Drawing inspiration from the sleek looks of Brad Pitt in Fury and Zayn Malik’s smooth hairstyle in Pillowtalk, the fade haircut embodies a subtle yet striking transformation. It’s a next-level evolution of the traditional short back and sides, seamlessly tapering the hair from a drastically lower length compared to a regular taper haircut. Adam Gore, the founder of the acclaimed UK Barbershop of the Year, Barberology, explains how the hair is gradually tapered into nothing, revealing an exposed scalp from the head’s upper recession to the nape of the neck. This technique creates a spray-painted effect, not in the literal sense like Sisqó’s 1999 look, but as a masterful cut, subtly blending hair lengths using a combination of clippers and scissors to achieve a smoothly graduated or faded look.
Venturing into the art of fade haircuts, one appreciates the back and sides of the hair receiving a blending finesse, which I experienced firsthand. My barber, trained in the ethos of Barberology, used his clippers and scissors with the dexterity of an artist, creating layers that gradually faded into my scalp. This effect not only added a subtle edge to my look but also gave it a distinct character – a testament to the fade cut’s versatility and why it’s a staple in men’s grooming.
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Best Men’s Fade Haircuts
The Taper Fade
Embracing the taper fade is like discovering a grooming secret weapon. Renowned stylist Adam Gore hails it as a clean, classic, and versatile choice, a true crowd-pleaser whether you’re behind a desk or enjoying off-duty time. Its blended length gently transitions from the nape of the neck to the parietal ridge – the widest area of the head where it gradually becomes darker and higher, creating an elegant curve away. This style stands out for its ability to look sharp yet seamless, a sophisticated balance not easily achieved in men’s haircuts. My personal experience affirms its transformative effect, effortlessly elevating both formal and casual looks.
Who’s It For
The taper fade is a great look for anyone seeking a smarter haircut that maintains a natural appearance. It’s especially suitable for those who prefer a style that lacks significant scalp exposure, offering a solid basis for a variety of styles on top. From a neat scissor crop to longer, more dramatic looks, the taper fade accommodates different personal styles while ensuring a polished and refined finish.
The Low fade
The low fade is a less subtle variant of the taper fade, revealing more skin and offering a finish that’s clearly demarcated but still far from a skinhead look. According to Adam Gore, it starts extremely low at the bottom, blends up following the natural curvature of the head, and is a great way to showcase texture. Ideal for those with wavy hair, it often leaves the hair longer on top for versatile styling options. This style caters to individuals who desire a distinct yet sophisticated haircut.
Who’s It For
The low fade is ideal for those who prefer a less subtle alternative to the taper fade, desiring to show more skin while still maintaining a refined finish. It’s clearly demarcated, yet not as drastic as a skinhead style. According to Adam Gore, this cut starts extremely low at the bottom and blends along the natural curvature of the head, making it a great choice to showcase different textures, especially for wavy hairstyles. The low fade often leaves hair longer on top, offering a range of styling flexibility, suitable for those seeking a bold yet versatile look.
The Mid Fade
The mid fade strikes a perfect balance, being more noticeable than a low fade but less scalp-exposing than the high variant. It’s a popular choice among men, ideal for those who prefer a harder skin-hair blend line, reminiscent of an old-school approach. This style starts at a point above the ears, creating a distinctive yet adaptable look for various styling approaches. Adam Gore notes that the mid fade offers numerous styling options, making it perfect for hairstyles like the pompadour or a longer quiff, where length on the upper sides is needed to achieve the desired effect.
WHO’S IT FOR?
The mid fade is a popular style suitable for all ages, offering a versatile and timeless look. It’s particularly great when accompanied by a longer beard, creating a sophisticated and balanced appearance. To maintain this style, it’s essential to ensure the use of firm-hold wax or gel to keep the cut neat and under control. This blend of contemporary and classic appeals to a broad range of personal grooming preferences.
