Life on razor’s edge

Linda Moses, owner of Mr. Balboa in Newport Beach, didn’t just vow to keep her late husband’s barber shop running.

She mastered it.

After three years of hard work, Moses has earned the title of master barber.

The family oriented business was founded in 1959 by Wanye Moses and his father.

“I never in my life thought I would actually be running the shop,” the 65-year-old said.

“I asked myself, what could I do to honor Wayne, and this was it,” said Linda Moses, a former doctor’s office manager.

Working first as an apprentice under resident barber Tony Layndes, Linda Moses was surprised at how well she adapted to her career change.

“I did this first for Wayne, but the more I got into it, the more I enjoyed it,” Linda Moses said.

Serving as a “guinea pig” model for Linda Moses’s barber license, friend Bill Peck gave up a 37-year-old beard for the cause.

“That’s a true friend that will do something like that,” Moses said.

Decorated with family pictures, Thunderbird car memorabilia, paintings of surf, and various decorations donated by customers, the shop has changed little since Linda took over.

Three chairs and a back bar that together cost the shop $3,600 in 1959, have appreciated to $6,000 per chair.

“They don’t make them (the chairs) anymore; it’s hard to find someone who can repair them,” Linda said.

Most of the clientele are regulars who come in for a $14 old-fashioned cut. No appointment is needed.

“We try and run a shop where people can relax. They can talk if they want, or they can not talk.”

The shop’s specialty is an $18 shave that was introduced by resident barber Tony Layndes

“I don’t know any other barber in Newport Beach that does a shave,” Linda Moses said.20051030ip3u6dkn(LA)Linda Moses, with Tony Layndes, holds her master barber certificate.20051030ip3u6qkn(LA)The late Wayne Moses gives a haircut to his grandson Chad Moses.