Portland Road barbers
About 1st Class Fades— South Norwood Barbers
1st Class Fades is a barber shop on Portland Road in South Norwood, built around sharp fades, clean beard work, patient kids cuts, and a chair where regulars can say what they want in plain words. Customers come from Croydon, Crystal Palace and wider South London for the same no-fuss service.
The story starts with Glen, who opened the shop in 2021 to serve local people who wanted reliable barbering close to home. Glen brings 30 years in the trade, with experience cutting hair in Jamaica, the USA and the UK before building a local chair on Portland Road.
The day-to-day work is simple to describe. Listen first. Cut with care. Keep the finish sharp. Make sure the person in the chair knows what is happening before the clippers or scissors do the work.
South Norwood has its own rhythm, from Norwood Junction station and South Norwood High Street to match days near Selhurst Park. The shop fits into that local routine, while staying simple to reach from Croydon and Crystal Palace.
Experience From Jamaica, The USA And The UK
Glen is the owner and main barber at 1st Class Fades. His 30 years behind the chair show in the details customers talk about most: careful fades, clean beard lines, patient service and a finish that still looks sharp after you leave.
Silva is the second barber at the shop, giving regulars another trusted chair for fades, trims, kids cuts and beard work. Together, the team keeps the shop friendly, precise and easy to book.
1st Class Fades is a 5.0 rated barber shop with 37 Google reviews, a wheelchair accessible entrance, card and contactless payments, on-site services, and a listing marked good for kids.
Glen
Owner & Head Barber
30 years as a barber, with experience cutting in Jamaica, the USA and the UK.
Silva
Barber
Second barber at 1st Class Fades, helping customers keep their cuts sharp on Portland Road.
For bookings or questions, call 07538 712270 or visit the contact page.
Reputation
5.0 on Google, 4.9 on Booksy
37 reviews on Google and 290 on Booksy. Featured snippets are quoted from Google and Booksy reviews, with links back to the full review sources.
Google reviews
Local customers on Google
Neil Marshall
2 reviews
“The precision and attention to detail were second to none.”View on Google
Marci
7 reviews
“The barbers are really polite and friendly.”View on Google
Yvonne Gaspard
Local Guide · 28 reviews
“The atmosphere is warm, friendly, respectful and welcoming.”View on Google
Selena Flemming
6 reviews
“This is the best barber shop in town!”View on Google
Booksy reviews
Confirmed clients on Booksy
Shane
Confirmed client
- Service:
- Taper fade only
- Staff:
- Glen
“Glen delivered great results. The atmosphere is relaxed but also professional.”View on Booksy
Frances
Confirmed client
- Service:
- Boys cut 5-12 years
- Staff:
- Glen
“Glenn was really good with my son. First class service.”View on Booksy
Forson
Confirmed client
- Service:
- Skin fade only
- Staff:
- Glen
“This barber is top of the league. He makes me feel good after each haircut.”View on Booksy
Anton
Confirmed client
- Service:
- Beard Shaping + line up
- Staff:
- Glen
“One of the best barbers in south London. Reliable and efficient service.”View on Booksy
The shop
Inside 1st Class Fades
Walk in or book ahead
Ready to visit 1st Class Fades?
Come in for a clean fade, beard shape, kids cut, or hot towel shave at the Portland Road shop in South Norwood, with easy routes from Croydon, Crystal Palace and wider South London.