There are 11 main types of fades: low fade, mid fade, high fade, skin fade, drop fade, burst fade, taper fade, shadow fade, temple fade, Caesar fade, and scissor fade. Each varies by where it starts on the head and how short it goes at the base. Low fades start just above the ear and never reach skin. Skin fades go to bare skin for maximum contrast. Burst fades create a semi-circular arc around the ear. Most UK barbershops charge £20 to £50 depending on the types of fades and city.
Quick Answer
What is a fade?
A fade is a haircut technique where hair gradually shortens from longer on top to shorter at the sides and back, the difference between types is where the blend starts and how short it goes at the base.
Who is it for?
Every face shape and hair type has a matching fade. Round faces suit mid or high fades. Fine hair suits shadow fades. Curly hair suits drop or burst fades.
Cost: £18 to £60 depending on fade type and city. Skin and burst fades cost more due to precision work.
Maintenance: Low taper fade lasts 4 to 6 weeks. Skin fade needs refreshing every 10 to 14 days. Scissor fade is the most forgiving at 6 to 8 weeks.
Simple rule: Not sure which to pick? Start with a low taper fade. You can always go shorter or higher on your next visit.
Guard Sizes: What Each Number Means
Understanding guard numbers before you sit in the chair is one of the most practical things you can do. “Just a fade” means nothing to a barber, “skin to a #1, blend to a #3” leaves no room for misinterpretation.
| Guard | Length | What it looks like |
|---|---|---|
| 0 (no guard) | 0.5mm | Near-skin, very tight |
| #0.5 | 1.5mm | Very short, hint of hair |
| #1 | 3mm | Short but visible |
| #1.5 | 4.5mm | The most common blend guard |
| #2 | 6mm | Short, clean |
| #3 | 9mm | Short-medium |
| #4 | 13mm | Medium length |
| #5 | 16mm | Longer blend |
Guard size standards are cross-referenced against Wahl UK clipper cutting length specifications.
At the chair: When requesting a guard number, always say the number AND what it should look like — “a #1 at the neckline, so about 3mm.” Numbers vary slightly between clipper brands. Giving both removes ambiguity.
All 11 Types Of Fades at a Glance
| Fade Type | Starts at | Goes to | Contrast | Maintenance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Taper Fade | Just above ear | #1, never skin | Soft | Every 4–6 weeks | Professionals, first-timers |
| Mid Fade | Temple level | #0.5 to skin | Medium | Every 3–4 weeks | Most face shapes |
| High Fade | Above temple | Skin | High | Every 2–3 weeks | Bold styles, strong jawlines |
| Skin Fade | Any height | Bare skin | Maximum | Every 2 weeks | Regular barber visitors |
| Drop Fade | Behind ear, curves down | Skin or #0.5 | Medium | Every 3 weeks | Curly and wavy hair |
| Burst Fade | Around ear arc | Skin or #0.5 | High | Every 3 weeks | Mullets, mohawks |
| Taper Fade | Low, above ear | #1 to #1.5 | Soft to medium | Every 4–5 weeks | All environments |
| Shadow Fade | Any height | #0.5, not skin | Soft | Every 3–4 weeks | Fine hair, natural look |
| Temple Fade | Sideburns only | Skin | Localised | Every 2 weeks | Adding sharpness |
| Caesar Fade | Any height | Any | Varies | It depends on base fade | Blunt fringe styles |
| Scissor Fade | Any height | Scissors only | Soft | Every 5–6 weeks | Textured natural look |
1. Low Taper Fade
The blend starts just above the ear and neckline, using guards #1 to #4 upward. It never reaches skin at the base.
What makes it different: The graduation is gradual. From three feet away the sides look neat rather than shaved. It reads as professional in any environment, interview, office, or weekend; in all of them.
Guard progression: #1 at neckline base → 2 → 3 → 4 into longer hair above
Best for: Office environments, first fades, fine hair, round or long faces
Hair density note: On fine hair, the low taper is particularly forgiving, the gradual blend avoids exposing scalp. On thick hair, the barber may need an extra pass at #1.5 to avoid a visible “step” at the blend line.
Grow-out: Still looks intentional at 4 weeks. One of the most forgiving fades. By week 5 the neckline softens noticeably, but the sides hold shape.
