There is nothing flashy about Classic Barber at The Square in Sunninghill. Just sharp cuts and solid service. And that is exactly why people keep coming back.
The store does not shout for attention. It does not need to. The clients know. The staff know. The work speaks loud enough.
Monde Mbewaba manages the store and says that in 2025, the top request is still the taper fade. “It is the must-have cut. Taper fade with soft dreads, a darkened beard, and if it’s enhanced with colour, even better. It just brings everything together,” he said. “You can take almost any style and add that combination to sharpen the look.”
The client base is mixed, but the location means the store sees a lot of professionals. “We are in a corporate area, so most clients want a clean cut that fits their work,” Monde said. “But there are also a lot of guys who come in and want something with a bit more edge. They’ll ask for what they saw online or in a music video. It depends on the client. Some want to keep it simple. Others want to stand out.”
Trends, he said, change fast — and clients keep up. “Social media drives everything. NBA players, music videos, TikTok — that’s where people get their ideas. We get guys showing us screenshots all the time. It’s about what’s current now.”
The store itself runs quietly and efficiently. There is no drama. No one waiting around for instructions. “There’s a strong team spirit,” Monde said. “Everyone knows what they’re doing. It runs like a well oiled machine. I don’t need to follow anyone around or repeat myself. We all show up and do what we came here to do.”
The atmosphere is relaxed but focused. Music plays in the background — always current, always fresh. “Clients even open their Shazam apps when they walk in,” he said. “We’re always ahead with the music. It keeps the vibe right. It’s part of the experience.”
And while the grooming industry has become more personal and detail-driven, it has also become more expensive. Monde is upfront about it. “Yes, it costs more now. But that is because the standard has changed,” he said. “We use quality tools. Good products. I went to school for this. So if someone brings in a photo of Usher and wants that exact look, it can be done. But they must understand it is professional work. Not something that costs fifty rand.”
He said the increase in prices is not about hype — it is about the quality behind the service. “Clients are paying for the skill, for the detail, for the care. That is what we offer.”
For anyone thinking about switching things up this year, Monde does not believe in waiting around. “Start now,” he said. “Don’t wait for the right time. There’s no perfect time. This industry moves fast. You either keep up or fall behind.”
Classic Barber: The Classic Barbershop – The Square Shopping Centre @Sunninghill
