Barbering Tips: What Are The Different Types of Fades?

Men’s grooming has grown exponentially over the past few years as clients take more interest and pride in their style. From coifs to quiffs, there are an unlimited amount of short hair cut trends to choose from and in addition to this, an array of fade techniques to consider. With fades varying from low, mid, high, to taper and drop, it can be confusing to keep them all straight. Read on to learn exactly what the different types of fades are and how to pair them with your client’s style! 

The Fade Defined

In barbering, fades are a technique that can be added to any haircut. They vary in length from skin fades to taper, and in starting point from low to mid/medium or high fades. Defining the kind of fade is determined by how short you go, where the shortest part of the hair begins, how far up this length stretches, and how it is blended into longer lengths.

The Various Types of Fades

Taper fade

One of the most subtle fades, the taper fade is primarily focused around the neckline and sideburn area, making it one of the lowest fade types. As a more low-maintenance fade, it is ideal for a client with a longer hairstyle. The taper fade can be a great technique to clean up a cut or help a beard blend into the overall length. 

Drop fade 

This look is ideal if your client wants to transition away from a harsh fade or grow out length in their cut. Similar to a traditional fade, the drop fade takes on a slight angle as it is slightly lower toward the back and sides of the head.

Skin Fade

While most fades include a short to long length transition, the skin fade starts off with the hair shaved down to the skin and gets longer from there. A more advanced technique, this creates the harshest fade and a high-intensity finish. 

Low, Mid, and High Fade

After deciding between on the length and angle, barbers can then choose between a low, mid/medium or high fade. 

A low fade generally begins around a third of the way up the head and is suitable for clients who want a faint transition.

Mid or medium fades begin around one to two thirds up the side of the head. Barbers tend to start this look around the eye area as a great way to frame the face.

The high fade begins in the last third of the head and is the most severe of all fades, often blending just around the crown of the head.