Go to Harvard Sq. for a Duke Cut

In the age of instant television images appearances can be very important for a politician. And as Gov. Michael S. Dukakis hits the presidential campaign trail his hairdo will soon be a familiar sight to millions of Americans across the nation.

But those who live in Harvard Square can do more than just see it, they can wear it.

For the past eight years, the governor has gone to George Papalimberis at the Custom Barber Shop on Brattle St. for his trademark bushy haircut.

Every 10 days to two weeks, Dukakis pays $7 a shot for one of Papalimberis' haircuts. The governor has been coming back to the small shop just outside Harvard Square ever since he taught at the Kennedy School. Dukakis worked at the school of government from 1979 to 1982, which was the interim between his terms as governor.

What is the magic attraction which draws Dukakis back to the Cambridge barber shop?

According to Papalimberis, Massachusetts' chief executive and recently announced Democratic presidential candidate returns "because he likes the cut."

The Greek immigrant praised the governor's decision to run for President, saying about Dukakis, who is the 54-year-old son of Greek immigrants: "It's very good for the Governor. Now everybody must help him in his campaign."

Papalimberis said he will do his part for the election effort by insuring that the governor's trademark haircut looks good. "[Dukakis] has a good chance. He's the best one of the candidates," said Papalimberis, who has owned the barber shop for nine years. The barber said Dukakis has a good head of hair which needs no special treatment.

Despite the fame of his customer, Papalimberis said he doesn't give the Duke a discount on his bi-weekly visits, and the barber said that he has no plans to accompany the candidate to the White House.

"Let him get elected first," said Papalimberis, who has been a barber since he first came to America from Greece 21 years ago.