Fade is a popular haircut, especially for men. It involved leaving more hair on the top and gradually the hair lessens as it goes down to the sides and the back. It is usually more clean and tapered compared to other similar styles that leave two different sizes of hair. In this article, we will talk about different types of faded haircuts and give you some tips for fade haircut selection and maintenance.
Which Fade Haircut is Best?
There are plenty of really good fade haircuts for both men and women. Here are some to check out for men:
Low Fade
In this type of fade, the style shows a subtle transition from longer hair on top to shorter hair at the nape and the sides.
High Fade
Compared to low fade, the main difference is that the tapering begins from a higher point on the head. This is a more extreme version of the hairstyle because the transition is more evident and sharp.
Skin Fade
If you want to shave off your hair but not be entirely bald, then skin fades can be a good idea. In this style, your hair will be shaved down to the skin on the sides and back, but there will be hair left on the top of your head. It creates a cool look.
Drop Fade
If you want to go for something eye-catching and unconventional, the Drop Fade will do it for you. For this, the fade will gradually slope downwards at the back of your head to create a curved effect.
Disconnected Fade
In most fade hairstyles, the transition between longer hair and shorter hair is kept smooth and connected. But for a more bold and edgy look, you can choose to go for a disconnected cut.
Which Fade is the Best?
Fade is not a common hairstyle among women, but there are some cool cuts available for it if you want to try something new. Here are some names:
Pixie Fade
If you have a pixie cut, you can give it an edgy look by going with faded sides. With some highlights, it can help you give off punk vibes. You can also add a shaved nape with the fade, a cut that looks best with a pixie hairstyle compared to others.
Fade with Bangs
Bangs and fades can be a lethal combination if you’re daring enough. It adds texture and dimension to the style, giving you a versatile look.
Faux Hawk with Fade
The faux hawk is a popular edgy hairstyle. You can add a sleek and modern touch to it by combining it with faded sides and creating a stylish contrast.
Long Hair Fade
Even if you have long hair, you can still go for a fade! It’s a unique look, but long hair with faded sides looks very streamlined and polished. It’s great if you want to try out something new.
Should I Fade My Hair?
Whether you should fade your hair or not is entirely up to you. But you might have some doubts if you should do it. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help you decide:
Will my workplace allow it?
Most workplaces will allow a faded haircut for men. But some professional places, especially the more conservative and disciplined ones, might prefer a more well-groomed hairstyle. As for women, a faded haircut might not seem appropriate in many places.
Will I be able to maintain it?
A faded haircut is short, sharp, and clean. To maintain such a precise look, you have to visit the barber every few weeks. Otherwise, your hair will begin to grow out and it won’t look like a fade anymore. So if you’re someone who prefers something more low maintenance, a fade will not be the best choice.
Will it complement my face shape?
The fade goes well with different face shapes. But different types of fade suit different face shapes. If you have a round or square face, a high fade is typically best to accentuate it. For those with oval faces, a low face adds width for balance. If you want to get a fade that is different from the one that complements your face shape, you should be aware that you might not like the look of it.
Are Fades Bad for Your Hair?
Generally, fades are not bad for your hair. However, too much of anything will be bad, and fades are no exception. Moreover, certain types of fades carry more risk of damage compared to others. Let’s see some examples of such risks below:
Over-processing for skin fades
If you have decided to get a skin fade, or you have decided to go for a high-contrast look, then the styling process will typically involve bleaching and lightening treatments. This kind of treatment can weaken the hair and make it more susceptible to damage if you’re doing it too frequently. So as a precaution, you’ll have to carry out extra hair care for yourself.
Trimming too often
Trimming your hair itself does not carry much risk. However if you’re doing it too often, which you will need to do if you intend to keep the fade cut for a long time, then the over-styling can contribute to hair damage. This is because frequent trimming strips your hair of its natural oils and causes dryness. If your hair is already prone to damage, it will be more evident.
Besides, barbers use clippers while trimming your hair for a fade cut to get that gradient effect. If clippers are not used properly, then it can lead to hair breakage and split ends. There might also be irritation in your scalp. This typically happens if they use it on wet hair or the instrument is old and the blades have become dull.
Using too many styling products
This applies to all haircuts, not just fades in particular. Pomades, gels, and hairsprays are commonly used to enhance the overall look of a fade and make it settle down more firmly. However since fade cut requires regular maintenance, it might lead to overuse of the styling products. This can make your hair more prone to breakage and damage.
More exposure to the environment
Because most fade haircuts involve shaving the head to a great extent, it expose your scalp more to environmental factors like sunlight, wind, and pollution. So excess moisture, dryness, brittleness, scalp irritation, and other types of damage might occur.
How Often Should You Get a Haircut Fade?
The simple answer is that it depends on your hair type as well as the fade type.
If your hair grows fast, you will need it more frequently. Expect a visit to the barber’s every 2 to 4 weeks, so just twice a month. But if it grows slowly and doesn’t mess up with the style easily, then going once a month is enough.
Some fade haircuts require more maintenance than others due to their fixed nature. If you get a high fade or a skin fade, you have to go to the barber every couple of weeks, or it will start looking messy. But a low fade or normal taper wade will let you be at ease for the month.
Still, you should consult with your barber on how often you should get the cut. You can also ask how it will look in case you end up not being able to come for a cut.
While a fade may require more maintenance, it’s worth it. Few hairstyles look so cool and posh!
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