A fade is an effective way to achieve a fresh, contemporary style that pairs beautifully with any haircut and adds some flair. Before visiting your barber for a fade, it is crucial to understand its different varieties. Doing so will enable your stylist to provide optimal results and offer tailored advice based on what type of fade is necessary for you.
Low Fade
Men with medium to long hair who want something special can opt for the low fade. This haircut creates contrast and balance while keeping the hair at a manageable length. In addition, this type of fade works excellently with multiple styles from spiked pompadours.
Low fades are different from most fades because they do not begin above the ears, instead beginning beneath them – known as a “drop fade.” This style offers an elegant contrast between short hair on the sides and longer locks at the crown of your head, creating an eye-catching yet stylish look. This style looks its best when kept straightforward with Hanz de Fuko Two Tone Pomade ($18). Be sure to keep the corners darkened to emphasize its fade and highlight the natural textures of your hair; this style also works well on kinky locks!
Mid Fade
Mid-fade haircuts provide a versatile in-between option that sits somewhere between low and high fade styles, typically starting around the level of your eyes and cutting either curvewise or straight across. A mid fade is an elegant style that works well with side part hairstyles; its versatile nature also lends itself well to styling casually using hair gel or pomade for texture.
Similar to a taper haircut, a mid fade focuses on creating contrast between your hair and skin by making differences between them. However, unlike its taper cousin, the mid fade goes higher and can even reach your neckline (known as a bald fade). A mid fade goes excellent with short styles on top, such as quiff or comb over,, and looks fantastic with a faded beard or shadow fringe; celebrities such as David Beckham, Ryan Gosling, and Tom Hardy often favor this style for keeping professional looks without looking stuffy. This style has also proven popular with guys looking for professional yet understated looks without looking stuffy!
High Fade
The high fade is undoubtedly ideal for those who desire a sharp and sleek appearance. It is often considered one of the harsher fade haircuts because it requires shorter sections of hair to sit beneath your hairline.
To add contrast and definition, a high fade haircut pairs perfectly with other distinct looks, such as an undercut, quiff, or pompadour on top. Remember that more dramatic or severe fade haircuts tend to grow out quicker, so regular maintenance and shaping are a great way to keep them looking their best!
Taper
Tapers and fades are iconic hairstyles that serve as the basis of many other looks, so you must understand their differences to effectively communicate with your barber to achieve the look you’re going for.
A tapered haircut features a gradual decrease in hair length along the sides and back of the head. It’s ideal for men who don’t want a radical change to their style or those with thin, exemplary, or kinky locks looking for something less dramatic than their previous styles.
Fades are more drastic changes to hair length, typically shorter than taper styles, that can be worn in many different types, from professional to edgy street looks. Both require high levels of skill to execute successfully; therefore, practicing and perfecting your techniques before trying them on clients is critical to their success. Using photos as reference points may also be helpful when helping clients visualize what look they’re going for.
