ARLINGTON — Lori Kirkeby’s career has included jobs as diverse as a distribution engineer for PUD and a city planner for Stanwood, but in all that time, she maintained the skills as a barber that she honed in 1981.

The opening of the Hairport Barbershop at 5702 172nd St. NE in Arlington represents a return to the field that she found so fun 30 years ago, in a location that she hopes customers will find convenient during their drives.

“I always kept my license and kept practicing,” said Kirkeby, as she trimmed the bangs of young customer A.J. Matulovich in one of her four seats. “We’re strictly a barbershop here. No coloring, perms or chemicals.”

A longtime resident of north Snohomish County, Kirkeby already knew many of her customers and reported that traffic has been good for bringing in new faces. While cutting hair allows her to indulge her artistic nature, her no-frills service is tailored to appeal to those who might not feel at home in a beauty parlor.

“I wanted a more masculine setting for guys who don’t like sitting around in a salon,” Kirkeby said. “My other barber has 36 years of experience. He’s really old-school.”

The Hairport Barbershop currently sells Woody’s hair products for men, but is looking at carrying other merchandise as well.

For more information, stop by the Hairport Barbershop, where walk-ins are always welcome, or call Kirkeby at 425-418-8687.