Walk into any barbershop, and you’ll notice the rhythm. Clippers buzzing, razors gliding, casual conversations flowing as smoothly as the fades being shaped. But listen a little closer, not just to the talk, but to the silence between movements, and you’ll sense something else.
It's all tradition.
Barbershops in Toronto, like Rendezvous, are built on more than just skill and clippers. Behind every cut, every shave, and every polished mirror lies a history of barbershop superstitions, barber rituals, and old-school barbershop traditions passed from one generation to the next. Some are practical. Others? A little quirky. But all of them shape the energy of the shop.
This is a deep dive into the traditions you might never notice, but definitely feel, every time you sit in the chair.
Why You Never Leave Scissors Open
Ask any seasoned barber and they’ll tell you: you don’t leave your shears open. It’s not just about safety — it’s considered bad luck.
In many cultures, particularly across Europe and parts of the Middle East and Asia, open scissors were seen as a tool that could “cut” more than just hair. People believed they could sever ties, invite conflict, or disturb the flow of energy in a space. Even outside the barbershop, open scissors on a table were thought to bring arguments into a household or bad fortune to those who passed them.
Within the barbershop, this superstition evolved into a quiet rule of respect: never leave your tools open or unattended. Closing your shears when not in use isn’t just about avoiding accidents — it’s about preserving intention, protecting the energy of the space, and showing pride in your craft.
At Rendezvous, we always close our tools. Not because we’re superstitious — because we respect where this tradition comes from, and the long line of barbers who practiced before us.
Barbers Don’t Cut Their Own Hair
You might assume a skilled barber would cut their own hair. After all, who knows their style better? But in many traditional shops, this is quietly avoided. Cutting your own hair is said to bring misfortune — not just because it’s tricky, but because you can’t see your own head clearly, literally or symbolically. The belief is that it disrupts clarity and balance. Barbers rely on each other for fresh eyes and steady hands, even outside of business hours. It’s a sign of mutual trust, care, and humility within the trade. At Rendezvous, we still cut each other’s hair — not just because it looks better, but because it’s how the craft was meant to be practiced.
The First Haircut of the Day Sets the Tone
Barbers will tell you: how the first cut goes, the rest of the day follows. A smooth, confident start seems to carry a kind of momentum — and if it’s rocky, the vibe can feel off for hours. It’s less about superstition and more about rhythm. That first appointment shapes the day’s energy, from timing to confidence to flow. At Rendezvous, we give that opening cut our full attention. No rushing, no autopilot. Because when the first cut is strong, everything after falls into place.
Don’t Sweep Hair Before the Client Leaves
This one’s subtle, but still followed in many barbershops: never sweep up while the client is still in the chair. It’s said to “sweep the client out,” meaning they might not return. Beyond the superstition, it’s really about presence and respect. Cleaning up before the experience is complete can feel like you’re rushing someone out the door. At Rendezvous, we wait. We let the cape come off, the mirror check finish, the nod of approval happen — and then we sweep. It’s not about belief. It’s about intention.
The Cape is More Than Just a Cover
To most, the barber’s cape is just a piece of fabric. But to barbers, it marks the start of something focused and intentional. The moment it’s wrapped around your shoulders, casual conversation slows and precision takes over. In some cultures, the cape is even tied with a silent wish for confidence or protection. At Rendezvous, we wrap it with care — not as a chore, but as a signal: your time starts now, and we’re here to get it right.
First-Time Clients Bring First Impressions
There’s an unspoken truth in every barbershop: the way you treat a first-time client matters more than any ad or review. That first cut is everything. Nail it, and you’ve earned trust. Miss the mark, and they likely won’t be back. It’s not superstition — it’s just reality. At Rendezvous, we treat walk-ins like regulars, and first-timers like old friends. We ask the extra questions, we double-check preferences, and we take the time to make sure the result feels right. Because most lifelong clients? They started with one really good first impression.
The Straight Razor: A Ritual, Not a Rush
A straight razor shave isn’t just a service — it’s a ceremony. From the hot towel that opens your pores to the deliberate rhythm of the blade, every step is steeped in tradition. Historically, barbers offered these shaves as a mark of skill and trust. It required focus, care, and control — and it still does. At Rendezvous, we don’t rush it. Each pass of the razor is done with intention. Not because we’re old-school, but because some rituals are worth keeping exactly as they are.
Why These Rituals Still Matter in 2025
Not every barber believes in these traditions. Some are fading. Others are evolving. But at Rendezvous, we see the value in keeping them alive. Because behind every superstition is a deeper message: be intentional. Be present. Respect the process.
Barbershop superstitions and barber rituals aren’t just old stories — they’re part of the rhythm. They remind us that this work is about more than a clean cut. It’s about culture, heritage, and craft.
So next time you're in the chair, pay attention. You might notice your barber closes their shears gently, takes a moment before starting, or waits until you’ve left to sweep the floor. Those aren’t quirks. They’re part of something bigger.
At Rendezvous Barbershop, we don’t believe in magic. But we do believe in meaning.
Book your appointment at Rendezvous and experience the rhythm behind the ritual.
