Sebastian Diaz, better known as Seby, opened Hamptons Barber Lounge in 2014 in Southampton, and he has recently expanded the business with a second location in Bridgehampton this year. Hamptons Barber Lounge is the renowned spot for a haircut and shave on the East End, not only offering outstanding services but a fun and inviting atmosphere, too.
Seby spoke more about his background, what sets Hamptons Barber Lounge apart, and what his greatest accomplishments have been since starting out in the business.
Can you discuss your role with Hamptons Barber Lounge and talk a bit about your background and how you got your start in the industry?
SD: I am the owner of Hamptons Barber Lounge, and also the head barber. I was born in Chile and came to the Hamptons when I was three years old. I grew up and went to school in East Hampton. At the age of fifteen, I would cut my own hair and started cutting my friends’ hair. It began as a hobby that I enjoyed with a couple of friends, which then began to expand to more friends. I began buying professional grade barber equipment and started charging my friends five dollars so I could pay for my tools. I got my first break early on around sixteen or seventeen years old when a friend of a friend’s mom opened a shop and I used to cut my hair there. After several visits, I asked the owner if it was okay to hang out and watch and learn in exchange for sweeping and taking out the garbage. After some time passed, she offered to put a station and chair in for me and thus began my first real job as a barber. After high school, I attended barber school in Manhattan called American Barber Institute so I could become a licensed master barber. In 2013, I met with an old friend, and one of my early day clients, Liam, and we began discussing opening a barbershop. In 2014, we finally were able to open Hamptons Barber Lounge.
What is Hamptons Barber Lounge all about?
SD: Hamptons Barber Lounge is really all about a fun place with a nice atmosphere where you can get a great haircut or shave while connecting with your barber or other members of the community. We all love talking about sports, cars, what’s happening in the local community, where to eat, or even as simple as what’s a great show to watch on TV.
What has been your greatest accomplishment in this industry to-date?
SD: My greatest accomplishment to date has been expanding to a second location in Bridgehampton. I would also say it’s a great accomplishment that we are coming up on ten years of business in the Southampton location this April.
How did you cultivate your skills over the years?
SD: I cultivated my skills throughout the years by working at different shops and with many other barbers learning from them and applying their techniques to the way I already cut. I would also attend cutting classes and go to barber conventions. Lastly, I must give YouTube a lot of credit. I have watched many hours on YouTube learning from barbers and stylists all over the world.
Do you have a favorite look to create?
SD: If I have a favorite look, I’d say I like giving kids their favorite athletes’ haircuts! It’s very rewarding seeing their smiles when finishing the haircut and they feel just like their sports hero.
Can you tell us about the expansion and development of Hamptons Barber Lounge?
SD: After almost ten years, I am happy I was able to find a location farther east for the expansion with the hope of making it easier for people that live a little farther east.
How do you have to adapt for each individual you work with and what are your techniques?
SD: I don’t necessarily have to adapt when working with anyone. I’m always myself and am honest with them. I encourage them to also be themselves but to always be respectful with clients and I try to hone their barber skills by always giving them tips and pointers of any new techniques that I may learn.
What’s unique and sets your brand apart that can’t be replicated by other businesses?
SD: We are unique because we do much more than our competitors, which is very old school and traditional. We like to recreate many different looks. We offer shaves, which not many other places out east do. We also carry great hair products and like to teach our clients how to use them to recreate the same look at home.
To learn more about Hamptons Barber Lounge and book your next haircut or shave, visit the Hamptons Barber Lounge.
