
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, May 16, 1995                   TAG: 9505160077
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: The Washington Post
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

MEN FLOCK TO SALON FOR CUTTING BY BOBBITT

Five months after returning to the world of cuticle clippers and nail polish, Lorena Bobbitt is a much-sought-after manicurist in Northern Virginia.

Bobbitt, known worldwide as the woman who cut off her husband's penis with a kitchen knife, was hired in January as a manicurist at Illusions Hair Salon in Arlington, where the owner said she has been swamped with clients - many of them men.

Bobbitt has avoided publicity and interviews since the day in January 1994 when a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity ended her trial in the wounding of John Wayne Bobbitt, her husband at the time. Last week, she would not discuss her new-found popularity among the salon set.

Her employer, who has seen business increase since Lorena Bobbitt came aboard, was happy to oblige. ``When people come in, they specifically say they want Lorena to do their nails,'' said Irma Wheeler, owner of the salon. ``The poor thing doesn't get a break.''

Since Bobbitt joined Illusions, Wheeler said, curiosity about her has attracted many clients, particularly men, who buy each other gift certificates for a session with the celebrity.

``We try not to talk about it, and I think it's the same with the clients,'' Wheeler said. ``I mean, what are they going to say? `How did you do it?'''

by CNB