Common mistake: Asking for a “low fade” and getting a skin fade. Specify: “Low taper — stop at a #1 at the neckline, never touch skin.”
Full guide → Low Taper Fade UK
2. Mid Fade
The blend starts at temple level, roughly halfway up the side of the head. More visible contrast than the low taper, less dramatic than a high fade.
What makes it different: Barbers describe the mid fade as the most flexible starting point; it sits in a zone that genuinely suits almost every head shape, whereas a high fade can look unbalanced on longer faces.
Guard progression: Skin or 0.5 at base → 1 → 2 → 3 into longer hair
Best for: Most face shapes, textured crops, everyday wear
Hair density note: Medium to thick hair benefits most from the mid fade. Fine hair can look stark where skin meets thicker hair above; request a shadow base (#0.5 rather than skin) if this is a concern.
Grow-out: Needs a refresh every 3 to 4 weeks. By day 14, the fade line starts to blur. By day 21 the contrast between base and top softens significantly.
Full guide → Mid Fade UK
3. High Fade
The blend starts above the temple, close to the crown. Maximum contrast between the bare sides and the longer top section.
What makes it different: The most dramatic fade height. From the front, the sides look almost shaved. Strong jawlines and defined cheekbones carry this cut best — it accentuates structure rather than hiding it.
Guard progression: Skin at base → 0.5 → 1 → 2 into longer crown
Best for: Bold styles, square and oval faces, gym-forward lifestyle
Hair density note: The high fade works across most densities, but very fine hair can look uneven near the top of the fade where sparse coverage meets the blend. A slightly lower starting point resolves this.
Grow-out: Regrowth is visible within 7 to 10 days. By day 14 the fade line has lost its sharpness noticeably. This is the highest-maintenance fade height.
Face shape warning: High fades add visual height. On already-long or oblong faces, this elongates further. Consider a mid fade instead.
Full guide → High Fade UK
4. Skin Fade
The base goes to bare skin regardless of where the fade starts on the head. It can be a low skin fade, mid skin fade, or a high skin fade.
What makes it different: The skin-to-hair transition is the sharpest possible contrast. No guard at the base, bare scalp visible. The barbering skill involved in a clean skin fade is higher than any other type; the blend from 0mm to #1 in a short distance requires several passes with different tools.
Guard progression: 0 (no guard) at base → 0.5 → 1 → blend into longer hair
Best for: Men who visit the barber regularly, thick and medium hair, bold statements
Hair density note: Fine hair with a skin fade creates a stark contrast that can look uneven. Thick hair handles skin fades better — the density above the fade line creates a natural visual boundary.
Grow-out: Days 1 to 3: sharp and clean. Day 4 to 7: Stubble is visible at the base. Day 10–14: The hairline has blurred into a mid-length look. Without a refresh at 2 weeks, the fade reads as grown out rather than intentional.
Full guide → Skin Fade UK
5. Drop Fade
The fade line curves downward behind the ear, following the natural head shape rather than running parallel to the floor.
What makes it different: The arc behind the ear creates a deeper curve that suits curly and wavy hair particularly well. Barbers who work primarily with curly hair often default to the drop fade; the curve aligns with the natural growth pattern, which makes the grow-out look more deliberate rather than simply overgrown.
Guard progression: Skin or 0.5 at the lowest point behind ear → blends upward
Best for: Curly and wavy hair, oval and round faces, natural head shape
Hair density note: Curly and coily hair benefit most. On straight fine hair, the drop curve can look uneven, a standard low fade tends to read cleaner.
Grow-out: Similar to mid fade. On day 14 the curve starts to soften. Day 21 the drop becomes less defined. Still looks intentional at 3 weeks on curly hair.
Full guide → Low Drop Fade UK
6. Burst Fade
A semi-circular arc radiates outward from the ear rather than running straight across. Most commonly paired with mullets and mohawks.
What makes it different: The shape of the fade itself is the design element. The arc curves around the ear like a sunburst, creating a geometric frame that standard fades do not. It requires more work than a standard fade, the barber must maintain the arc evenly on both sides, which is why it commands a higher price.
