What was once an illegal smoke shop where people got faded is now a barbershop where people get fades.

Jose Alverez works at Barber Studio on Jerome Avenue in Bedford Park, which used to be Redstar OG - an illegal smoke shop that the city raided last year.

“It was bad because there was a lot of smoke outside, a lot of arguing because [smoke shop customers didn’t] get the right product,” said Alverez. “Our clients were going down just because of them.”

The barbershop was previously located two doors away and moved to the new location in December because it’s bigger.

Now, along with the fresh cuts - they have a fresh start.

“A lot of customers left [because of the smoke shop],” Alverez said. “Now we have got a new barbershop. They feel good to come in here.”

The raid was part of Mayor Eric Adams’ “Operation: Padlock to Protect,” which shut down 1,500 illegal smoke shops in the five boroughs.

Adams paid the barbershop a visit earlier this week.

“This used to be a place where illegal cannabis, mushroom and other products were sold,” Adams said in a video posted to social media.

The city said they found more than 9 pounds of illegal THC and cannabis products, which featured candy labels marketed for children.

“We closed [it] down,” Adams said. “It allowed this owner to open a legal establishment.”

It also gave the new owner, Caesar Santana, a place to showcase photos of Dominican Hall of Fame Major League Baseball players.

“I’m very proud of them,” Santana said. “I hope all of them come to sign their photo one by one.”

The location is now celebrating culture and community.

“[It is] 100% good,” Alverez said. “The traffic is better. We don’t see anybody smoking outside. Everything is great.”