HAIR IN THE HAMPTONS: MARCOS DIAZ BRINGS HIS SIGNATURE STYLE TO THE EAST END

Marcos Diaz is the celebrity hairstylist behind some of the most enviable hair in fashion and entertainment. With over 18 years of experience and clients like Sienna Miller and Hailey Bieber, his work has appeared in Vogue, at the Met Gala, and on red carpets across the globe. Each summer, he splits his time between New York City and the Hamptons, offering house-call services for events, weddings, and private clients who want that signature Diaz blend of polish and ease. Between house calls in the Hamptons Diaz shared his tips for styling beach hair and what it means to create style that moves with you.

What’s your signature approach to styling hair for clients in the Hamptons — how does it differ from styling in the city?
Diaz: In the Hamptons, it’s all about effortless luxury—styles that feel soft, natural, and elevated without looking too done. I lean into texture, movement, and polish that still has ease—think sun-kissed waves, clean buns with a lived-in feel, or blowouts that float in the breeze. The look is refined, but it has to feel wearable and real.

In the city, the energy shifts. There’s a little more structure, edge, and editorial influence—whether it’s a sharper silhouette, more defined finishes, or bolder styling choices. My job is to match the vibe of the setting while staying true to my client’s energy. In both places, I want the hair to feel like a natural extension of who they are—but styled to meet the moment.

Do you work out of a salon or come to people’s homes or venues?
Diaz: My work is entirely on location—I bring the glam to wherever my clients need it. I specialize in house-calls, whether that’s in New York City, out East in the Hamptons, or wherever the moment takes us. Over the years, that’s meant styling hair backstage at European fashion weeks, inside the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, on the beaches of Anguilla for Sports Illustrated, and most recently, in South Africa for a wedding overlooking the majestic landscape. From the Hamptons to halfway across the world, I’m there to create something beautiful.

What are your top tips for keeping hair looking great at the beach, especially with all the sun, salt, and humidity?
Diaz: It all starts with the cut. A great haircut—one that has movement, respects your natural texture, and is truly wash-and-wear friendly—makes all the difference. Between work, family, and a full social calendar, most people don’t have time to blow-dry every day or use a dozen products. That’s why I focus on cuts that do the heavy lifting for you.

From there, I recommend keeping the hair hydrated with a leave-in conditioner or light oil to protect from sun and saltwater. Embrace styles that work with the elements instead of against them—think soft braids, low buns, or textured ponytails. And always protect your scalp with a hairline-friendly SPF spray—it’s a game-changer most people overlook.

Are there any big mistakes people make when trying to style their hair for a beach day or outdoor party? What should they avoid doing?
Diaz: One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to fight the elements—and let’s be honest, Mother Nature is undefeated. Instead of trying to control every strand, I always encourage clients to work with the elements, not against them. A breezy day? Let the wind do its thing. We use wind all the time on set to make hair move and pop in photos—it adds life and energy.

Another common mistake is overloading on product. More isn’t always better—especially outdoors. Too much can weigh the hair down or create buildup that doesn’t play well with heat, sweat, or salt air. And tight, overly structured styles tend to collapse in humidity. The key is to keep it soft, breathable, and flexible—styles that hold up but still feel like you.

What are your go-to products for maintaining smooth, healthy hair in the Hamptons’ summer weather?
Diaz: When it comes to summer in the Hamptons, I focus on hydration, texture, and ease. One of my favorite go-to’s is Bumble and Bumble’s Seaweed Nourishing Air Dry Cream—it gives the hair lightweight moisture and a polished, frizz-free finish without needing a blowdryer. Perfect for that wash-and-wear lifestyle out East.

If you’re going for more texture or movement, I love layering in Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray—it adds just the right amount of grit and body for that effortless, beachy finish without drying the hair out. It’s all about products that enhance your natural texture and can hold up to humidity, salt air, and a full day of plans—from the beach to dinner.

What hair tools do you think every person should have on hand, whether they’re at home or traveling out east?
Diaz: Let’s start with the basics: a really good detangling brush is essential—especially after the beach, pool, or shower. It keeps hair healthy and manageable without breakage, and it’s a must-have for summer living.

But honestly, one of the best tools you have is your own hands. Use them to over-direct the hair during a rough dry to build volume—it creates that lived-in, beachy texture that’s effortlessly sexy. Sometimes less is more, and that natural movement is what makes the look.

I also love a boar bristle round brush for polishing things off when needed, and a high-quality blowdryer makes all the difference when it comes to styling safely and efficiently.

How do you recommend people transition their hair from a day at the beach to an evening dinner or cocktail party without a full wash and blowout?
Diaz: Embrace the vibe. If your hair’s already got beachy movement, lean into it. Add a few bends with a curling iron if needed, or sweep it into a low bun, soft ponytail, or effortless half-up style.

One of my favorite go-to transitions is a slick bun with a strong part—whether it’s a center part, side part, or your natural part, the key is making it look intentional. A perfectly clean part adds strength and polish, no matter the placement. It instantly elevates the look without needing a full redo.

Are there any particular hairstyles or looks you’re loving this summer for clients spending time in the Hamptons?
Diaz: This summer, I’m loving hair that feels undone but intentional. Think soft, brushed-out waves, low buns with a clean part, and ponytails that feel sleek but not stiff. It’s that effortless luxury—like you didn’t try too hard, but everything is exactly where it should be.

I’m also seeing a shift away from the overdone beach wave. Clients are leaning into ’90s-inspired volume, round-brushed blowouts, and natural movement with a little bend. And for those with bangs or face-framing layers, we’re playing with different partings and air-dried texture to keep things light, breezy, and personal.

Ultimately, it’s about working with the elements, not against them—letting the sun, wind, and salt add to the story instead of trying to control it.

How can people reach you?
Diaz: You can find me on Instagram @marcosdiazhair—feel free to DM me or explore my work there. I’m based in NYC and spend summers between the city and the Hamptons, offering on-location services for events, house calls, and everything in between.