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The Fade Haircut – Everything You Need to Know

Writer's picture: Tom GoedhartTom Goedhart

Updated: Dec 17, 2024

If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll know that just like fashion and clothing, your hairstyle plays a huge role in defining the vibe of an era. Think of the 1950s with the iconic Pompadour, or the long locks that dominated the '60s and '70s. So, what’s the signature look of today? Well, if I had to pick one, it’d definitely be the "fade."

While fade cuts aren’t exactly a new trend - they’ve been around for decades - they’ve cemented themselves as the go-to look for men over the past decade. The sharp, clean, and masculine nature of a fade has been a staple in men’s hairstyles for years, and it’s still holding strong, even in the sweltering heat.


Never tried a fade? Hopefully, this article will convince you to take the plunge. 🤓


What Exactly is a Fade?

The term "fade" comes from the idea of hair gradually fading away or becoming lighter as it moves from bottom to top. In a fade haircut, the hair on the sides and back is shaved or cut shorter with clippers, gradually blending into the longer hair on top. The hair starts close to the skin at the bottom and gets longer as it moves upward, creating a smooth transition from short to long.

The term "fade" comes from the idea of hair gradually fading away or becoming lighter as it moves from bottom to top. In a fade haircut, the hair on the sides and back is shaved or cut shorter with clippers, gradually blending into the longer hair on top. The hair starts close to the skin at the bottom and gets longer as it moves upward, creating a smooth transition from short to long.


Is the Fade Right for You?

Before you jump into the barber's chair for your fade, there are a few things to keep in mind. Fades require regular upkeep - so be prepared for frequent visits, typically every two weeks, to maintain that sharp, clean look 😂.


Another key factor is your face shape. Fades work best on oval, square, or heart-shaped faces. If your face is longer and narrower, consider styles with fuller sides to balance out the shape, rather than opting for a fade that could elongate your face even further 😅. However, if you’re really set on getting a fade, go for shorter cuts like a Short Quiff or Textured Crop, which can work better for longer faces.


Ultimately, the fade is a versatile detail that can enhance a wide range of hairstyles, giving your look a modern, fresh edge.


Popular Fade Styles


Skin fade

If you’re after something ultra-short, the skin fade might be for you. The barber shaves the hair down to the skin around the ears and neckline, gradually increasing in length towards the top of your head.

Taper fade

For those with longer hair, the taper fade offers a more nuanced look. Instead of just clippers, the barber uses scissors to create a smooth blend on the sides and back. The result is a skillful layering of hair, with length increasing from the sideburns up to the crown.

Low fade

As the name suggests, the fade in a low fade starts lower on the head, typically just above the ears. If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of fades, this one’s a great option to start with.

Drop fade

The drop fade curves around the back of the ears and continues downward, creating a natural and stylish contrast. Drop fades are pretty versatile and look great whether you're dressed up in a suit or keeping it casual in a tee and jeans.

High Fade

A high fade places the fade higher up the head, usually around the temples or above. This is a good choice for those with thinner or less dense hair, as it creates the illusion of thicker top hair with a bold contrast.


However, a high fade requires a smoother, more even head shape, as the larger fade area can expose any imperfections on the scalp.


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