Whether you’re thinking of trying something new or you’ve heard of the hairstyle before, you may be wondering what exactly a “fade” cut looks like and how it would suit you. The “fade” hairstyle shot to popularity for men over the last few years, eventually appearing in Google’s “Year in Search” trending data list for 2020. Sometimes referred to as “military reg,” the hairstyle describes how your hair tapers from the bottom to the top, often being incredibly close to the skin.

The fade hairstyle has a lot of potential for experimenting and creativity since you can style the top in many different ways, allowing you to try different styles and figure out what you like best. Here’s what you need to know about the fade hairstyle:

All About the “Fade” Hairstyle

The haircut found its origins in Black-owned barbershops, eventually becoming the dominant term for a precise, tight taper in men’s hair. All the hair at the sides and back is cut as close to the scalp as possible with clippers, which tapers or “fades” into the client’s preferred length on top. Then, the barber can style the hair on top neatly or messily by using pomade, gel, or paste.

Sometimes, the haircut is called a “military reg,” although this isn’t exactly true. Each branch of the service has various regulations concerning hair length. Still, it’s easy to see the inspirations of the hairstyle and its similarities with military hairstyles.

The Different Types of Fade Cuts

Skin fades begin at the skin at the back of the neck and either slowly or quickly taper to long hair as it goes up your head. A high skin fade can reach the crown of your head before it starts getting longer, which leaves a lot of exposed skin in its wake. A medium skin fade starts getting longer at the middle of your head, and a low skin fade leaves very little skin exposed, typically on the upper neck. It also leaves short hairs that eventually get longer as it is closer to the crown of your head.

If you have blemishes or other issues you want to hide on your scalp, the lower fade is the best haircut to get, as it leaves enough hair to cover anything up while still offering a close crop. If you aren’t sure of what kind of fade to get, be sure to ask your barber, who will make recommendations about the cut that will flatter your features the most.

Making the Fade Hairstyle Your Own

While it is typical to get a fade as close to the skin as possible, it doesn’t need to be so stark or dramatic. Many fade haircuts have a shallow skin-tight area that is only around an inch tall at the back of the neck, though this particular cut requires more skill to ensure a smooth taper in a smaller space. Still, it’s an excellent look for many men.

The “Caesar cut” is a type of close crop that most people associate with movies about ancient Greek civilization, which is a stylish cut that reveals as much skin as you want. Some prefer running the taper down the neck, while others want to bring the skin up to the top of their heads. It also looks good with short or medium-length hair at the top, which you can style.

Conclusion

Fade haircuts add some style to what otherwise looks like a simple close crop. You can customize it to your specific liking, making it versatile while remaining stylish. With our guide, you’ll have the information you need to decide on trying a fade haircut for the first time.

DAS’it Barbershop is a New York City barbershop offering affordable men’s haircuts. Whether you need a beard trim or you want to change your current hairstyle, we’ve got your back. Contact us today to book a quick and professional shape-up barbering service!