Guard progression: 1 at arc base → 1.5 through the curve → 2 at upper transition
Best for: Mullets, mohawks, bold styles, round and square faces
Hair density note: Works across densities. On 3C and 4C hair, the burst fade is one of the most requested combinations; the arc shape works with the natural volume of Afro-textured hair rather than fighting it.
Grow-out: The arc shape holds for about 2 to 3 weeks before it starts to lose its geometric precision. The softer it becomes, the less intentional it reads.
Full guides → Burst Fade Mullet UK | Low Burst Fade | Skin Burst Fade Mullet
Trying to decide between a clean low taper and the bolder
burst fade mullet? See the
low taper fade vs burst fade mullet comparison for guard sizes, UK pricing, and the maintenance difference between the two.
7. Taper Fade
Combines tapering (gradual length reduction) with fading (blending to very short). The base stays at 1 to 1.5 rather than going to the skin.
What makes it different: The most workplace-appropriate fade type. The retained length at the base means it reads as smart in formal environments where a skin fade might read as too casual or bold. The distinction from a standard fade is subtle but important; the taper fade is a deliberate choice for environments where the skin fade would be too much.
Guard progression: 1 to 1.5 at neckline → 2 → 3 → blend into top
Best for: Professional settings, all hair types, men who want a subtle clean look
Hair density note: One of the most universally compatible cuts across densities. Fine hair benefits from the #1 base rather than skin, with no exposed scalp.
Grow-out: 4 to 5 weeks between visits. The gradual starting point means the grow-out reads as slightly longer rather than overgrown.
Full guide → Taper Fade UK | Low Taper vs Mid Taper
8. Shadow Fade
The shortest point is 0.5 or similar; it never goes to skin. The result is a very soft gradient that reads as a subtle shadow rather than hard contrast.
What makes it different: The least dramatic fade type. Fine hair benefits most because the soft transition avoids exposing scalp sections the way a skin fade does. It is also the most subtle; at a distance, it reads as a neatly blended cut rather than a defined fade.
Guard progression: #0.5 at base → #1 → #2 → blends into longer hair
Best for: Fine and thin hair, natural looks, men who want minimal contrast
Hair density note: The shadow fade was built for fine hair. On thick hair, the absence of skin at the base can make the sides look heavy compared to a standard skin fade. Medium-density hair suits it well.
Grow-out: One of the most forgiving grows. The soft base means the line blurs rather than regrows obviously. Can stretch to 5 weeks without looking neglected.
Full guide → Shadow Fade UK
9. Temple Fade
The fade is limited to the sideburn and temple area only. The sides and back are not faded, just the area around the forehead and temples.
What makes it different: A targeted detail, not a full fade. Also called a Brooklyn fade or blowout in some UK barbershops. Most often added to another haircut as a finishing touch that sharpens the front profile without committing to a full fade.
Best for: Adding sharpness to an existing cut, men who want defined edges without a full fade
Hair density note: Works across all types. On Afro-textured hair, the temple fade is often used as a standalone detail on naturals and locs.
Grow-out: The temple area needs cleanup every 2 weeks. Because it is localized, the grow-out is visible sooner, a defined temple fade that grows 5 mm looks significantly less sharp than a full low taper at the same growth stage.
“…and if you want the detail without committing to a full side fade, a temple fade tapers just the temple and sideburn area instead.”
10. Caesar Fade
A Caesar cut (short fringe, all one length on top) combined with any fade height on the sides. The fade type varies — it is the blunt fringe that defines the Caesar, not the fade itself.
What makes it different: The Caesar fringe sits horizontally across the forehead, creating a structured retro-modern result. Paired with a mid or high fade, the contrast between the angular fringe and the graduated sides creates a very clean geometric look.
Best for: Straight or slightly wavy hair, oval and square faces
Hair density note: The Caesar fringe works best on straight and slightly wavy hair. On curly hair, the fringe does not lie flat, and the style loses its defining characteristic.
Grow-out: Depends on the fade height chosen. The fringe grows forward rather than out, so it needs trimming more frequently than the sides.
11. Scissor Fade
The sides are blended using scissors only, no clippers at the base. The result is the softest possible gradient with no skin visible at any point.
What makes it different: Scissor fades look the most natural because the blending has no clipper lines. The texture is soft throughout. It takes significantly longer than clipper fades and costs more, a barber spending 20 additional minutes on scissor blending will reflect that in the price.
