As the year 2006 wound to a close, so did the cosmetology career of Barb Duren, owner and operator of Nu Style Beauty Salon in Shelby for the past 38 years.

After 44 years as a beautician, cutting, combing, perming, straightening, coloring, teasing and highlighting hair, Duren decided it was time to throw in the towel, (and combs and shears) so to speak, and retire. She locked the door to the salon for the last time on Dec. 29, 2006.

She received her license in September, 1962, after graduating from Columbus Beauty Collegte, which was opereated by Pat and Malyn DeTurk.

Her first jobs were in Columbus as The Oriental and The Nu before returning to Shelby where she had grown up. She worked at Harold Kosch's shop during the absence of LaMyra Pokorny who was on a medical leave. When Pokorney did not return to work, Duren stayed on. She stayed on when Marilyn Tonniges purchased the business, moved it to the west side of main street and it became the Nu Style Beauty Salon.

Duren purchased the business from Tonniges in approximately 1969 and in 1972 moved the salon to a building on the east side of main street that had foirmerly housed Rose's Coffee Shop.

"Hair styles seem to come and go--the long, straight hair of the 1970's is back again," said Duren, reflecting on the past 44 years. Also during the '70s, many younger men came in for perms to have curly hair when the afro style was popular. A hairdo that she does not miss is the "beehive" which required a lot of teasing and hair spray.

She noted that in the early days of her career women could not cut men's hair although male barbers could cut women's hair and give permanents, even though they had not received the specific schooling. Now it is not unusual for men to come to a salon for hair cuts, color and highlighting.

Duren was a member of the Nebraska Cosmetologist's Association for 36 years, holding the offices of president, vice president and treasurer in the local chapter. She also was active in the Look Good Feel Better program which was associated with the American Cancer Society.

At time during the past 40 years in Shelby, the Nu Style was the only beauty shop in town. Duren has helped countless customers look good. "I came to know my customers and they became friends," said Duren, adding that made it easier to go to a funeral home and give her customers a final style.

Future plans include travel, golf, painting, gardening and attending grandchildren's activities.

She and her husband, John, reside in Rising City. They are the parents of three boys, Jeff (Diane), Mike and Robert (Linda) and five grandchildren, Shauna, Joni, Audra, Ryan and Jake Duren.