When was the last time you changed up your hairstyle? If your barber could do your cut with his or her eyes closed, it may be time to let go of the old and welcome something new. Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably heard of the fade haircut. Fades are versatile and fit any style and any face shape, as long as the hand behind your clippers knows what he or she is doing.
If you’re interested in rocking a fade, here is what you need to know about how to execute and pull it off.
What Is a Fade Haircut?
Fades have grown in popularity over the last few years and for a good reason. With the variety of fades and styles, most men can benefit from the cut. A fade is simply a tight, tapered haircut. Your barber cuts the hair at your sides and back as close to the skin as possible, then tapers the hair to any length at the top. You’ve probably seen quite a few fades out in public, whether they’re neatly styled or intentionally messy.
Traditionally, a fade starts close to the skin, but you don’t have to be that dramatic to accomplish the look. Some choose to have the shallow area of the hair last for an inch at the back of the neck. If you have a good barber, he or she should be able to get a smooth taper in a short space.
Low Skin Fade
A low skin fade haircut, for example, does not require you to show a lot of skin. It only reveals a little bit of the upper neck. The short hair progressively becomes longer as it runs to the crown of your head.
High Skin Fade
If you’re not worried about showing off your skin, then you may be interested in a bolder, more high skin fade. A high skin fade is cut close to the skin, leaving a lot of bald areas exposed. It does not become longer until you reach the crown of the head.
Medium Skin Fade
A medium skin fade is a solid middle ground between low skin and high skin fades. With the medium cut, your hair is left longer starting at the middle of your head, rather than waiting until the crown.
Which Fade Haircut Is Right for You?
One reason people stick with the same cut every time is that it’s the safe route. If you’ve never had a fade, how can you be sure it’ll look good on you? The answer is simple enough because fades look good on everyone. If you have a good barber and understand the type of haircut that suits your face shape the best, you should know before you begin what the fade may look like on you.
When Natural Is Best
If you want your hair to look natural and to give you a smart, professional appearance, then think about the taper fade. The taper is the classic fade cut. Not only is it a sharp look, but it’s a versatile one. It looks as good in an office setting as it does at the local sport’s bar, beer in hand.
For the Bearded
When you have a beard, your fade haircut should complement it. For example, if you keep your beard well-groomed, think about a low fade. The low version creates a contract between the texture of the hair on your head and your facial hair. For a longer beard, consider a mid fade that stands out a little more than a low fade. The mid fade has a harder skin-hair blend line but can be styled as necessary and complements a long beard.
The Bold Choice
If you’re feeling more on the bold side, then the high fade may be what is right for you. The high fade is a high-contrast style. If you’re looking for something highly stylized without any subtlety, then go for the high fade. Famous for American flattops, it complements round and square face shapes.
What Are Styles of Fades?
When deciding on the right style for you, think about your haircare routine. How much time and how much product you spend on your hair will matter.
Faux Hawk
If you’re a faux hawk kind of guy, you can combine the timeless faux hawk with a trendy fade haircut. In the faux hawk fade, you have a strip of hair down the middle of your head. The hair travels from the forehead to the nape and fades down towards your ears.
Comb-Over
Comb-over fades are one of the most classic looks. If you do not want to go big and bold, the comb-over fade is a lot more conservative. It’s a more preppy style with a side part on the top and a precision fade on the back and sides.
High-Top
If you are familiar with the early hip-hop and funk scene, you already know what the high-top looks like. The high-top is a flat-top fade but taller and reminiscent of the boombox era. The ’80s and ’90s are always on-trend, so why not bring the hair back too?
Undercut
An undercut is a classic cut you’ve probably seen on a lot of local guys, as well as celebrities and even your favorite sports players. An undercut tends to have medium to long hair on the top. You may choose to wear it loose, swept-back or with a clean fade on the back and sides.
When You Need More Than Haircut Advice
A trip to the barbershop doesn’t have to end with the same cut every time. When you look in the mirror, you should be proud of the hair on your head. No matter the fade haircut, a man’s hair is only a small part of his overall personality. At Rugged Standard, we have your back when it comes to lifestyle guides that every guy needs. Check us out for more rugged content!