A fade is a haircut where the sides and back get gradually shorter toward the bottom, blending from longer hair into very short hair or bare skin. The name of the fade tells you where the blend starts: low, mid or high on the head. The word "skin" tells you how short it gets at the bottom.
The four fades, side by side
| Fade | Where the blend starts | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Low fade | Just above the ear, following the hairline | Conservative jobs, first-time fades, rounder faces. Grows out cleanly. |
| Mid fade | Roughly the temple line | The safe middle. Works with almost every face shape and hair type. |
| High fade | Near the top corners of the head | Strong, sharp look. Longer faces, thick hair, anyone who wants contrast. |
| Skin fade | Any height, taken down to bare skin | The cleanest finish. Pairs with low, mid or high. Needs the most upkeep. |
How to pick
Start with your job and your week
A low or mid fade grows out quietly and looks fine three weeks later. A high skin fade looks sharpest on day one and starts to show by week two. If you can get in every two to three weeks, go high and tight. If you come in every five or six, stay low or mid.
Then your face shape
- Round face: a mid or high fade with height on top lengthens the face.
- Long face: a low fade keeps weight on the sides so the face doesn't look longer.
- Square jaw: almost anything works. A mid skin fade shows the jaw off.
Then your hair
Thick, straight hair takes a skin fade beautifully because the blend reads clearly. Fine hair often looks better with a low fade that leaves some weight. Curly hair fades very well, and a mid skin fade with length on top is one of the most asked-for cuts in the shop.
Taper vs fade
A taper only shortens the hair around the ears and the neckline. The rest of the sides stay one length. A fade blends the whole side. If you want a clean cut that still looks like you have a full head of hair, ask for a taper. If you want the sides to disappear, ask for a fade.
Keeping it sharp
- Book your next fade before you leave. Two to three weeks for high and skin fades, three to five for low and mid.
- Ask for a line-up between cuts if you have an event. It takes minutes and resets the edges.
- Use a light product on top. Heavy wax flattens the contrast the fade gives you.
Fade haircuts in Ottawa
Khalil Barbershop has been cutting fades on Prince of Wales Drive since 1990. Sam, Adam, Nidal and Ahmad each do low, mid, high and skin fades, with a straight razor finish on the neckline. Book a fade and pick the barber you want.