People whose job is to cut, style, and treat hair for customers.
From Old English 'hær' (hair) combined with 'dresser' (one who dresses or arranges). The term emerged in the 17th century as hairstyling became a distinct profession separate from barbers.
The word 'dresser' originally meant someone who prepared cloth in textile production, which is why it was applied to professionals who 'dressed' or arranged hair into fashionable styles during the Victorian era.
Historically feminized labor; 'hairdresser' became coded feminine in the 20th century while 'barber' remained masculine, despite identical skill. This occupational gendering reflects segregation of labor markets and wage disparities.
Use 'hairdresser' and 'barber' for any practitioner regardless of gender; consider context-neutral 'hair professional' in formal writing.
["hair professional","styling expert","trichologist"]
Women historically founded modern hair care industries (Madam C.J. Walker's hair product empire) yet remain underrepresented in high-compensation salon ownership.
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