Jordan's New Style Barbers in Peace Dale, RI

By BRETT WARNKE

WAKEFIELD—Three barbers at Jordan’s New Style snip, clip, and chat on Wakefield’s Main Street.  The previous barbershop relocated after a flood destroyed what had been a cozy basement spot filled with pool tables and the usual haircut mischief.  The shop’s owners decided not to sign a new lease. 

They left but the barber pole stayed.

                Adam Lavelle, 19, grew up in the Chariho region and learned to cut hair with his friends.  He’ll buzz skulls, trim chin spinach, and give you a “freshy.”  But don’t be frightened, parents; that is just Adam’s slang for trimming your neck hair.   By his senior year of high school he knew it is what he wanted to do with life. 

He is a bit more advanced in his trade than a few years ago.  Recently, he cut a design of Michael Jordan hurling through the air on the back of someone’s head.               But you can see how such experiments are successful.  I walked in while Adam was concentrating on a cut and he seemed so focused and concerned, I feared peppering him with too many questions while he worked. 

He recently moved in with his grandmother after her husband died.  Just a few weeks ago he was living on his own in a North Kingstown apartment, watching his spendthrift chums spend money as if they had it. 

                “I love living with Grandma.  I can save money and I can help her out if she needs it,” he said. 

                Adam works for Pedro Torres whose reputation precedes him.  Another barber P.J. Chaloux, who was once Pedro’s customer and now works in the shop, said with urgent certainty, “Pedro’s the best barber in South County.” 

Pedro grew up in Puerto Rico and began cutting hair in backyards when was 13.  He worked in a factory when he was twenty and chopped hair on the side to make additional cash.  Then he was hired on Boon Street and made contact with a matron who decided he was a worthwhile investment.  She paid up the money for the shop, believing in Pedro’s talents, and since the June 14^th opening, Jordan’s is doing well. 

“When you do a good job, people appreciate that.  I try to do the best I can,” he said.  Mothers with their kids, students, and older men clipping wintry beards, all feel welcome Pedro said.

“Everybody’s comfortable here,” Pedro said, “They’re happy when they leave.”

But business anywhere in Rhode Island is squeezed by austerity in these cold recession days.  And a $14 haircut at Jordan’s may seem like just one more expense.  Adam said that he knows people who are cutting their own hair (with mixed results) or growing it out. 

                “People seem to let anybody do their hair these days,” Adam said. 

                P.J. has been barber for seven years and he coaches for the Washington County Raiders, a local football team for elementary school kids.  Like his clipper friends, P.J. grew up “messing around in the house and cutting his buddies hair” and sees his work as an art. 

                “I love it when they leave my chair looking good—it’s like detailing a car. “ 

The mild-mannered Adam and the savvy businessman Pedro did not or would not admit the secret pleasure of all barbers:  Guy Talk. 

P.J. said it plainly:  “This is where married guys come and let it all out.  We chat about sports, I listen to veteran’s stories from their time at war... it’s fun.”

                As I began to leave, I asked for final thoughts.  Adam broke from his pinched concentration with a cheery grin, “If you want to look the best, get it cut by the best.” 

For more information call 401-284-4780 or email the shop at latinloverpr79@hotmail.com.