Best for: Curly and very textured hair, natural styles, men who want a grown-out look from day one
Hair density note: Particularly suited to thick and curly hair. On fine straight hair, the result can look thin rather than textured; a clipper fade tends to look crisper on fine hair.
Grow-out: The most graceful of all fades. Can reach 6 to 8 weeks without looking grown out because there is no defined line to blur.
Grow-Out Timeline: At a Glance
| Fade Type | Day 7 | Day 14 | Day 21 | Day 28+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin fade | Stubble visible | Line blurring | Clearly grown out | Needs urgent refresh |
| High fade | Noticeable regrowth | Contrast dropping | Unintentional look | New fade needed |
| Low taper fade | Still sharp | Minor softening | Slightly softer | Acceptable at 4–5 wks |
| Shadow fade | Minimal change | Slight soften | Still intentional | Can stretch to 5 wks |
| Scissor fade | No change | Very slight | Natural look | Holds to 6–8 wks |
| Burst fade arc | Arc holding | Arc softening | Geometric precision lost | Refresh at 3 wks |
Hair Density Guide: Which Fade Works For Your Hair
| Hair Type | Best Fade | Why | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine / thin | Shadow fade, low taper | No skin exposed, gradual blend | Skin fade: exposes scalp, looks patchy |
| Medium density | Any | Full range available | N/A |
| Thick / dense | Skin fade, mid fade, burst fade | High contrast suits dense hair | Shadow fade can look heavy on thick sides |
| Curly (3A–3C) | Drop fade, burst fade | Curved shapes complement curl patterns. | High skin fade, stark contrast imbalance |
| Coily (4A–4C) | Burst fade, low taper, drop fade | The arc shape works with volume | Very high fade, can distort natural shape |
| Straight | Low taper, mid fade, caesar | Clean lines suit straight hair | A scissor fade can look thin |
| Wavy | Drop fade, taper fade | A curved fade suits wave movement | N/A |
Which Fade Suits Your Face Shape?
| Face Shape | Best Fade | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Round | High or mid fade, burst fade | Low taper, shadow fade |
| Square | Any, high fade emphasises jaw | N/A, most fades suit |
| Oval | No restriction | N/A |
| Oblong / long | Low taper, shadow fade | High fade, adds height |
| Heart | Low or mid taper | High fade emphasizes wide forehead |
| Diamond | Mid-fade | Skin fade with very fine sides |
Not sure which face shape you have? The StyleScan tool identifies your face shape in 30 seconds and recommends the right fade.
Which Fade Should I Choose?
Pick your situation, this tells you exactly which fade to book.
| If you want… | Choose this fade | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Professional / office-safe look | Low taper fade | Never goes to skin, grows out gracefully, suits every environment |
| Most versatile, suits any face | Mid-fade | The “safe zone” works on almost every head shape and hair type |
| Boldest look, maximum contrast | High fade or skin fade | Bare sides, strong visual statement, highest contrast |
| Lowest maintenance, longest stretch | Scissor fade | Holds 6 to 8 weeks; no hard line to blur as it grows |
| Curly or wavy hair | Drop fade | A curved shape works with natural curl pattern, not against it |
| Mullet or mohawk style | Burst fade | Arc shape frames the style; standard fades flatten it |
| Fine or thin hair | Shadow fade | Never goes to skin, no exposed scalp, softest possible gradient |
| First fade ever | Low taper fade | Forgiving if barber starts slightly off, grows out clean, and is easily adjusted |
| Black / Afro-textured hair | Low taper or burst fade | Respects coil pattern; burst arc works with 4C volume |
| Lowest annual cost | Low taper fade | 4–6 week cycle vs skin fade’s 2-week cycle, saves £200+ per year |
Featured answer: The low taper fade is the most requested fade in UK barbershops because it suits every face shape, every hair type, every environment, and grows out more gracefully than any other fade.
