Explore every type of fade, see which works for your face shape, and get the exact barber script.
Starts at temple level, offering a clean contrast without being too dramatic. The most popular fade height because it works with almost every face shape and style.
Guard Range
#0.5–#2 at the lowest point
Maintenance
Every 2–3 weeks
Barber Script
“Mid fade starting at the temple. