The fade haircut is a flattering style where the hair is cut short near the temples and neck and gradually gets longer at the top of the head.Depending on the hair and personal style, fades can be high and trimmed or start lower and blend into the neckline.This style is easy to cut if you have the right tools.
Step 1: It's a good idea to try a low fade on hair.
If your client's hair is thick or wavy, buzz the hair with the shortest clipper guard settings at a lower area, ideally below the ears and around the nape of the neck.Low fades show off a hair's texture better.The lower the fade, the longer the hair is on top.
Step 2: A high fade will give you more contrast.
If you want a cleaner, more buzzed style on the back and sides, go with the lowest guard settings.For a sleek look, try a high fade.High fades work well with square or round faces because they shorten the appearance of the face.
Step 3: Cut a fade with a pair of clippers and styling scissors.
If you want to blend the client's hair as you go, choose a pair of clippers with at least 3 guard lengths.Cut hair with clippers on the back, sides, and nape.You can use styling scissors on the back and sides if you prefer a softer fade.This is an advanced technique, so do not attempt it unless you have experience with fades.If you want to trim hair, do not use household scissors.If you like it shorter than 1 in, you can use clippers near the top of your head.
Step 4: Before cutting the hair, wash it and dry it.
It is easier to cut clean hair.If the person's hair is wet, air or towel dry it until it is damp.To make cutting it simpler, the hair should be somewhat damp.If the client's hair clumps together, you may have to cut it out.
Step 5: The top should be trimmed with styling scissors.
Lift sections of hair from the top of the head and place the tips between your fingers.The hair should be trimmed with scissors at your desired length.Continue trimming the hair at the top of the head until you have trimmed it to the same length.The person's bangs should be trimmed in sections for a neat and even line.
Step 6: Use a long guard size to trim the sides and back.
If you want the top of the fade to be long, set the clippers to a long guard length.Continue trimming until the hair is a uniform length.If you want to cut the hair up towards the top of the client's head, use a vertical movement.To get an even cut, work against the grain of the hair.Lift the clippers slightly at the end of each stroke as you get close to the rounded part of the person's head to help the cuts fade together smoothly.
Step 7: The back of the head needs to be cut.
Cut the hair in vertical strokes from the neck toward the crown when you switch to the next shortest guard.The hair on the head needs to be left long just below the crown.If you were using a #3 guard size, switch to a #2.You can blend the lines by going back over them with the clippers.
Step 8: If you want to buzz the nape, use the shortest guard setting.
Start at the nape of the neck and work your way back to the center.Pull back at the same height around the head for an even finish.Pull back your clippers and blend the nape's short hair with the long hair on the back.To create a neat edge, shave the hair from the nape and below.
Step 9: The edges need to be cleaned with your clippers.
The clippers should be moved along the nape and edges of the sides.If you find any spots that are poorly blended or even, go back over them with a clipper guard.The blade should be turned around and used to go around the edges.This will allow for a clean outline.
Step 10: Take care of the fade and hair clippings.
Determine if the client would like a shorter or longer fade by asking them to look at their new cut.If the person wants a shorter cut, trim off small amounts at a time to avoid cutting off too much.
Step 11: The top should be styled with a hair product.
Clay, wax, gel, and pomade all work well with faded hair.Work a small amount of styling product into the top, brushing or combing it to give it a clean, neat look.Ask the client what products they normally use and, if possible, incorporate these items, so they can replicate the style themselves.
Step 12: Regular maintenance includes trimming the fade every 4 to 6 weeks.
If you want to maintain the same hair length and fade, you need to trim the cut every 4 to 6 weeks.As fades grow out, their style can change a lot.While initially cutting the hair, use the same clipper guards and styling method.