Get the Perfect Fade: How to Tell Your Barber Exactly What You Want

We’ve all been there: you walk into a barbershop, sit down, ask for one thing, and somehow walk out with something completely different. It might not be that your barber wasn’t skilled - haircut lingo can get pretty specific and miscommunication is an unfortunately common occurrence. A simple style like a fade might seem straightforward, but there are many subtle variations in the different types of fades you can choose from. In this article we’ll break down these variations and give you tips on how to ask for exactly the style you want, so you leave the barber chair with a cut that’s sharp and suits you perfectly.

What is a Fade?

To start, a fade is a type of haircut where the hair gradually tapers down in length, usually from the top of the head down to the sides and back, creating a seamless transition from longer hair to shorter or even shaved sections. The term 'fade' comes from the way the hair appears to 'fade' into the skin. Fades can vary in length and style, from low fades that start near the ears to high fades that begin higher up on the scalp. It’s a versatile cut that can be customized to suit different face shapes, hair types, and personal styles.

How to Specify where You Want your Fade to Start?

In general, fades can start at three different levels:

Low Fade: A low fade starts just below the ear and goes down the back of your head, underneath the occipital bone (i.e. the base of your skull).
Mid Fade: A mid fade starts at your temples and tapers about halfway down your head.
High Fade A high fade starts at the corners of your forehead and wraps around the back of your head, above the occipital bone.

Low fades are a great place to start for those first experimenting with this style, while a high fade will contribute to a more dramatic look. For those with beards or facial hair, you’ll want to consider how much space you want between the bottom of your hair line and the start of your facial hair line. Your face and head shape will also be contributing factors to the way your fade will ultimately look, so it’s good to discuss with your barber on what style they might recommend if you are unsure.

Types of Fades

In addition to knowing the starting point of your fade, you’re going to want to know what kind of fade to ask for. The main distinction between types of fades depends on how much hair is left at the shortest point of the fade. Here are the 3 main types:

Bald Fade: A bald fade involves cutting the hair down to the scalp, creating a completely bald finish at the lowest point of the fade. It's a sharp, clean look where the hair gradually fades into nothing. Most barbers will use a straight razor or shavette razor to achieve this look.

Skin Fade: Similar to a bald fade, a skin fade also tapers the hair down to the skin, but instead leaves a tiny bit of stubble. It’s known for its polished appearance and crisp lines, as the hair essentially disappears into the skin. A barber will likely use their clippers on the lowest setting in this case.

Shadow Fade: Unlike the bald or skin fade, a shadow fade leaves a short amount of hair at the shortest point, rather than going completely bald or seemingly bald. This creates a “shadow” effect, where the fade transitions from longer hair to a light, subtle layer of hair, offering a softer contrast.

The key to a great fade lies in the way it blends from the top of your head to the base of your skull. Knowing in advance what kind of fade you want and where you want the fade to start will help your barber understand exactly what you’re looking for and how much room they’ll have to create this “blending effect”. For more clarity on this subject, watch this video where one of our most trusted barbers breaks down these nuances.

Treating your Scalp Post-Haircut

After getting a fade, treating your scalp is crucial. The close shave involved in skin and bald fades exposes your scalp more than usual, making it prone to dryness, irritation, and sun damage. Using a moisturizer or soothing aftershave balm can help keep the skin hydrated and reduce the risk of razor bumps or ingrown hairs. We recommend the Suavecito Menthol Aftershave Cream, which contains natural menthol and mint that will soothe the skin on your scalp and prevent irritation. Work the creamy texture onto the back of your head for a few days after getting a fresh fade and you’ll be sure to maintain a clean appearance without razor bumps.

MENTHOL AFTERSHAVE CREAM

Repairs skin after shave
Natural mint and menthol
Reduces redness and irritation
Leaves skin feeling soft and healed
Refreshing mint scent

You’ll also want to use gentle shampoo that won’t further irritate the scalp. As your hair grows out you might deal with itchiness or dry skin on your scalp, which is made worse by shampoos with harsh chemicals. This is especially true for those with sensitive skin, so you’ll want to look for products with nourishing ingredients. The Suavecito Daily Shampoo contains Sage Oil and Chamomile, two gentle and soothing ingredients that will ensure your scalp stays healthy until your next barber appointment.

DAILY SHAMPOO

Made with sage oil and chamomile to strengthen hair and soothe scalp
Helps prevent dandruff
Sulfate free formula gently cleanses
No added fragrance
Works for all hair types and textures
Comes in both 8 oz and 16 oz sizes

Proper scalp care keeps your fade looking sharp and your skin feeling healthy and comfortable. For a limited time only, we’re offering 20% off both the Suavecito Menthol Aftershave Cream and Suavecito Daily Shampoo with code B-FADE. Use this code soon so you’re prepped for your next haircut appointment!

Conclusion

In conclusion, fades are a versatile and stylish haircut that can be customized to suit any look, whether you're opting for a low, mid, or high fade. Understanding the differences between fade types—like bald, skin, and shadow fades—helps you communicate clearly with your barber to get the result you want. It's also important to take care of your scalp after a fade, as the close shave leaves it more exposed and sensitive. We hope that after reading this article you’ll no longer have to worry about miscommunicating with your barber and that your future fades will forever look crisp, clean, and firme 💪