After closing its doors in October 2015, the LSU Student Union Barbershop is back and under new management. Moving from their previous location at 4225 Nicholson Drive, local legend Jamel Bowser and his shop Dorm Room Kutz now occupy the space.
Bowser said he considers this a dream come true.
“I always wondered if I would know what it’s like to live out my dream, and now I know,” Bowser said. “It’s amazing.”
He said the move made sense because his clientele was already mostly University students. However, the move was not without hiccups. In anticipation of the move, Bowser posted to GoFundMe to help cover the costs of moving. Among other things, some of the clients’ help made the transition smooth enough for him to take it down.
In an email, Assistant Vice President of Auxiliary Services Margot Carroll said Dorm Room Kutz moved into the space on Dec. 1.
“We are very excited to offer these services to the LSU community,” Carroll said.
Dorm Room Kutz offers a variety of services including basic haircuts, coloring, braiding, sew-ins and makeup. The shop offers services for male, female and youth clientele.
Bowser said the highlight of the move is that they hired stylists for the new location to offer expanded services for women.
“LSU is more than half female,” Bowser said. “So we wanted to have people to cater to that part of the student body that we didn’t have at my other shop.”
Stylist Ragan Mays said they can accommodate anyone, regardless of hair type or style. The basic haircut costs $25, but Bowser said he is offering a $5 discount for all University students, faculty and staff.
Reception to the shop has been positive so far, Bowser said.
“Most people are glad that we’re here,” Bowser said. “A lot of people are happy that the barbershop is open, period.”
Bowser also said he is bringing back the fan-favorite signature wall from the original location but has yet to pick a spot for it.
Bowser credits a group of University students from 2015 for getting the shop off the ground. Without their help, all of this would not be possible, he said.
The shop is open from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and by appointment only on Sundays.

Gallery • 2 Photos

Zilin Li

Dorm Room Kutz staff (from left to right): Dominique Johnson, Brandon Davillier, Jamel Bowser, Devan Lang, Ragan Mayson stand in front of the new barbershop in the LSU Student Union on Monday, Jan. 09, 2017.