Barbershop After Dark

By Stephanie Hernandez

V.I.P. Barbershop is more than a place to get a haircut. It’s a center of Hispanic culture in Yonkers and the Bronx. For many young Dominican and Puerto Rican men, “la barberia” isn’t just where they go for a quick shave or haircut. It is a serious social club that they might visit two or three times a week, especially on the weekends when many shops stay open to 2 a.m.

Walking along the streets in the Bronx, Washington Heights and Yonkers, it seems there is a barbershop on every block. New York has more than a thousand, with nearly 500 in the Bronx alone. Visit those spots on the weekend and you will see a festive social scene, complete with DJs spinning music and tables laden with food.

Manny Jose Lantigua opened VIP Barbershop in 2010. Located at 38 Palisade Avenue in Yonkers, it is a friendly place that gets most of its customers from word of mouth and repeat business.

A rainbow parrot named “Colores” greets guests upon entering. Dominican and Puerto Rican flags cover the walls, personalizing each barber’s workspace.

Most likely there will be four or five customers sitting in chairs, telling stories and laughing. Some might be there to actually get a haircut, while others just come to hang out. The hangouts usually begin after 3 p.m. in the afternoon.

Clients relax before or after their haircuts on couches, tables, and benches. In the back, there is a pool table along with numerous televisions.

On weekends, DJ Alex Ramirez plays live music in the barbershop from 1 p.m. until midnight or sometimes even into the next day. The barbershop staff not only provides live entertainment, they essentially host a day party that never ends. And it creates a very loyal clientele. “I never get tired of this place,” said VIP customer Dre Scott. “I’ve had the same barber since I’ve moved to NY.”

From 8 a.m. until very late at night the barbershop is fully lit and decorated with balloons and props. Food is served throughout the day on a large table that varies each weekend. Sometimes you can find a delicious flan with your favorite pernil and Morir Sonando drink. Clients will bring their favorite dish and form a “throw down” against each other and first place will receive a complimentary haircut or service of their choice.

For owner Manny Lantigua it is about creating community. “A mi me encanta el arte y me gusta compartir con mis clientes y amigos que apoyan mi negocio.”

The “barbershop after dark” on Friday and Saturday picks up speed and the staff deals with at least 300 customers. Some will come in for a low Caesar while others will go for extreme shapes, stars, lines or numbers. During basketball season, clients will come in to get LeBron James’ number. Women come in and ask for the “Rihanna Shave,” which is half the back of your hair shaved while your bangs hang in the front.

“For some barbers this is just a job but for me it’s a lifestyle,” said Steven Gonzalez. “I create art on people’s heads and they love it.”

Aside from line ups, shape ups and haircuts, VIP also offers facials and manicures. Many Dominican men take extra care in personal grooming, said Jose Lara, and they will often ask for manicures, facials and even pedicures.

The barber shop as community gathering spot is common with immigrants from many Caribbean countries. By bringing food and drinks to share with one another, they are “compartiendo (sharing)” with their extended families, calling each other “hermanos or primos (brothers or cousins).”

Nearby the V.I.P., Martin’s barbershop on South Broadway starts its “barber shop after dark” even earlier. From Thursday to Saturday about 200 customers come in to receive the full “man package.” Men get a full manicure and pedicure while they wait for their hair cuts. Breakfast is served and entertainment is provided until the closing of the shop.

The barbershop after dark originated mainly in Spanish countries such as the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and even Cuba during the late 90s. It was the simple idea that “Se trabaja el Lunes hasta el Viernes, y se goza en el fin de semana.” Meaning, individuals have to work Monday through Friday and deserve to have the weekend to relax and celebrate.