How did you get your name?

 My nickname growing up was Lee Loosh. So once I decided to make a social media account I chose the name Loosh Wellington because I thought the name Wellington was funny and catchy . I decided to combine the 2 names and become Loosh Wellington the barber.

Where are you from?

 Staten Island

How did you get into barbering?

I was a regular at the barbershop I got my haircuts at, and noticed there was a younger barber who was close to my age at the barbershop. I knew he was a friend of someone I had known, I approached my barber who had partial ownership of the shop. I thought it would be a cool side job or potentially full time job. I was 18 and had odd jobs so it was just a hobby at this point. I was working with my dad and was delivering, busing tables so it was an outlet to hang out with friends as well. After asking the usual questions about getting started, licensing, education, and apprenticeships I was persuaded me to just try it out. He got me the basic tools to start, a clipper and a trimmer, and gave me a few lessons . For the next few years I watched YouTube videos and cut hair on my parents deck or did house calls. I eventually got an apprenticeship at a barber shop in 2012. I apprenticed there for 4 years, and the barbers helped me refine my skills and taught me the business. Shortly after obtaining my NYS barber license in 2016 I relocated to another barbershop on Staten Island and have been there ever since.

What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?

 I was recommended to take a few classes. I have taken the iCutpro Class with Todd Bernard. Also a Vidal Sassoon Men's ABC Cutting Course.

Where do you cut hair?

 I currently cut hair at Untouchable Cutz Barbershop located at 177 Garretson Ave, 10305

What does your setup look like?

 We have a modern barbershop feel and look. The owner provided us with these fire engine red Takara Belmont chairs, which are the best chairs you could use. We have a husky tool box set up that we keep our tools in. Like most barbers I have a 8 clippers (which fade) and a few trimmers(lining up), shavers, and scissors. The usual razor blade for shaves. The hot towel machine is key because clients do ask for the full shave service or partial shave. And I cant forget the blow dryer which is essential for styling hair.

What is your goal when you cut someone's hair?

 My goal is for that person to feel different when they walk out of the shop. Different in a positive way. Sometimes it just 15-30 min of relaxation. Sometimes its a new hairstyle that makes you feel more confident or better about yourself. Sometimes its just feeling fresh and looking good.

What music do you prefer to listen to when cutting hair?

 I’d prefer to listen to some hip hop and rap. Not to say I don't like other genres but I feel like cutting hair and hip hop go hand in hand. I like artists like Gang Starr, The Wu Tang Clan of course, Nas, Jay Z , J Cole, Drake, Biggie, Tupac, Miguel, Childish Gambino, Anderson Paak. The list could go on.

Tell us the story about the first haircut you ever gave someone

The first haircut I gave was to my friend Andrew. It was my first lesson with my barber one night at the shop. I gave him a line up and tapered his side burns down. I don't think it came out that well. I remember being nervous and my hand was shaking . I remember taking his hairline in a little too much on his neck and my barber had to give him a skin tape up. Definitely a common mistake with newer barber.

Tell us a story about a haircut you will always remember

 The owner of my barbershop has Vinny from the TV show Jersey Shore as a client. The production company asked the owner to film in the shop. We were required to give haircuts to the four guys on the show. It was a cool experience. I had never done anything like that. It wasn't like we had a part but to have the opportunity was awesome. We went in on an off day, a few hours before the production crew and cast got there. The production team arrived first and then the cast. We met everyone and got mic'd up. We signed some paperwork and they gave us direction about how they wanted to film and some dialogue to make the scene natural. I gave Mike "The Situation" a shape up.

What is your dream as a barber?

 My dream as a barber is a lot of things. My dream is to be the best barber I can be, to deliver a service that makes people feel better about themselves after it's done. I hope to pass the knowledge of the craft to others on some type of platform. Whether it would be hands on teaching or in a classroom. I hope barbering will take me places around the world one day for whatever reason, if its education or working.

What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to become a barber?

 There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Barbering is mentally challenging at times, even to veteran barbers. Every haircut is not the same however the end result might look the same. So never get discouraged. Some people's hair can be very challenging to cut depending on the haircut they want. However as you experience all different types of hair textures and styles you will find your own unique way of getting that perfect styled hair, fresh fade, perfect shave, or crisp line up. Have patience, always remember to educate yourself with time, and always try and make your first haircut just as good as your last.

Where can people find you?

Instagram