The High Fade
The high fade, reminiscent of the Fresh Prince but even bolder, is a high-contrast style where the hair on the back and sides of the head is closely shorn to the skin using a foil shaver. Unlike other fades, the high fade doesn’t take the natural shape of the head into account. Instead, it creates a new base line in the area from the upper recession to the lower crown. Adam Gore describes it as a highly stylised finish that’s anything but subtle and is guaranteed to turn heads. This style is for those who dare to stand out with a sharp and distinct look.
WHO’S IT FOR?
The high fade is a popular cut especially suited for those with American flattops or Afro hair types. It’s a good choice for individuals comfortable with extremely short hair. This style is perfect for those with square or round face shapes, as it complements and accentuates these features. The high fade offers a bold statement, making it a go-to for anyone looking to make a strong impression with their hairstyle.
The Scissor Fade
The scissor fade is an elegant alternative for those who might not prefer the traditional buzzed fade done with clippers. It’s an ideal style for a smart-casual office environment, offering a softer, more scissor-cut appearance than a basic fade. This technique involves cutting around the nape and progressing upwards with a taper comb to get as close to the skin as possible. Adam Gore emphasizes that this technique is often chosen for its ability to create a custom shape, tailored to the specific head shape of the individual. The scissor fade merges precision with a softer touch, making it a refined choice for professional settings.
WHO’S IT FOR?
The scissor fade is a failsafe and easy to wear option for anyone seeking a sophisticated yet manageable haircut. This cut requires your barber to gradually trim the sides of your hair with scissors, carefully taking out the elements of the typical fade cut. It’s an ideal choice for those who rely on a great wax or pomade to keep their hairstyle both textured and refined. This style suits individuals looking for a neat, polished appearance without the harshness of a standard fade.
Four Tips for a First Rate Fade
1. Avoid DIY Haircuts and Bargain-Barbering
Resist the urge to save cash by cutting your own hair or opting for a mere six quid shearing. When it comes to a fade, it’s essential to entrust this task to a quality barber who has dedicated time to learn the art of fade cutting. Unlike a basic haircut, a fade requires precise scissor and clipper work, a lot of eyeballing to perfect the graduated look. This isn’t just a haircut, it’s a craft that demands expertise for that flawless finish.
2. Mind the Scalp Contours
During award season, it’s tempting to pick up a new hairstyle to try out, perhaps one currently sporting by celebrities like The Gos. However, when considering a fade, let your scalp play a part in the decision. If your head has any conspicuous lumps or bumps in a particular area, it’s crucial to bear this in mind when choosing a style that works best for you. A fade can either accentuate or diminish these features, so choose wisely to ensure your new look complements your natural shape.
3. Maintaining Your Fade’s Precision
To stay sharp with an expertly blended finish, it’s crucial to visit your barber regularly. A closer haircut, like a fade, demands more regular re-cuts to maintain its sharp and clean look. As Adam Gore points out, considering the rate at which hair grows, fades—especially those with significant scalp exposure like bald or high styles—need to be cut back every couple of weeks. This commitment is key to keeping that crisp, fresh-from-the-barber appearance.
4. Bring a Photo for Reference
Always take a visual aid with you to the barber. What is one man’s disconnected undercut might be another’s Harvard clip. To avoid the right haircuts ending up on the wrong people—a frequent mishap in the nineties—if in doubt, show your barber a photo of the style you want. This serves as a reference point and ensures you and your barber are on the same page, reducing the chances of any haircut
10 Hairstyles That Look Great With a Fade
Pompadour Fade
The Pompadour fade is a fusion of mid-century rock ‘n’ roll style and modern barbering techniques, creating a souped-up throwback cut. It’s like having Elvis on the top of your head and Drake at the back and sides. This cut keeps the hair lofty where it counts and neatly blended everywhere else, making it a perfect blend of classic flair and contemporary neatness.
