmapstone, I saw the connection too, of the brushmaking. It makes sense now. Unfortunately, he died in Rainhill asylum, I wonder if he went on to curing moleskins with mercury.

Many thanks

[Redroger]

Added: He'd be turning in his grave if he could see my hair!
 
 

He'd be over the moon getting £5 to cut mine. Billiard balls have been mentioned!

[pinefamily]

I am curious why some men were hairdressers, as opposed to barbers (which is the modern term). Is it because of the older connection of barbers as surgeons/blood-letters?
Shades of Sweeney Todd!

[Roger The Hat]

I'm guessing that if you just wanted a haircut you went to a hairdresser, whereas if you wanted a haircut and/or a (hot towel) shave, you went to the Barber's shop.

(The last time I had my hair cut professionally, it cost me 10/-    )