While the cost of a shave and a haircut is considerably higher than two bits these days, freshly minted barber Lucas Leighton aims to provide those services and more.

The 18-year-old Leighton recently joined the staff at Shear Artistry, a family hair salon run by Annette Nager and located on Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor. A 2015 graduate of Boothbay Region High School, Leighton finished his barber training in July and was approached by Nager soon after. Despite his friends being off to college and in the military, Leighton knew he wanted to make a living in the area where his family resides. His father, Micheal Leighton, is a well-known custom builder who is active in the community. 

“I’ve always loved Boothbay and I’m not a city person,” he said. “I wanted to be here but be able to make a living.”

Becoming a barber was not a lifelong dream but Leighton had always enjoyed giving haircuts to friends, with mixed results, he admitted. After completing the training at the Capilo Institute of Hair Design in Augusta, he honed his skills and gained confidence. The Boothbay region is full of hair salons that cut men’s hair but,  according to Nager, the town needs a barber. She plans to open on Wednesdays from 4-8 p.m. exclusively for Leighton. While all are welcome, the informally dubbed barber night will provide a safe haven for those who don’t like the salon cackling, said Leighton. Besides his obvious skills, Leighton represents the future of both the salon and the town at large.

“It’s important for young people to be here. I wanted to do what I could to have him stick around,” said Nager. 

Leighton will provide basic barber services, facials, scalp treatments, waxing and a straight razor shave, a rarity these days. “Because I’m a younger age I can look at newer styles and realize what they are,” he said. “The straight razor shave is an added service that  men really like.”

Leighton has already established a rapport with his new clients which is a crucial part of the hair styling business. “Lucas is really outgoing which helps to put people at ease,” said Nagar. “People are always concerned when trying someone new.”

His services will be available on both an appointment and walk-in basis. Although he isn’t licensed to use chemicals for tinting or coloring, the staff at Shear Design can fill in the gaps when needed. As someone barely out of high school, Leighton is starting a career while others his age are still figuring it out.

“I’m a hands-on person and looking forward to it,” he said.