High-top Fade
The High-top fade, also referred to as the Cameo cut, was popularised by the iconic funk and early hip-hop group. This style is a dynamic combo of a flat top trim and fade, and it harks back to an era synonymous with boomboxes, B-boys, and classic basketball shoes. It captures the essence of retro urban style while maintaining a modern edge.
Comb-Over Fade
The Comb-over fade is a refined alternative to more edgier hairstyles, without being too jarring—even your gran could get on board with it. It features a smart, preppy side parting on top, served with a hearty dose of precision fading at the back and sides. This style strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and modern flair.
Drop Fade
The Drop fade may sound like a creative invention dreamt up by a marketing-savvy barber to attract more punters through the door, but it’s a serious and stylish cut. It’s a contemporary take on a classic, where the fade gradually lowers around the back of the head, leaving more length at the top. This style seamlessly combines traditional elegance with a modern twist.
Faux Hawk Fade
The Faux hawk fade is a classic case of ‘Does What It Says On The Tin.’ It combines the titular elements into an amalgamation that’s both striking and stylish. A strip of hair runs down the middle of the head, from the forehead to the nape, gradually fading down towards the ears. This style is a bold statement, blending edginess with sophistication.
Temple Fade
The Temple fade is one of the more low key variations of fade haircuts. It involves blending the hair to a short length at the temples, continuing behind the ears and down to the nape of the neck. Its subtle styling makes it a solid accompaniment to various hairstyles, from the classic crew cut to a more elaborate pompadour. This fade is perfect for those seeking an understated yet polished look.
Bald Fade
The term Bald fade might not be the first set of words that come to mind when describing your next haircut, but it’s an exception worth considering. This type of fade graduates right down to the skin, creating a high-contrast look that’s both bold and sleek. It’s a statement style that offers a sharp, clean aesthetic.
Burst Fade
The Burst fade is a subtler alternative to the more pronounced faux hawk, offering a unique blend of style and subtlety. It features longer hair that runs down the centre of the head, left wider and then tapering towards the nape of the neck, with the fade fading out down the sides. This cut provides a gentle yet impactful stylistic statement.
Undercut Fade
The Undercut fade, famously sported by the likes of Becks and Brad Pitt, has secured its place in the hairstyle hall of fame. It features medium to longer-length hair on top, which can be either swept back or worn loose, topped off with a clean fade to the back and sides. This style is a testament to contemporary hair fashion, offering a blend of classic charm and modern edge.
Curly Fade
The Curly fade is a type of fade haircut specifically performed on curly hair. If you thought your woolly mane excluded you from the fade club, it’s time to think again. This style perfectly adapts the fade technique to enhance the natural texture of curly hair, offering a sleek, stylish look.
Expert Recommendations: The Necessity of the Fade Factor in Men’s Haircuts
The fade haircut, a staple in men’s grooming, has transcended time and trends, proving to be more than just a passing fad. Its versatility and adaptability to various hair types and face shapes make it an indispensable style in any barber’s repertoire. From the subtle taper fade, perfect for a professional setting, to the more dramatic high fade, ideal for making a bold statement, the fade offers something for everyone.
A key aspect of the fade’s appeal lies in its ability to blend seamlessly into different hairstyles, enhancing the overall look while maintaining a clean, polished appearance. This blending is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, as it allows for easier maintenance and a longer-lasting style. Additionally, the fade haircut can be tailored to accentuate the best features of one’s face, making it a highly customizable option.
For those considering a new hairstyle, the fade should be a top consideration. Whether you’re looking for a subtle change or a complete overhaul, the fade offers a range of options to suit your personal style and hair type. Its ability to adapt to both casual and formal settings further enhances its appeal.
In conclusion, the fade is not just a style but an art form that requires skill and precision. It’s a testament to the barber’s craftsmanship and the wearer’s taste. For any man looking to elevate his hairstyle, incorporating the fade factor is a surefire way to achieve a sophisticated, modern look that stands out in both its simplicity and elegance.