Babies haven't any hair;

Old men's heads are just as bare;

Between the cradle and the grave

Lies a haircut and a shave. -

Samuel HoffensteinSome are blaming it on politics; others on follicle failure. Either way, the slicked-back look has made a comeback in Utah County.

The style, always popular in Mexico, may have originated with Alfalfa of Little Rascals fame. It was big time in the 1950s and early 1960s, and was later perpetuated by Jimmy Hoffa, whose stiff hair no doubt matched the concrete shoes he is believed to be wearing somewhere in Lake Michigan.

At any rate, the Renaissance is on.

Some men like DeLance Squire, executive director of the Commission for Economic Development in Orem, have done their best to shun the Dark Ages of hair styling. Squire said he knew if he waited long enough, he'd be back in style without having to disturb a strand.

"I guess I've worn my hair this way for 15 or 20 years," said the former Orem mayor. "The main reason is because my hair is unruly - kind of like my political career."

Richard Bradford, executive director of the Utah Valley Economic Development Association, is another veteran slicker. He blames Los Angeles Lakers coach Pat Riley.

"I felt so good once after the Jazz beat the Lakers that I thought I'd console Pat by copying his hair style," Bradford said. He denies his style has anything to do with political aspirations or mafioso connections.

"I tried, but they didn't have any openings."

When County Commissioner Brent Morris showed up for work last month with a year's supply of Butch Wax plastered to his head, political pundits wondered what was up. Previously, Morris had expressed interest in unseating Rep. Howard Nielson, but people were surprised by how quickly he appeared to be grooming for next year's campaign.

Morris, however, denies his new look has anything to do with politics. "Next thing you know I'll be accused of preparing to run against Gov. Bangerter because he's such a good friend of mine."

The slicked-back look quickly caught on in the new Utah County government center, with Commissioner Sid Sandberg and deputy county attorney Jeril Wilson also giving it a try.

Wilson, who holds a state House seat, isn't up for election until next year. Nevertheless, he said, it was time to do something to shed his overly conservative image.

"But after the reaction I got from my kids, I had to go back to the same old style," he said. "One day was enough for me."

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Steve Densley also has been eyeing Rep. Howard Nielson's seat, but he blames his new style on serendipity rather than political posturing. Honest.

"I was just goofing off on my way to Cedar City for the Shakespearean Festival. I stuck my head out the window to get some fresh air, and my son said, `Hey, Dad. That looks pretty good.' "

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The duration of his new do, however, could depend on whether Nielson decides to run for another term. Nielson, it should be noted, has not changed his hair style for several congressional terms.

The medical profession is being affected by slickomania as well. Chris Coons, assistant administrator at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, said the style proves useful in covering his bald spot.

His "convertible coiffure" also is good for driving with the top down or sunroof open. The only problem, he said, is that people mistake him for Dracula or Eddie Munster.

Style does have its drawbacks.

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