UK Pricing
| Fade Type | London | Manchester | Birmingham | Leeds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low taper fade | £25–£45 | £20–£35 | £18–£32 | £18–£30 |
| Mid fade | £28–£48 | £22–£38 | £20–£35 | £20–£33 |
| High fade | £30–£50 | £25–£40 | £22–£38 | £22–£36 |
| Skin fade | £32–£55 | £25–£42 | £22–£40 | £22–£38 |
| Burst fade | £30–£50 | £24–£40 | £22–£38 | £22–£36 |
| Scissor fade | £35–£60 | £28–£48 | £25–£45 | £25–£42 |
Pricing cross-referenced against published rates from Pall Mall Barbers London and independent barbershops across Manchester and Birmingham.
Annual Cost Calculation
If you get a fade every 3 weeks (mid-fade, average UK cost £28): £486 per year. If you stretch to every 5 weeks (low taper, average £22), it’s £229 per year. The difference in maintenance frequency between a skin fade and a low taper fade is worth roughly £200–£300 annually for the average UK man.
For a city-specific estimate, use the UK Barbershop Price Calculator.
Barber Script
Use this at the chair to avoid miscommunication.
“I want a [fade type], [low, mid, or high]. I want the base to go to [skin, or guard #1, or #0.5]. Keep the blend gradual up to about a [#3 or #4] before it meets my longer hair on top. [For burst fade: I want the arc to curve around the ear, not a drop fade or straight taper.] Can you show me where the fade line will sit before you start?”
Want a script specific to your fade type, hair texture, and face shape? The Barber Script Generator builds a custom version in 30 seconds.
FAQs
What is the difference between a fade and a taper?
A taper gradually shortens toward the neckline but keeps some length throughout, with no skin and no sharp contrast. A fade is blended much shorter, usually to skin or near-skin. Think of a taper as a subtle clean-up and a fade as the deliberate design statement. The taper fade sits in between; it uses the fade technique but stops at #1 rather than going bare.
Which fade lasts longest between barber visits?
Scissor fade first, then low taper. Scissor fades hold for 6 to 8 weeks because there is no hard line to blur. Low tapers stretch to 4 to 6 weeks because the gradual base softens naturally rather than growing out obviously. Skin fades need a refresh every 10 to 14 days without exception; the skin-to-hair contrast makes any growth immediately obvious.
Which fade suits curly hair best?
Drop fade or burst fade. The curved shapes complement natural curl patterns rather than cutting across them. High skin fades on dense curly hair can create a visual imbalance, with bare skin at the base and then sudden volume on top. The drop fade curves with the growth pattern, which makes the grow-out look more like natural volume than neglect. See the low taper fade for curly hair guide for full details.
What fade suits black hair specifically? The low taper fade is the most common in Afro barbershops across London, Manchester, and Birmingham. It respects the natural coil pattern on top while giving clean definition at the sides. The burst fade mullet is also widely requested for 4C hair — the arc shape works with Afro volume rather than cutting across it. See the low taper fade black male guide for texture-specific guidance.
Can I get a fade on thin or fine hair?
Yes, shadow fade is the best option. It never goes to skin, so the softest point still has some coverage. The gradual blend disguises fine density rather than exposing it. High skin fades on fine hair create a stark contrast; a visible scalp at the base against thin hair above looks patchy rather than intentional. The shadow fade is built precisely for this situation.
How do I tell my barber which fade I want?
Name the type and specify the guard at the base. “Low taper fade, stop at a #1 at the neckline” removes all ambiguity. “Just a fade” will get interpreted differently by every barber in every city. Guard numbers are the only common language; use them.
Is a skin fade high maintenance?
Yes, more than any other fade. The skin-to-hair contrast is stark and visible, which means any regrowth reads as growth immediately. At day 3 to 4, stubble appears at the base. At days 10 to 14, the fade line has blurred into what looks like an unintentional grow-out. Budget for a trim every 2 weeks and factor that into the annual cost before committing to a skin fade.
Which fade is best for a first visit?
Low taper fade. It is the most forgiving; if the barber starts slightly higher than intended, the result is still clean. If you want it shorter next time, you have a clear direction. It also suits every face shape, works on every hair type, and grows out gracefully if you do not make it back within 4 weeks.
Related Guides: By Fade Type
Height-based fades:
Shape-based fades:
Skin-based fades:
Hair-type specific:
Comparisons:
- Low Taper vs Low Fade
- Low Taper vs Mid Taper
- Burst Fade vs Drop Fade
- [Low Taper Fade vs Burst Fade Mullet]
Last updated: June 2026 | Next review: September 2026