The last traditional men’s barber in Garnett is retiring, but, if you ask him, it’s not because he wants to. Eighty three year-old Larry Varvel came to Garnett in 1990 after cutting hair in western Kansas for many years, after he agreed to buy his brother’s shop after he moved to Johnson County. He says a shoulder injury suffered in a fall in July isn’t going to get better, as far as strength for lifting.
Larry says he wishes he knew how many haircuts he’s given in his 62 year career as a barber, saying there were guys who he cut their hair, their kids hair and their grandkids hair. Things really haven’t changed a lot in the barbering business over the years. Varvel says the changes in barbering have been more technique oriented. He says he was taught – that the comb is the most important thing you have in your hand, because that’s your gauge, adding a clipper or scissors or a razor or whatever will cut hair, but that comb lets you taper it up.
So, what’s Larry going to do now that he is retiring? He says he’s not sure as he never has ‘not had a job’. Maybe more fishing. Good luck , and enjoy your retirement Llarry!
