Fade

Low Fade

The gradient starts just above the ear and stays low around the head. The most forgiving fade there is — it works with almost any top and almost any face, which is why it is the default ask in most shops.

Cut lives at guard 1

Guard range
1
Chair time
25-35m
Back in
2-3 wks
Instrument
Clipper + scissors
What to say

Ask for it like this.

Barbers work from instructions, not vibes. These are the three things that decide whether you get this cut or something adjacent to it.

  1. Ask for a low fade starting an inch above the ear.
  2. Say whether you want it taken to skin or left at a one.
  3. Confirm the top length in fingers or inches, not adjectives.
Living with it

Grows out cleanly. You get two to three weeks before it needs attention, longer than a high fade.

Suits these face shapes

OvalRoundSquareHeartDiamondOblongTriangle

Works with this hair

StraightWavyThickCoily
If this is close but not right

Low Taper

Guard 1-2 · 20-30m

Side Part

Guard 1 · 30-35m

French Crop

Guard 1-2 · 25-35m