Over the last ten years one of the most popular trends to arise has been the skin fade. Also known as a bald fade or sometimes taper fade, they also come in low, mid or high styles. The skin fade is probably one of the most popular cuts in modern barbering, but what are they?

What is it? 

A skin fade takes the old faithful short back and sides and neatens it up. As the name suggests, it creates a fade between the skin and your hair. This is accomplished using ever increasing settings on a razor, from zero (skin) to wherever appropriate for the style at the top.

This neat and tidy finish can be worked to incorporate any style that requires the short back and sides as well as beards. Blending into your beard and/or hair cut simultaneously, the skin fade is low maintenance, fresh and smart.

Which is the Best Skin Fade?

The type of fade you choose is up to you. It’s really going to depend on what style you’re going for at the top of your head. If you’re blending in a buzzcut, you’ll likely be looking towards a high fade. If you have longer hair on the top, you might want to opt for a mid or low.

There are no rules when it comes to the style, different shaped heads, different styled haircuts - all have their own defining attributes. The versatility of the skin fade makes it a perfect accompaniment to many styles, if you can’t decide, your barber will know best.

Styles Explained – What is a Skin Fade?

How Long Will it Last?

Answering this question will depend upon the rate at which your hair grows, the level at which it was cut and even the colour of your hair.

The shorter it’s cut, the higher the fade and the lighter your hair the longer the skin fade will at least appear to last.

What Styles Suit a Skin Fade?

Matching a skin fade to a style is easy. If the look makes use of a short back and sides, you can bet that’ll look great. If the look tapers into your neck, a low skin fade will no doubt work a treat.

We find they work best with pompadours, textured crops, slicked back and tapered, buzz cuts, undercuts or curly tops.

Should I Avoid the Style?

You might be asking "is a skin fade a good idea?". Well, if you have a ‘heart’ shaped head or a long face, it is possible the style will accentuate those features. Low fades and heart shaped heads, or high fades and long faces, might not be the best combination.

That said, if you like it, own it and rock it, who are we to tell you any different? Image isn’t everything, confidence and kindness outshine any temporary image fad or phase. You do you, Chaps & Co are here to promote more power in the people before anything else.

Styles Explained – What is a Skin Fade?

What Should I Ask the Barber for?

Your barber will know it as a skin fade, they will be able to advise as to low, mid or high if you’re unsure. Your barber will also make recommendations on the length. Remember, there’s nothing wrong with talking a picture in to show your barber, a visual aid to your requirement is a great way of getting the look you desire.

If you’d like advice from one of our specialists, you can always check our FAQs. To book an appointment with one of our men's hairstylists, it’s here.

Thanks for reading, don’t forget to #KeepItHandsome

Over the last ten years one of the most popular trends to arise has been the skin fade. Also known as a bald fade or sometimes taper fade, they also come in low, mid or high styles. The skin fade is probably one of the most popular cuts in modern barbering, but what are they?

What is it? 

A skin fade takes the old faithful short back and sides and neatens it up. As the name suggests, it creates a fade between the skin and your hair. This is accomplished using ever increasing settings on a razor, from zero (skin) to wherever appropriate for the style at the top.

This neat and tidy finish can be worked to incorporate any style that requires the short back and sides as well as beards. Blending into your beard and/or hair cut simultaneously, the skin fade is low maintenance, fresh and smart.

Which is the Best Skin Fade?

The type of fade you choose is up to you. It’s really going to depend on what style you’re going for at the top of your head. If you’re blending in a buzzcut, you’ll likely be looking towards a high fade. If you have longer hair on the top, you might want to opt for a mid or low.

There are no rules when it comes to the style, different shaped heads, different styled haircuts - all have their own defining attributes. The versatility of the skin fade makes it a perfect accompaniment to many styles, if you can’t decide, your barber will know best.

Styles Explained – What is a Skin Fade?

How Long Will it Last?

Answering this question will depend upon the rate at which your hair grows, the level at which it was cut and even the colour of your hair.

The shorter it’s cut, the higher the fade and the lighter your hair the longer the skin fade will at least appear to last.

What Styles Suit a Skin Fade?

Matching a skin fade to a style is easy. If the look makes use of a short back and sides, you can bet that’ll look great. If the look tapers into your neck, a low skin fade will no doubt work a treat.

We find they work best with pompadours, textured crops, slicked back and tapered, buzz cuts, undercuts or curly tops.

Should I Avoid the Style?

You might be asking "is a skin fade a good idea?". Well, if you have a ‘heart’ shaped head or a long face, it is possible the style will accentuate those features. Low fades and heart shaped heads, or high fades and long faces, might not be the best combination.

That said, if you like it, own it and rock it, who are we to tell you any different? Image isn’t everything, confidence and kindness outshine any temporary image fad or phase. You do you, Chaps & Co are here to promote more power in the people before anything else.

Styles Explained – What is a Skin Fade?

What Should I Ask the Barber for?

Your barber will know it as a skin fade, they will be able to advise as to low, mid or high if you’re unsure. Your barber will also make recommendations on the length. Remember, there’s nothing wrong with talking a picture in to show your barber, a visual aid to your requirement is a great way of getting the look you desire.

If you’d like advice from one of our specialists, you can always check our FAQs. To book an appointment with one of our men's hairstylists, it’s here.

Thanks for reading, don’t forget to #KeepItHandsome