The fade. You’ve probably heard of it. You’ve no doubt spotted it. Hey, you might even be sporting it (and not even realise). In brief, it’s an ‘aggressively tight’ tapered cut, kept super short at the sides and back, and ‘fading’ to any length up top (and, yep, it’s pretty much the cut everyone’s talking about).
The undercut fade is a good one (on-trend, low maintenance, a crowd-pleaser – read: your chums on Instagram will no-doubt double tap). The cut keep lots of length up top before tapering to a thin fade at the sides, and is super versatile when styling; pompadour, slicked back or roughed up for texture. Whether you’re all about perfecting your locks in the mirror, or the roll-out-of-bed-and-go type, this is the cut for you.
Of course, with any good do, it’s all about knowing what to ask the barber. High-skin fade, low-skin fade, maybe it’s best to show ‘em a picture? Here’s a few to choose from.
By Rachel Spedding
Book your fadeFAQs
What is a fade haircut and how does it look?
A fade haircut is an aggressively tight tapered cut that keeps the sides and back super short, fading smoothly to any length on top. This style is known for its clean and sharp appearance and is very popular right now.
How does an undercut fade differ from a regular fade?
An undercut fade keeps lots of length up top before tapering to a thin fade at the sides. This version is highly versatile, allowing you to style the top as a pompadour, slick it back, or add texture for a roughed-up look.
Is a fade haircut easy for you to maintain?
A fade haircut is considered low maintenance while still being stylish. This makes it a great choice whether you enjoy spending time perfecting your hair or prefer styles that are easy to manage each day.
What should you ask your barber to get the right fade?
Ask your barber specifically for a high-skin fade or low-skin fade to ensure you get the look you want. It can also be helpful to show your barber a picture of the style you’re aiming for.