What makes a haircut a fade
A fade is a gradual blend from very short hair at the bottom of the sides and back to longer hair higher up. There is no hard line where one length stops and the next begins. The barber works up the head with shorter and longer clipper settings until the change in length looks like a smooth shadow.
Two things define any fade: how high the blend starts, and how short it goes at the bottom. Height gives you low, mid and high. The bottom length gives you a skin fade (down to bare skin) or a fade that stops at a short guard like a #1. Everything else, from a drop fade to a burst, is a variation on the shape of that blend.
If you are not sure whether you want a fade at all, our guide on taper vs. fade differences covers the softer option that keeps more length at the hairline.
Low, mid and high fades
Low fade. The blend starts just above the ear and follows the hairline around the back. Most of your hair stays on, so it grows out gracefully and works in an office. A good first fade if you have never had one.
Mid fade. The blend reaches roughly halfway up the sides, between the ear and the temple. It is the most requested middle ground: clearly a fade, but not dramatic. It pairs well with a textured crop, a quiff or a short comb-over.
High fade. The blend climbs to the parietal ridge, where the side of the head turns into the top. The contrast with the hair on top is strong, so it reads sharp and athletic. It also shows regrowth fastest, which is why high fades need the most frequent touch-ups.
Skin, bald and taper fades
Skin or bald fade. The bottom of the fade goes all the way to bare skin, usually with a foil shaver or a razor after the clippers. Skin and bald mean the same thing. You can have a low, mid or high skin fade; the name only tells you how short the bottom goes.
Taper fade. The fade is kept to the sideburns and the neckline only, with the rest of the sides left longer. It is the most conservative fade and grows out with almost no awkward stage.
At Pearl River Barber Shop on 6 E Central Ave, a skin fade is $40. Photos of finished cuts are in the shop photo gallery if you want a reference.
Drop and burst fades
Drop fade. The fade line curves down behind the ear and drops low at the back of the neck instead of running level all the way around. It keeps more weight at the back and looks good with curly or textured tops.
Burst fade. The fade forms a half-circle around the ear and stays long at the neckline. It is common with mohawks, faux hawks and longer curls, because the back keeps its length while the area around the ear goes short.
Fade comparison table
Use this as a quick reference. Heights are approximate because every head is shaped a little differently, and a barber will adjust the line to your head shape and hairline.
| Fade | Where it starts | How it looks | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low fade | Just above the ear | Subtle, clean edges | First fades, office jobs, longer tops |
| Mid fade | Around the temple | Balanced, clearly faded | Most hair types and face shapes |
| High fade | Near the crown / parietal ridge | Strong contrast, sharp | Short tops, athletic look |
| Skin (bald) fade | Any height, bottom goes to skin | Crisp, very clean | Anyone who wants maximum contrast |
| Taper fade | Sideburns and neckline only | Soft, natural | Conservative styles, long time between cuts |
| Drop fade | Curves down behind the ear | Arched line at the back | Curly and textured tops |
| Burst fade | Half-circle around the ear | Short around ear, long at neck | Mohawks, faux hawks, curls |
How to ask for the fade you want
Say three things: the height (low, mid or high), the bottom length (skin, or a guard number), and what you want on top. "Mid skin fade, about two inches on top, scissor-cut and pushed forward" gives a barber everything they need. Not sure about guard sizes? The chart of clipper guard numbers translates them into inches.
A photo of the cut on someone with hair like yours is worth more than any description. Show it, then let the barber tell you what will actually work with your density and growth pattern. Our checklist on what to tell your barber covers necklines, parts and beards too.
Ready for one? Walk-ins welcome when the chair’s free. Booking guarantees your spot. You can see prices and book a skin fade on Central Ave online.