a cut above
Story by Susan O'Connor, Photo by Dero Sanford

Mention the name Barry Posey to any gathering of style conscious people in Northeast Arkansas and one fact is in agreement. Posey gives a fabulous haircut.

“It says something that he has cut my hair from the time I was 23 and I’m almost 55,” said client Cindy Woodard. “I think

that makes its own statement. The perfect cut makes all the difference.”
Posey, however, is humble about his talent. “I do not claim to be the greatest hairstylist,” he said. “But you find a way to be successful. I think I can cut someone’s hair — fit it to their face — as good as anyone.”

His path to an almost 40-year career is an interesting one that began early due to strong encouragement from his mother, Anita, also a cosmetologist.

“To say that I chose hair to be my life’s work, I don’t know,” he said. “I think circumstances, a situation, experience — whatever — allowed me to find my occupation. And now, I can truly say, ‘I love what I do.’”

His father was a military man who lived away until Posey was 14. His mother’s beauty shop was in the home, so the entire family was exposed to that way of life.

“We grew up around the salon, but I never really showed any interest,” Posey said. “I was mostly interested in sports — football and baseball.”

But, his mother was persuasive and Posey missed a few baseball games to attend classes at La Vera Beauty School in downtown Jonesboro. His brother and sister, Burnis and Brenda, also completed the school. Anita told them it was something they could always fall back on.

“I’m not sure of the year,” he said with a laugh. “I don’t think I could drive yet.”

Posey didn’t see himself as a hairstylist at that point. He helped his mother occasionally with sets and colors, but began college classes at Arkansas State in 1964. After taking a year off to be in the National Guard in 1967, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1969. He worked in retail in Memphis following graduation, then returned to Jonesboro in 1971 and began working at his mother’s salon and taking cosmetology classes in advanced techniques.

Then in 1974, as family/unisex hair care was becoming en vogue after years of separate barber and beauty shops, Posey was featured in the Jonesboro Sun’s Off the Beaten Path column. A surge in business followed.

“I went from being booked up every week to being booked up for six weeks.”
In 1975, Brenda joined the salon and they have worked together ever since. “I don’t know what I’d do without her,” he said. “She tells me I need to get a wife.”

In 1981, Posey moved to his current location at 1026 W. Matthews, a six-stylist salon. His mother and sister joined him, and his mother retired at age 80. His nephew, Chris Posey, is also in the business of making people beautiful. He and wife, Marieta, are founders of Roman Touch.

“It has been great to touch so many people’s lives,” he said sincerely. “The closeness I’ve developed with people over the years has really been a great experience. We learn about each other’s families, give each other recipes and gardening tips. I’ve learned so many things from my clients.”

What are the biggest mistakes women make with their hair? Whether it involves cutting, coloring or conditioning, usually done by themselves or a friend first, then they come to a professional for help. ‘I cut my bangs too short,’ or ‘This color used to work.’ Before you cut your bangs, call me. It only takes two minutes, no charge. The color formula needs to be changed at times. And sometimes, the conditioner is not enough and hair needs to be stronger. You can’t repair split ends, but you can prevent them.

What are the three most popular hairstyles people ask for today? Thirty years ago the popular styles were the Dorothy Hamill, the Farrah Fawcett, Jane Fonda, Olivia Newton John and even Barbara Streisand. Today it’s Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Aniston, Jenny McCarthy.

What hair styling products can you not live without? My styling hot spray. It gives body and sets the style. Today the most popular styling tool is the Chi straightener. You can achieve the straight look, but it is also a dangerous weapon. Improper use will result in burning the ends of the hair. Be careful!

What is the secret to healthy hair? If I were a doctor, I would prescribe a healthy life — no stress, no drugs, eat healthy food — doesn’t happen.

If you weren’t a hairstylist, what would be your career of choice? Growing up loving sports, I began as a physical education major and switched to business administration. Had there been a major then in sports medicine or therapy, that would have been my choice — something that involves helping and relationships with people.

What is your favorite menu to cook for a few close friends? I prefer to cook rather than eat out. My favorite menu for friends is my dill pickle stew. It is a regular stew, but you use dill pickle juice for the liquid and add two turnips. I serve it with Mexican cornbread.

If you could board a plane tomorrow for anywhere, where would you go? Colorado for a ski trip with my children.