Why do we trust barbers?

Why do we trust barbers more
than priests or the police?
by Jonathan Wells

'Just a little off the top, sir?'

For all the times that these words have been followed by tentative conversations about the weather and future holidays, there are just as many instances of men pouring their hearts out to the modest British barber, according to new research.

Research organisation Ipsos MORI have conducted their annual 'Veracity Index', a public poll that gauges how much trust the man on the street has in members of various professions. And this year it has been revealed that hot on the heels of doctors, judges and teachers is the humble hairdresser.

Scoring 69 per cent on the 'Veracity Index', barbers are a cut above both the police force (68 pc) and members of the clergy (65 pc) when it comes to dependability.

But why is this? Why do we feel such an affinity towards these coiffuring confidants?

Adam Brady, of London's Ruffian Barbers, believes that there are several reasons.
 
Why we trust barbers more than priests or the police.