How to Cut a Fade Hairstyle
The fade is a popular hairstyle that is typically used for short haircuts. Men, women and teens of all ages wear the short, tapered cut. The client should know that a significant part of the skull will show through the cut before agreeing to a fade. Once the cut is finished, there is little styling that can be done. This can be good or bad, depending how the person likes the finished style. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Practice on people willing to live with uneven hairlines or who can grow hair back quickly if you make a mistake. The fade is one of the more difficult cuts to do well and the results are usually difficult to disguise except with a hat.
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Plan the entire cut before starting. Use hairclips to hold up each section before cutting. Remove the clips only after completing the entire layer. When cutting a fade down a neckline, use markers such as the top and bottom of the ears as guides.
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Use clippers that have length guards that can be set lower as you move from layer to layer. The final layer can be shaved with a razor, starting with a light touch on the second to last layer and ending with a full press. A fade haircut can run from front to back or back to front, but is usually cut from top to bottom, with the final buzz on the neck.
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Find different combs that have varying lengths of teeth. Many hairdressers are more proficient and comfortable with combs and scissors, and so can utilize the different combs for each layer to stay on track.
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Subtly move from layer to layer to avoid sharp lines. Most people prefer to have their fade lines barely visible. Lightly even out the ends of each level by running the clippers over the top of a layer that looks too sharp.
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Get creative with subjects willing to experiment. The fade haircut leaves room for extreme styles. Try some straight lines and leave the hair long on top and shave the lower part of the head. Fade from top to bottom and from front to back for a geometric look.
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Tips & Warnings
Although most barbers and hairdressers try to make a fade haircut even with no discernible edges, a purposeful uneven edge that hangs over the next fade can be a style all its own.
Don't try to give yourself a fade because even if you're willing to sport an uneven cut for stylish purposes, it's nearly impossible to cut a clean fade in the back of your own head.
