LEWISTON — He hasn’t been doing it very long, but he’s already finding his niche as an urban barber helping others — specifically veterans in Maine with mobility challenges.

Tyrone Jones and his business partner Noor Mohamed operate L/A Barber at 79 Chestnut St., and have been clipping away at the small, but orderly barbershop for the past year or so, as they try to establish their clientele and get the lay of the land.

Jones got his first exposure to barbering in jail, where he had a choice of three trades to learn as he prepared for his release. Plumbing and electrical work didn’t appeal to him, but barbering struck a chord, he said. “Once I put the clippers in my hand, I felt like I was at home. It just felt right to me.”

Last year, Jones graduated from Aveda Institute in Augusta, after completing 800 hours of coursework and practicum.

The Brooklyn native’s family moved to Maine a decade ago and he followed. To say the pace of life is different from New York City is an understatement. But for Jones, he said it’s a welcome change.

“I love it here, I love being in Maine, I feel like its restful,” he said as he focused on trimming the hair and beard of a customer Thursday afternoon.

It was a family member, a veteran, who got him started helping other veterans who needed haircuts, but couldn’t easily get to the barbershop. “They can’t move,” he said. “Some of them are disabled, they don’t have vehicles … some of them don’t like the atmosphere. … they can’t come out the house.” Most he said use wheelchairs.

Jones said he hesitated venturing out of the barbershop and into someone’s home at first. “I made an exception, told him I usually don’t do that. So, once I did it for him, he took me to the VA hospital in Augusta.” And the word soon spread.

This year, Jones said he’s helped about 15 veterans with mobility issues by going to them and charging only half his usual price for a haircut. Some also ask for a good old-fashioned straight-edged razor shave, which he obliges. His partner Mohamed, a Somali native, said he’s also helping veterans who need haircuts.

Mainers are known for helping others, even if they don’t have much to give. Jones explained his motivation this way: “I feel like they gave service to our country, we at least owe you something.” And this is something Jones saw as his opportunity to give back.

Barbering is different from what it was in decades past. “They didn’t have fades and all that,” Jones said, “there was only one cut — well two — a straight cut and a bowl cut. Now, you have to be an artist, it’s artistic work.”

Part of being an artist is keeping up with the trends, something Jones said they have to stay on top of.

Does everyone want something different?

“Absolutely – and every race is different too,” Jones said. “We get white people, we get Black, African, Spanish, everybody’s hair texture is different, every culture has their own way of doing their hairstyle.”

Jones said he likes interacting with people, the socialization aspect of his work. As for what drives him, what motivates him every day, the answer came without hesitation.

“Money,” he said, as the barbershop crowd erupted in laughter. “I got bills to pay, but I also love the trade, I love cutting hair. Once I got into it, I wake up in the morning and I’m happy to come here.”

Prices at L/A Barber are basic — $25 for a cut, $30 for a fade, $10 for a beard trim and $20 for children under 10.

“We know where we are and we try to accommodate people … working people … who can’t afford $50 haircuts.”

Jones’ attitude is he doesn’t mind helping people out, because he’s been there.

Last week a guy came in and told Jones he had a job interview but he didn’t have any money for a haircut. Jones cut his hair and sent him on his way.

Asked if he heard what happened at the interview, Jones said the man got the job and started working this week.

It’s a busy little barbershop and Jones and Mohamed are often booked, but welcome walk-ins. The two said they’d like to expand one day, but for now, they’re taking it one day at a time.

“I’m trying to have a better life,” Jones said, “for once in my life I’m doing the right thing, I feel good.”

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