What You Need to Know Before Getting a Fade Haircut

The fade haircut has become so popular that most men have rocked some version of it at least once. Piolo Pascual loves it. So does Tom Hardy. But just because a haircut looks cool on countless others doesn’t mean the same style will work for you.

Certain factors can impact how well a fade looks. Before hitting up your barber, here’s everything you need to consider to ensure your new ‘do stands out for all the right reasons.

A men’s fade haircut has a range of styles that suit different personalities. One daring option is the skin fade, which tapers down to the skin . The sides are shaved clean with a razor, then gradually blended into the crown. Just keep in mind that a skin fade requires utmost precision, meaning you need to really trust your barber. The whole cut will look patchy when the fade is shaved too close without a smooth transition.

There are other types of fade haircuts if you’re after a more casual and low-contrast look. A taper fade leaves more length along the temples and hairline. Another variation is a classic fade, which doesn’t cut as close to the scalp like a skin fade but has a more noticeable gradation than a taper fade. It’s a middle-ground that offers a structured look with more versatility.

One of the best things about a fade haircut is how it can be modified to fit every face shape. Ask your barber about the best fade placement to complement your face shape and features. Here are the three levels of fade to consider:

Starting just above the ears, the low fade looks particularly nice on oblong and square faces as it doesn’t highlight angular features. Since the fade doesn’t start too high, it works well with longer styles, like the Edgar and the two-block. As it grows out, it will resemble Taron Egerton’s Ivy League cut in Kingsman.

The mid fade is the most versatile of all fade haircuts. It gives off a clean, chiseled look to any face shape. The hair begins to “blur” around the temples, emphasizing the cheekbones and jawbones without overpowering the natural face contours. When it comes to styling, you can opt for a sleek, combed-back ‘do or a modern textured crop.

Commonly known as the “high and tight,” this variation of a fade haircut brings the transition a few centimeters below the crown. The high placement gives extra pogi points to men with rounder face shapes as it adds angularity to their features. A high fade is best suited with short hairstyles such as a crew or buzz cut that can draw attention upwards.

The fade is only one part of the overall look. Granted, it does the heavy lifting, but the top section of your hair is what ties everything together.

A bit of extra length gives you more room to try out different styles, from a top knot to pompadour. However, too much length and volume will make your high fade seem disconnected. It may look great at first but will likely shift into an awkward undercut within a few weeks. So, let your barber trim your crown even if you’re aiming to rock a fade with long hair.

As far as maintenance goes, a fade haircut is unfussy. All you need is a weekly trim to keep the sides clean and the transition smooth. That said, a fade haircut exposes more of the scalp, which will accentuate problems like dandruff and thinning hair.

If you’re experiencing flakes, swap your regular shampoo with Clear Men Cool Sport Menthol Shampoo. It has a Triple Anti-Dandruff technology, taurine, and vitamin B3 that removes up to 100% of dandruff. The cooling menthol also gives 24-hour freshness to your scalp.

If you have thinning hair, stick with a mid or high fade to help offset any sparse areas. To support healthy hair growth, keep your scalp clean and massage it in the shower. Try Dove Men+Care Strengthening Shampoo, which has caffeine and calcium for stronger hair against breakage.

The best fade haircut for you is one that’s tailored to your unique features and personal style. When you have a clear idea of what style you want to get, gather some inspo to avoid misinterpretation and show them to your barber. That way, you’re more likely to walk out as a happy customer with a dope, new haircut.