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LAPLACE — Britton Mapes recently opened Britton’s Barbershop at 1720 Carrollwood Drive Ste. F in LaPlace, marking his return home to the town where he was first inspired to cut hair.

Mapes graduated from barber school at the same time he graduated from high school in 2009. That wouldn’t have been possible without help from trusted barber, friend and mentor Sedric Milton.

“I went to the same barber from the time I was 12 until he passed away,” Mapes said. “I was about 16, still in high school and getting my hair cut when I asked him about getting a barber’s license. He put me in his car and drove me from Kuttin Korner Barber Shop in LaPlace to Ray J’s College of Hair in Baton Rouge. He got me signed up for barber school, and I worked with him until he passed away in 2012.”

After Milton’s passing, Mapes got in touch with barber school owner Raymond Cosey and was referred to a job cutting hair at the student union barber shop on the Louisiana State University campus. Mapes later went on to work at another barber shop in Baton Rouge before making the decision to return home to St. John the Baptist Parish. Britton’s Barber Shop officially opened on Dec. 19 in LaPlace.

“This is where I’m from, and I just wanted to be back home where I know everybody,” Mapes said.

Britton’s Barber Shop specializes in haircuts for all hair types and ethnicities. The barber shop is open to men and boys of all ages, and Mapes assures customers, “Anything you can dream of, I can do.”

Men’s haircuts are $20, while kids’ haircuts are $15.

Other services include beard trims and hot towel shaves with the straight razor.

Mayes said one of the best parts about the career is meeting new people. Just as he formed a friendship with his high school barber, Mapes has built strong connections with the people who sit in his barber chair.

“It just never seems like coming to work,” Mapes said. “One of the things I love is just meeting people. I cut hair for all different ethnicities, so I am able to meet all different kinds of people.”

Britton’s Barber Shop has only been open for a short period of time, but Mapes has already received positive feedback from the community.

Customer Jude Martin called Mapes “a true craftsman,” while another testimonial from Nicholas Flournoy referred to Mapes as “a perfect mechanic with the clippers.”

Mapes recently cut the hair of a little boy who insisted on “helping” by holding the clippers. The little man’s parents thanked Britton’s Barber Shop for being so patient with their boy.

Business hours are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Walk-ins are welcome and no appointment is necessary, but customers can feel free to call ahead at 225-916-8171.

For more information, find Britton’s Barber Shop on Facebook or visit brittons-barber-shop.business.site.