Billy DuVall Jr., a barber at Shake Rag Salon, spends his Sundays as a worship leader at Hillvue Heights Church. He said that his ministry carries over into his profession. BETHANY MOLLENKOF/HERALD

The salon was bustling. Women had their hair cut, combed, permed and styled, but one room was still. The door was partially closed, and two people were quietly chatting and smiling.

Saturday mornings are busy days at the Shake Rag Salon on Chestnut Street, but Billy DuVall Jr. takes time to listen carefully and genuinely care for his clients. Today his client is sharing some important personal struggles, but last week he was laughing with a teenage client about her texting habits.

DuVall doesn’t fulfill the cliché role of a gossipy hair stylist. Instead he offers words of encouragement and kindness. He has worked at Shake Rag Salon for the past five years and has built up a strong following, not only for his hairstyling expertise, but because he is welcoming to all.

“It’s not really about hair anymore. It’s more of a ministry thing for me,” DuVall said.

And ministry is something DuVall is familiar with. He works as a hair stylist, but on Sundays he’s a worship leader at Hillvue Heights Church.

“The life I live and the songs I sing are all one,” he said. “I sing who I am, I am what I sing.”

DuVall said his singing has brought people to tears and is yet another way for him to love others.

“No matter if I am singing or cutting hair, it is about the ministry and encouraging people,” DuVall said. “… that is pretty much what my life is about.”