HOUSTON — In this Spring Branch barber’s chair, Julian Diaz – who his clients know simply as “J.D.” – has garnered the kind of reputation that no amount of money can buy.
“When you cut one guy word gets around pretty fast," J.D. said.
His first professional client – former Texan Whitney Mercilus.
“He came through, he cut me up, to be honest, it was the best cut of my life," the former linebacker said.
Since then, it’s been a who’s who who’ll only allow J.D. to touch their hair.
“I will look like a crazy man before anyone touches my head," said Mercilus.
But before he became a barber to some of the biggest names in sports, J.D. came from humble beginnings. His first shop was in his mom's Humble garage.
"This was just my calling. It came to me. It was something I pursued and I really wanted. and I think that’s what a lot of Houstonians are like," J.D. said.
And this year for J.D., cutting hair for Texans, like running back Dare Ogunbowale, has been a year unlike any other.
"He keeps it clean…all that stuff. his shop is really nice, but then just the personal side of it. Like I’ve said, we’ve gotten close over the years," Ogunbowale said.
J.D. also cuts number 7 himself, C.J. Stroud.
"From C.J. Stroud, down to our defense every player on that team is different now man," he said.
And for Diaz, his relationships often go far beyond the field, like with former Texan and current Packer Jonathan Owens.
"We were both invited to each other’s weddings so it’s just a relationship we built over time. it goes way beyond just being my barber," Owens said.
It’s more than a fresh cut, it’s an opportunity to help someone see the best in themselves.
“It gives you a sense of satisfaction when you give a client a mirror and they get that smile on their face… and like ‘yeah man, this is exactly what I wanted… Boom!’” J.D. said.
J.D.'s Empire Barber Studio has two locations in Houston. Visit its website for more information. You can also follow J.D. on Instagram at @jdiazthebarber.