How did the Romans shave? A look into men's grooming rituals

Shaving in Ancient Rome was not merely a personal hygiene practice but a significant cultural and social ritual that reflected one’s status and role in society. From the tools used to the techniques employed, the process of shaving held a prominent place in the daily life of Roman men.

In ancient Rome, the act of shaving was not just about personal grooming but carried significant cultural weight. The first shave of a young Roman marked his transition into adulthood, often celebrated with a gathering. Roman barbershops, or tonsoriums, served as hubs for social interaction where men would not only get shaves but also catch up on news and gossip.

The shaving process typically involved using a pumice stone to scrub away stubble followed by a novacila for a closer shave. Post-shave, perfumes and oils were applied to soothe the skin. Among the elite, having a personal barber and maintaining a hairless body was a symbol of status. It was noted that Julius Caesar had his facial hair meticulously plucked out with tweezers each day.

The Onset of Shaving in Rome

In the early Roman era, men traditionally wore uncut beards, a custom evidenced by historical accounts involving figures like M. Papirius as insulted by a Gaul, detailed in Livy's writings (V.41), and discussions in Cicero's orations (Pro Cael. 14).

It wasn't until 300 BC, according to Varro (De Re Rust. II.11) and Pliny (VII.59), that Romans began the practice of shaving, initiated by P. Ticinius Maenas who introduced a barber from Sicily to Rome. This marked a cultural shift when Scipio Africanus became the first to adopt daily shaving, a practice that gradually gained popularity, as noted by Pliny.

During the Republic, while some men trimmed and styled their beards decoratively, referred to as bene barbati and barbatuli by Cicero (Catil. II.10; ad Att. I.14, 16, Pro Cael. 14), the lower classes often couldn't afford regular shaving, leading to remarks by Martial (VII.95, XII.59). Mourning customs of the time dictated that both high and low-status men grew their beards.

Regarding societal norms, a long, unkempt beard was generally seen as a sign of neglect, something the censors L. Veturius and P. Licinius addressed by ordering M. Livius to shave and clean up before re-entering the senate after his exile (Livy XXVII.34). The first shave marked the transition to manhood and was celebrated with a festival.