How to Give a Skin-Fade Haircut

A fade haircut, whether a skin fade or bald fade, removes all of the hair immediately above the ears.

A skin fade, also known as a bald fade, is similar to a buzz cut and a taper cut. The exception is that the hair around the ears is completely shaved away and gradually gets longer as you move to the top of the head. The cut is made with electric hair clippers and the settings are raised as you move upward to the top of the head. Giving a proper skin fade haircut only takes a few minutes to complete.

Things You'll Need

• Brush
• Electric hair clippers
• Small clipper gate
• Scissors
• Cutting comb

Instructions

1. Determine how short the cut should be all around the head. Brush or comb the hair, if necessary, in the direction of growth.

2. Attach the smallest clipper gate to electric clippers.

3. Trim the hair to an even length all the way around the head -- on top, the sides and in back.

4. Remove the clipper gate and set the clippers to the lowest setting. Shave the hair on the back of the neck. Trim hair behind the ears.

5. Shave about one inch of hair from directly above the ears in a semicircle, similar in shape to the ears.

6. Set the clippers to the next setting level and trim about 1/2-inch of hair above the shaved area.

7. Change the clipper to the middle setting and trim another 1/2-inch of hair above the previous cut. Change the clipper setting to the fourth setting and repeat the process, then change it to the highest setting and make a final trim. Repeat the process for the other side of the head.

8. Trim the hair in front and anywhere that you see an uneven hairline using the fine teeth of a cutting comb and scissors.

References

• Laura E. Carlson; Cosmetology Student: Rudy & Kelly Academy; Virginia Beach, Va.; August 2011
• CoolMensHair.com: How to Fade Hair
• Hudson's FTM Resource Guide: Men's Short Haircuts and the Barber Shop