A barbershop is a place where men and boys go to get their hair cut, their beards trimmed, and sometimes a traditional shave with a straight razor and hot towels. The person who cuts hair in a barbershop is called a barber.

Barbershops have been gathering places for centuries. Walk into a traditional barbershop and you'll often find comfortable chairs where customers wait their turn, reading newspapers or chatting with others. The distinctive red, white, and blue striped pole outside (called a barber pole) spins endlessly, signaling where the barbershop is located. These poles date back hundreds of years and have become one of the most recognizable shop signs in the world.

Barbershops differ from hair salons in their atmosphere and specialty. While salons typically offer many styling services for all types of hair, barbershops focus on classic cuts: crew cuts, fades, side parts, and beard trims. Many barbers take pride in their clipper and scissor skills, creating sharp, clean lines.

The word also describes a style of singing called barbershop harmony, where four singers blend their voices in close harmonies. This musical style got its name because people used to gather in barbershops to sing together while waiting for haircuts.