5 Tips for the Perfect Fade

Fade haircuts are incredibly popular these days. They require less maintenance for the client and add a cool visual style as you look from the neckline up to the top of the head. They also reduce the amount of regular cutting that needs to be done around the neckline and ears. You’ve probably done some fades for your clients in the past or you’re noticing more and more folks are asking for them, so it’s important to keep some tips in mind when giving a haircut fade.

1. Plan the fade. Before you even touch a pair of clippers, talk with your client about what he wants the fade to look like. Is it just a bit off the neckline and near the ears or does the fade start almost at the edge of the top of the skull? Planning where the fade will stop will give you more control over the cut and keep it looking uniform.
2. Start small. You can always take hair off, but you can’t put it back on. Use a guard on your clippers (a #3 guard is a common one) and go over the entire area that will be faded. This will make sure you catch any loose hairs that are too long while preventing you from cutting too deep into the hair. Work your way down in guards to #2, then #1, then cut without a guard to complete the fade in sections. 
3. Work with the grain. Start at the neck and work your way up the head. This makes sure no hairs get unintentionally pressed down against the head while you’re going over them with the guard.
4. Consider a zero-gap attachment for close cuts. If your client wants a fade that cuts closer to the skin, consider using a zero-gap attachment on your clippers. This is a quick and easy way to get sharp lines and details close to the skin without risk of accidentally cutting into the existing fade.
5. Keep your pressure consistent throughout. When cutting a fade haircut, uneven pressure from clipper blades is what causes a fade to look uneven and unprofessional. By applying even pressure in each stage of the cut, you’re sure to have a straight, uniform look throughout and a satisfied customer.

Fade haircuts are actually quite simple once you’ve mastered the basic, gradual steps of the technique. Start slow, plan your fade’s height, apply even pressure and you’ll have a dynamite haircut each and every time. What are some tips or tricks you’ve found helpful when explaining to other barbers how to fade a haircut? Let us know in the comments below!