Skin Fade Guide: Learn Fade Haircuts (Low, Mid, High) - Tutorial
Is the "skin fade" haircut the ultimate expression of modern barbering? The skin fade, with its seamless transition from closely shaved skin to a gradual increase in hair length, has undeniably become a cornerstone of contemporary men's hairstyling.
The skin fade, also known as "desvanecido a la piel," is a versatile technique that can be incorporated into various fade styles, including low, mid, and high fades. Its defining characteristic is the close shave at the base of the cut, which gradually blends into longer hair, creating a clean and defined look. This technique has gained immense popularity for its ability to offer a polished and contemporary aesthetic.
Concept/Style: | Skin Fade (Desvanecido a la piel) |
Description: | A haircut characterized by a seamless transition from the skin to longer hair, often combined with low, mid, or high fade styles. The base of the haircut is shaved close to the scalp. |
Key Features: |
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Variations: | Low Fade, Mid Fade, High Fade. |
Target Audience: | Men seeking modern and stylish haircuts. |
Common Misconceptions: | That a good fade is simply about the clippers. |
Benefits: |
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Professional Tips: |
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Reference: | Men's Hairstyles Today |
To create a skin fade, the process typically begins by sectioning the hair if the top is long, securing it with clips to keep it out of the way. Next, the barber uses clippers to establish the initial line where the fade will begin, usually at the temples. The clipper is set to its lowest number (often 0) for a very close shave against the scalp, a low fade with 0, implying using the machine at the lowest level, and offering a defined look. Using the comb, the barber marks the line where the fade will start, usually at the height of the temples. Then the barber starts with the cutting machine to open the lever to start creating the fade.
The barber begins the fading process by using the clippers with the lever open to initiate the fade in the lower area. For a "low fade" with a "0" setting, the clippers are used at the lowest setting to create a very close fade that offers an extremely clean and defined look. This is particularly effective for achieving a crisp, modern appearance.
Mid fades, or "fade medio," offer a slightly different aesthetic, ending at the height of the temples and incorporating varying levels of fading. There's a very low part of the hair and, progressively, a little more hair. The approach involves carefully blending the lengths, gradually transitioning from the shaved base to the longer hair above. These styles work to create a visual gradient that is both eye-catching and fashionable. Remember, the goal is a smooth, almost imperceptible transition from short to long hair. Harsh lines and unevenness are a sign of an inexperienced barber.
Symmetry is key. The fade must be balanced on both sides of the head to achieve the desired effect. When dealing with a mid fade with the "0" setting, precision and equilibrium are paramount. The barber must pay close attention to the overall balance. For example the Mid fade with 0 is a style that requires precise execution, creating a clean, balanced look that's both stylish and modern. The clipper work must be meticulous to avoid any unevenness.
The skin fade technique involves using clippers at different lengths, symmetrically and concentrically, with variations of 0.5mm (1.5mm) in spaces of about 0.5 cm upwards. This gradual layering is critical for achieving the blended effect. For example the application of the 0, the fade is further refined, using the clipper at varying lever positions to blur any remaining lines.
One can start with clippers using the lowest number, then with the lever open. This technique will help to blur the first line with a number 1 comb (from 2 to 1). Then, the next section uses the clippers without a comb (0).
The "pompadour" is a classic hairstyle that gets a modern touch with the addition of a fade. Similarly, the textured style and a shaved part also update the retro style. As the name suggests, the mid fade is a cut that starts the gradient in the middle of the head, between the high and low fade. The Mid Fade with Quiff: It creates a classic look to which the fade adds a modern touch.
When creating a skin fade, the barber should start by humidifying the hair and sectioning the top. This ensures the top hair will not get in the way. When the top is too long, it can be held with hairpins to be able to make the gradient in the lower part. Using the cutting machine, the line where the hair will begin in the "fade" is drawn. When working in the lower area, the machine is used at its lowest setting, usually a 0. The clipper blade's angle and pressure must be carefully managed to avoid cutting too close or creating uneven lines.
To achieve a good fade, numbers from medium to two are needed. With them, a good gradient will be achieved, and the difference between the numbers will go unnoticed. When starting, using the comb of zero with the lever open. It will be necessary to create a gradient with the clipper using the first comb with the lever closed, the same stroke as with 0 to maintain the uniformity of the shadow, the line should be raised approximately 1 cm all around the contour, to erase the line the lever should be fully opened and closed little by little under the same line until it is erased. One should apply the 0.5 lift, which is the same as the half a centimeter. Then the number 1 lift is used.
The skin fade can be a very easy to accomplish, but the first step is to find the easiest way to erase the line of the 0 and the 0 high, which is why the technique is taught to make a simple gradient. The machine is applied with the lever up, which corresponds to zero. It is passed 1 centimeter over the individual's ear around the head, making sure to do a good job with the zero.
The "fade low" is considered the most classic fade in barbering and sets the shading a little lower than the axis between the temple and the occipital with a slight fall backwards. Whether the term "short" refers to the height of the fade, one should review the section of the article where the low, medium, and high fades are discussed.
If one wishes to finish with a #3 guide, it works with a low or medium fade. High fades aren't recommended, as there would be little space to integrate with the top of the hair. A good fade must have smooth, almost imperceptible transitions from short to long hair. Forget about marked lines and unevenness.


