How to Ask for a Fade Haircut

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References

A fade haircut has is a fashionable haircut that has stood the test of time. The haircut is called a fade because your hair is tapered on the back and side of your hair and blends with your skin. By understanding the different fades that exist, selecting one that works with your hair, and communicating with your barber, you can get a fade haircut that looks great on you.

Things You Should Know

Bring at least one picture of the fade you want to your stylist so they can use it for reference.
Be clear about how short you want to go. If you've had a fade before and remember the clipper number used, mention that.
Go over what you want in detail before your stylist starts cutting your hair to confirm they know what to do.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Discovering Different Fades

1
Know the differences between a high, low, and regular fade. A traditional fade is when the hair is tapered a few inches up above the nape of your head and on the sides of your head. A high fade is when the hair is gradually cut from the base of your head up above your temples, which is where your head starts to curve. A low fade is when the fade line is lower than a traditional fade and begins about 1 inch (2.5 cm) or so above the hairline. Decide how short you want the sides and back to be and where you want to fade line to begin in order to choose the one you like the best.
2
Consider the specialty fades you can get. In addition to the traditional fades, there are other specialty fades that exist. A high top fade has a straight blunt edge across the top, sharp corners, and a strong geometric shape. This style was popular in the 1980's. A temple fade is much like a low fade, except the hair disappears in a much more abrupt manner.^{[1]
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Research source} Finally, a scissor fade is created only using a scissor and leaves the person with longer hair than the traditional fade.
- This type of fade does not melt completely into the skin.
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3
Go with the traditional fade if it's your first time. If you're unsure how the fade will look on you, you should start off with a traditional fade. This haircut will leave enough hair so that if you need to alter your look later, you'll be able to. If you don't like the look of the traditional fade, move to a lower fade, then a higher fade, until you figure out what you like the best.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Talking to Your Stylist

1
Explain your personal style. You can get the haircut that you like by explaining the sort of look you are going for. Describe whether you are going for a clean-cut look, or whether you want a fade that is edgier. Explain your personality and what aesthetic you want to achieve to give the barber a better idea on what kind of fade you want.^{[2]
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- You can say something like "I work as a lawyer, so I'm looking for a fade that looks professional. Think you can help me out?"
- You could say something such as, "I'm in a rock band, and I want something that will stand out and set me apart from the rest. Do you have any ideas?"
2
Bring a picture in with you. Take a look at people in the media to determine what kind of fade you want the most. Search online for different celebrities that have fade haircuts. Bring in a photo so that the barber can use it as a reference when cutting your hair. When selecting a photo, make sure that you choose someone with a similar hair texture so that the stylist can cut your hair the way you want.^{[3]
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- Chose a picture of someone with a similar facial structure as yours for the best result. For example, if you have a wide jawline, look for someone who shares that feature.
- If you're not sure about your hair's texture, bring in multiple photos of different people with the same haircut.
- You can say something like, "I want my fade to look like T.I.'s fade."
- Check out soccer players' haircuts! They have great styles!
3
Tell the barber how short you want your hair to be. If you've gotten a fade before, it's likely that you know the number for the buzzer or clippers that they typically use. If you have this information, let them know. Otherwise, just explain how short you want your hair to be on the sides, back, and top.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Arthur Sebastian
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 29 April 2019.}
- For a very short fade, ask them for a 1 or 2 sized clippers.
- If you want to keep your hair a bit longer, ask for a number 4-5.^{[5]
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- It's also a good idea to talk to the barber about the length you want. Say, "I'd like to be able to part me hair," or "I want the front to fall over my forehead."
4
Talk to the barber in detail about your fade before they start cutting. Before the barber starts cutting your hair go into detail about the specific type of fade that you want. Tell them if you want a low, high, or specialty fade and get their opinion about how they think it will look on you. If you brought a picture, tell them about any deviations from the style that you're showing them so that they know exactly how you want your hair cut.^{[6]
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- You can say something like "I want a temple fade with a line in the back, but I want to keep it longer on the top. Can you do a 2 on the sides and back and a 5 on the top?"
- Or you can say something like, "I want my fade to look like Lupe Fiasco's old fade, but I want the fade to start higher on the sides"

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Getting a Fade that Works For You

1
Consider the color of your scalp. If the color of your scalp contrasts a lot with the color of your neck and face, some fades may not look good on you. High and low fades look best on people with a consistent skin tone. If your scalp color is different than your face color, consider a traditional fade or a scissor fade.
2
Understand your hair. Thick, dense hair is the best hair to have for a fade. If you have straight or thin hair, achieving a good looking fade may be harder, and you may be limited on styles.^{[7]
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Research source} If you don't have the optimal hair for a fade, consider getting a scissor or temple fade, as they work with various kinds of hair.
- Low and high fades look good on people who have thick, dense hair.
3
Choose a fade that works well with your head shape. The higher your fade is, the more your head will be exposed. Determine if you like the shape of your head, and choose a fade that compliments you. If you don't like the shape of your head, then go for a traditional fade, or a fade that leaves your hair longer. If you like the shape of your head, go for a fade that shows off more of your head.

EXPERT TIP

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist

Did You Know? A fade is a taper where the edges are short enough that skin can be seen through the hair. This will expose your head, so knowing the shape will help you make a good decision about the type of fade to get!
4
Individualize your style with detailing options. Detailing options, such as shaved designs or hairline shaping, can give your cut some individuality. You can put your own twist on the fade haircut by asking the barber to shave designs, such as zigzags or even your name, into your hair. You could also play with the style of the top portion of your hair, whether by shaping it with the clippers or styling it with gel.
- Ask your barber if they are able to do the detailing you want.

Community Q&A

Question

Does a fade have to be a skin fade?

Arthur Sebastian
Professional Hair Stylist
Arthur Sebastian is the Owner of Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon in San Francisco, California. Arthur has worked as a hair stylist for over 20 years and received his Cosmetology License in 1998. He believes that the true work of a successful hair stylist comes from passion and a love for hairdressing.

Arthur Sebastian

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Not necessarily. A fade just refers to the hair haircut where the hair tapers gradually from one length into another. There are tons of different fades out there.
Question

What is a fade in a haircut?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

A fade is the part of the haircut where the hair is short enough that the skin is visible through the hair. This length may vary slightly depending on the density and color of the hair.
Question

How short is a 3 haircut?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

A "3" haircut refers to an attachment that can be used on a clipper to maintain a specific length. The #3 attachment is usually 3/8 inch.