‍“Being cool is tricky business. But I’ll tell you what, if you step out of Black Amber, you’re gonna leave with a head-turning style for sure.”

It’s probably not an overstatement, given the numerous men’s barbershops out there that leave us women turning our heads. But when it comes to Black Amber, there’s a certain level of sophistication that’s hard to miss. It’s the kind of gentlemen’s style that permeates every detail – from the tastefully adorned interior to the ambiance, and even the distinctive flair of each barber.

The birth and growth of Black Amber can be attributed to the creative mind of Chavin “Kwan” Nantatham, a passionate enthusiast of haircuts, music, tattoos, art, and fine drinks. He ingeniously brought all these elements together under one roof, resulting in this extraordinary establishment. The Sathorn branch of Black Amber, their second venture launched in 2019, has been effectively conveying a sense of sophistication through men’s hairstyles and premium grooming services for over three years.

On Empire Tower’s M floor, a quick glance to the right reveals Black Amber – a sensory masterpiece. Soft melodies dance with warm orange lights, as wood patterns seamlessly complement rich leather seats, exuding elegance and cool class.

Stepping in, a friendly staff member greets with a refreshing drink. A foreign mother and son arrive, and soon, the skilled barber’s tools work their magic, accompanied by a brief chat.

Craftsmanship blends with contemporary flair, creating an exceptional ambiance. Black Amber is more than a barbershop; it’s a dedication to style, passion, and excellence.

“‘Amber’ is derived from my mother’s last name, ‘Ampan.’ In exploring its meaning, I found that amber is the only gem born from tree resin, holding little initial value. But to transform into amber, it requires time buried underground, absorbing surrounding minerals and expelling unwanted ones, resulting in ultimate strength. This process turns it into a precious gem. As for ‘black,’ it’s my favorite color, representing depth and elegance.”

Black Amber DNA

‍“Our approach to customer service and engagement isn’t like any other barbershop. Every detail matters to us, and we’ve crafted what we call the ‘Black Amber DNA’ from the moment a customer reaches out to us. From answering their calls to their arrival and settling into our chairs, we infuse meticulous attention into each step. This dedication shapes our unique identity and sets us apart.”

“We’ve been in business for about 9 years with two branches located in Thonglor and Sathorn. Our team consists of about 15 people – hairstylists, office staff, and customer service representatives.”

The decor

‍“Each of our branches has a unique essence while sharing a similar identity. I personally handled all the design work, drawing from my educational background. The overall ambiance exudes a classic feel, reminiscent of European or American influences. We also tailor the atmosphere slightly to cater to different customer groups through the distinct decor of our two branches. Thonglor carries a raw and slightly rugged vibe, with hints of New York and loft aesthetics, while Sathorn, located in the heart of the city, gives off a sense of luxury.”

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“Be the best version of you”

‍“Our slogan, ‘Be the best version of you,’ really captures the idea of finding your true self and bringing out the best in our setting. Whether you’re a customer coming in for our services or even a part of our team, we want you to feel like you’re embracing your authentic self or being the best version of yourself.”

The concept‍

“I used to work in the bar business before. I was an assistant to Ashley Sutton, the owner of bars like SING SING, Maggie Choo’s, and The Iron Fairies back then. I got to know the scene quite well. After that, I gradually started my own barbershop. I incorporated elements from bars into the shop, including the speakeasy concept. It was a passion I wanted to bring to this place, all in one.”

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Whisky & Cigar

‍“It’s something that has brought enjoyment and a sense of tradition to men, especially in the past. While sipping on whisky or smoking cigars might seem like old-fashioned habits nowadays, they have a rich history and hold a special place in the hearts of many. These practices might have evolved over time, and there are now various ways for men to unwind and enjoy themselves. Yet, there’s a certain depth and story behind whisky and cigars that we find fascinating. When you delve into their history and experience them, it’s truly a rewarding and enjoyable journey."

The hairstyles‍

“Not everyone can rock a vintage hairstyle. Our goal is to find the best hairstyle for each customer, tailored to their individual preferences. After all, everyone’s taste is different. Some may be executives, diplomats, celebrities, students or drivers. We’re able to engage in conversations and find the perfect hairstyle that suits them. Our range of hairstyles is quite diverse, catering to a wide array of preferences.”

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“Each person has a unique hair texture and scalp, but what truly sets them apart is their individual lifestyle and daily routines. Some set their hair meticulously every day, while others don’t bother at all. Hair washing frequency also varies from one person to another; some shampoo daily, others just twice a week. As hairstylists, we should understand our customers’ lives — what roles they play, what challenges they face. Celebrities, for instance, need a consistent look for photo shoots, while executives require a polished image for important meetings. Some prefer a relaxed, easy-to-maintain style, while others desire a clean, fuss-free look. All these considerations should be customized for each customer. The key is communication and understanding our customers’ needs.”

