Some customers prefer a conventional barber to cut their hair.

Enter Jan Kresge, who is in her 17th year plying her trade as owner of Jan’s Barber Shop at 434 Delaware Ave. in Palmerton.

After being under the tutelage of Beverly Loftus, who used to run the Palmerton Barber Shop, Kresge decided to strike out on her own.

“I learned from Beverly; she had been to Allentown Barber College,” Kresge said. “I was Beverly’s apprentice in her shop.”

Kresge has built up quite the clientele, with repeat customers from Palmerton, Lehighton, Danielsville, Cherryville, Brodheadsville and Saylorsburg.

“They’re pleased,” Kresge said. “They keep coming back.”

Kresge said most of her customers are older adults.

“I’m constantly getting new guys; they like the traditional barber,” she said. “They like walk-in’s.”

Kresge’s hours are currently from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Friday.

“I enjoy the different conversations every day,” she said. “It’s nice that when they come back in, we can pick back up with our conversations.”

Both Kresge, along with Nikki Saas, a veteran at the barbershop for the past seven years, remain walk-in’s only, no appointments necessary.

Saas has built up a great clientele in her own right, said Kresge, who added that she has taken over Saturday mornings by herself from 9 a.m. to noon.

Recently, Kresge welcomed the shop’s newest barber, Drew Fiouris, whom she said is known for his creative young men’s cuts, as well as the businessman look and designer beards.

Fiouris’ hours are from 12:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, by appointment only. No walk-ins.

Kresge noted that from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Friday features “The Senior Special.”

“Everybody’s different; we all have our niche,” she said. “I’ve been here 17 years; I’d like to be here quite a while longer.”