The main fade types
| Fade | Where it starts | Look |
|---|---|---|
| Low fade | Just above the ears and neckline | Subtle, easy to wear anywhere |
| Mid fade | Around the temples | Balanced, the most popular choice |
| High fade | Near the top of the head | Bold, high contrast |
| Drop fade | Curves down behind the ear | Follows the head shape |
| Burst fade | Semi-circle around the ear | Keeps length at the back, pairs with mohawks and mullets |
| Taper | Sideburns and neckline only | Neat and natural |
Skin or no skin?
Any of these can go down to bare skin (a skin fade) or stop at a short clipper length. Skin looks sharper but grows out faster. Asking for "a number 1 at the bottom" keeps a little hair.
Choosing the right one
- Round face: a mid or high fade adds height and slims the sides.
- Long face: a low fade or taper keeps some width.
- Strict workplace or school: a low fade or taper is the safer pick.
- Not sure: start low. You can always go higher next visit.
How to ask for your fade
Barbers understand the names, but adding a few details avoids surprises:
- Height: low, mid or high
- Shortest point: skin, or a clipper number such as a 0.5 or 1
- Top length: how much to keep, in centimetres or with a photo
- Neckline: tapered, rounded or squared
- Line up: whether you want the hairline and edges cleaned sharply
Fades by hair type
- Thick hair: any fade works; higher fades remove a lot of bulk.
- Fine or thin hair: a low fade or taper keeps more coverage around the sides.
- Curly hair: a mid fade or drop fade frames curls on top.
- Cowlicks at the back: a drop fade can work around them.