After 44 years, Albany barber Malcolm Lane is retiring

ALBANY — Long-time Albany barber Malcolm Lane is hanging up his scissors at the end of this year. Lane, 74, will retire on Dec. 30 after 44 years of cutting hair.

Originally from Shellman, Lane got into the hair-cutting business after sustaining an injury while working at a mobile home factory.

“I was in Americus working on an assembly line, building mobile homes,” Lane said. “Hurricane Camille had hit Biloxi (Mississippi), and that’s when they wanted to get trailers out there for temporary housing. So we had to pick up the tempo and work a little faster. I walked through a catwalk with some metal and made a misstep. I turned loose of the metal because I didn’t want to bend it up, but I ripped two discs in my lower back. During recuperation after surgery, I went to barber school.”

Lane got his barber’s license and came to Albany to work as an apprentice in 1973. He later acquired his master barber’s license and embarked on a career that he says has changed radically over the years.

According to Lane, barbers originally did more than just haircuts or shaves. They also performed various types of medical procedures, thus the historical significance of the red, blue and white barber pole.

“The pole represents way back before the physicians took over (medical treatment),” Lane said. “Barbers would set broken bones, perform ‘blood lettings’ and other stuff. The red stripe represents the blood, the blue represents the veins and the white represents the bandages.”

Lane fondly recalled memorable aspects of his career while looking through a photo album.

“That little fellow right there, I used to cut his hair,” said Lane, pointing to the picture of a child in the album. “He’s grown now, but he was a sport. I have had a good time. There have been lots of different hairstyles, some of it comical stuff.

“I remember when I first started, haircuts were $3.75. That was a good Christmas that first year. I cut a lot of hair, and we had presents stacked up as high as the window. Things have changed a lot. It seems less people come to get their hair cut at a barber shop these days. I guess they go to the salon, but overall it’s been really good. I still have one person that I have had since day one, Ira Rowe. His son is the fire chief (Ron Rowe) here in Albany.”

Age has in no way dulled Lane’s wit, and he says if it weren’t for health issues, he would probably continue cutting hair for years to come.

“I used to do shaves, but you need a pretty steady hand when using that straight razor,” said Lane, smiling. “It has been a fine journey, but there comes a time to hang it up. I have some health issues, as does my wife. So I am looking forward to retirement, although I will miss the people.”