A fade is a haircut where the hair blends gradually from very short at the bottom up to longer on top, with no hard lines. The secret to a clean fade is simple in principle: work up through your clipper guard lengths in stages, then blend away the lines between them. This guide covers the tools, the types of fade and a step-by-step method for a seamless blend.
What is a hair fade?
A fade is a gradual taper in hair length, usually around the back and sides, that blends from skin or very short up into longer hair. Unlike a basic short back and sides, a fade has no visible step between lengths — each section melts into the next. Where the fade starts on the head (low, mid or high) and how short it goes (down to the skin or not) defines the style.
What you need to fade hair
- A clipper with guards and a taper lever — your main tool for setting lengths and blending. The Cordless Magic Clip is a popular fading clipper because its blade and lever make blending easier.
- A close-cutting or balding clipper — for the shortest part of a low or skin fade. The 5 Star Balding Clipper cuts very close.
- A trimmer — for lining and edging. The Cordless Detailer is built for crisp lines.
- A foil shaver — for a smooth skin finish on a skin fade. The Vanish shaver finishes skin work cleanly.
- A wide-tooth comb for clipper-over-comb blending.
See the full clippers & trimmers range, or our guide to the best clippers for barbers.
Types of fade
- Low fade — starts just above the ear and hairline; subtle and smart.
- Mid fade — starts around the temple; the most versatile and popular.
- High fade — starts high on the sides for a bold, high-contrast look.
- Skin (bald) fade — taken right down to the skin at the bottom.
- Taper fade — a softer, gradual fade focused around the edges and neckline.
- Drop and burst fades — shaped variations that curve behind the ear or drop at the back.
How to do a fade, step by step
- Cut the top and establish length. Decide the longest length first and cut the top, so you know what you're blending up to.
- Set your guideline. Choose where the fade will start (low, mid or high) and run the clipper around the head at that height to mark the top of the fade.
- Take the bottom down. Start with your shortest guard — or an open blade / balding clipper for a skin fade — and clear the hair below your first guideline.
- Work up in guard steps. Move up one guard length at a time as you go up the head, each pass stopping a little higher than the last, creating bands of length.
- Blend the lines. Using a flicking or scooping motion and your taper lever, run the clipper over the lines between each band to soften them. This is where the fade is made.
- Clipper-over-comb where needed. Use a comb to lift and blend any stubborn transition into the longer top section.
- Detail and line up. Use a trimmer to sharpen the hairline, around the ears and the neckline.
- Finish the skin (skin fade only). Use a foil shaver to take the lowest section to a smooth, clean skin finish.
Tips for a seamless blend
- Work in good light and check the blend from every angle, including in the mirror.
- Keep the clipper moving — pausing in one spot creates lines.
- Use the taper lever for half-guard lengths and finer blending between bands.
- Less is more: take a little at a time, because you can't put it back.
- Keep your blades clean and well oiled so they cut evenly throughout the cut.
Common fade mistakes to avoid
- Starting the fade too high or too low for the style you want.
- Skipping guard lengths, which leaves visible bands you then have to chase.
- Forgetting to blend the longer top into the faded sides.
- Pressing too hard or moving too fast, which causes lines and patchy spots.
FAQs
What clippers are best for fading hair?
A clipper with a taper lever and a close-cutting blade, such as the Wahl Cordless Magic Clip, is popular for fades because it blends smoothly. A balding clipper or foil shaver is used for the skin section of a skin fade.
What guard do you start a fade with?
Most barbers start the lowest section with the shortest guard — or an open/zero blade for a skin fade — then work up one guard length at a time as they move up the head.
What's the difference between a fade and a taper?
A taper is a gentle, gradual shortening around the edges and neckline, while a fade blends much shorter — often down to the skin — and usually covers more of the back and sides.
How do you blend a fade?
Blending is done by running the clipper over the lines between guard lengths using a flicking or scooping motion, often with the taper lever part-open, until the bands disappear.
Is fading hair hard to learn?
Fading takes practice to master, but the principle is straightforward: work up through guard lengths and blend the lines. Good clippers and steady, light passes make it much easier.
More barber guides
- Best hair clippers for barbers
- Wahl Magic Clip vs Super Taper vs Senior
- Clipper guard sizes explained (mm chart)
- How to clean and oil your clippers
- How to set up a barbershop: the kit checklist
- Insight 'I'm Not a Barber' barber training
Shop fading tools at trade prices
Hairco & Beauty supplies professional clippers, trimmers and shavers to the trade. Browse the clippers & trimmers range or open a free trade account for trade pricing on everything you need to fade.
Written by Charlotte Read, Content Writer at Hairco & Beauty. Charlotte has over six years' experience in professional hair and beauty, and our guides are informed by colleagues with 100+ years of combined salon experience and by insight from the trade customers we supply. More about our content.