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“I believe the simplest hairstyles are often the most versatile. Take the classic undercut, for example. The key is how you tailor it to complement your individual hair type and head shape. I wouldn’t recommend overly flamboyant or attention-grabbing styles. In my opinion, most men can enhance their overall appearance with a hairstyle that’s understated and suits them well. Our customers don’t usually ask for verly elaborate hairstyles. They want something that feels authentic, looks good on them, and is easy to maintain. The longevity of a hairstyle's appeal is also crucial – does it still look great after some time? All in all, the key is a balance between style and suitability.”

Top-notch customer service

”If a customer isn’t happy with their haircut, we don’t charge them. We offer them the chance to come back for adjustments at no extra cost. If there’s still room for improvement after the first cut, we encourage them to return for further adjustments until we get it right. Our goal is to provide the best experience and outcome for our customers.”

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Grooming services

‍“As many of our customers are foreigners, they often have thicker beards than Asians. The cultural background and tradition of beard grooming vary greatly between countries. In some places, the grooming process has a long history and involves specific techniques. In contrast, traditional Thai barbershops might not have intricate procedures. For the majority of Thai men, beard grooming is minimal. For those with denser or tougher beards, specialized tools and products might be required. The grooming process can get more complex, involving softening the beard and adjusting facial temperature for a comfortable shave. We’ve learned and practiced these techniques since the opening of our shop to cater to different needs.”

“Getting your beard groomed is kind of like treating yourself to a facial session. Peopl who appreciate that kind of experience choose to come to us.”

Getting it right‍

“Designing a beard style is all about looking at the hair texture, facial skin, face shape, and other things. Most people with a good amount of beard tend to be in a league of their own. They have their way of doing things – different ways of eating, bathing – it's like a whole new culture. They’re already in tune with what they want their beard to be like. And for the most part, they hold their beards dear, like a personal fashion statement.”

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“Back in the day, barbers were like doctors. In ancient Egypt, we were like priests, and during certain periods, we were like diplomats of the city. It’s because there’s a cultural connection woven into it all. We’re striving to bring back those elements into the mix.”

The prices

‍“Our prices start at 700 baht, and if you prefer a more experienced stylist like a senior, it’s 900 baht. Additional services such as shampooing or beard grooming come with extra charges. While barbershops abroad have higher prices, people here understand it’s a barbershop and not a salon, so they don’t find it expensive. In fact, the barbershop experience is quite different from a salon. Our barbers at Black Amber have undergone extensive training, so our prices of 700 or 900 baht are reasonable, considering the quality and expertise.”

Black Amber’s own social club‍

“Our social club has evolved into a cocktail bar called ‘Formerly Known As Black Amber.’ We’re bringing in mixologists from New York to craft cocktails. If we trace back to the initial idea of the social club, it was created to cater to the same clientele who come for haircuts, but now we’re expanding that to include cocktails. Our bar is becoming a neighborhood coffee shop or a community hub, where people come for haircuts, enjoy coffee, read newspapers, or simply have conversations.”

Self-care boom among men‍

“Thai men today have more options for self-care compared to 5 or 10 years ago. I believe that the barbershop business has only recently regained popularity. Before that, it was mostly traditional salons or those inexpensive ‘uncle’ barbershops for 100 baht. They might not have had innovative approaches or services beyond haircuts, and certainly not international products like shampoo and conditioner. Those used to be associated mainly with women, while men's options were often limited to sports-related products. Things have changed, though. Now, there's a wide range of choices, from clothing to fragrances, soaps, and shampoos.”

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Why hairstyles matter

“I believe that anyone can look great, and hair plays a crucial role. Imagine dressing well but having a weird hairstyle. Before nailing the outfit, your hair should be on point. It’s like having clean nails or well-maintained skin that complements your overall look. Hair is similar – it’s a representation of us. It comes before clothing or shoes. It’s something you can explore, transform, and definitely improve.”‍

The business challenge ‍

“We’ve been our own competition since we opened back in 2014. It’s about figuring out if our customers are vibing with what we offer. If they are, then that’s the win. If they’re not, that'’s when we roll up our sleeves and make improvements. We’re not waiting for someone else to challenge us; we’re all about improving ourselves based on what our customers tell us. We’ve been adapting all along. Like, if a customer doesn’t come back or doesn’t ask for a certain stylist, that’s our signal to tweak things.”

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“I believe being a barber or running a barbershop is about individuals. It’s about barbers who are skilled. Not everyone can be a barber, and not every barber can be a part of Black Amber. It’s a bit tough because there’s a considerable amount of training involved. New barbers joining us also need to be ready to adapt since the journey involves a lot of learning and adjustment.”

Expectations‍

“I want Black Amber to be a longstanding barbershop. In my opinion, a single shop should be able to last around 20-30 years. For every branch we open, we don’t want it to just run for 5 years and then close down. With every branch, our goal is for them to thrive for 20-30 years or even more. Sometimes, we see these old barbershops that have been around for 80 years, and that’s the kind of legacy we aspire to create.”

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Black Amber in the future

‍“We aim to become a semi-institution because we extensively train within our own shop and have developed our own set of details. If we were to open more branches, we’d need to train people in advance. So, we’re thinking of setting up a kind of academy because there’s significant interest in this profession.”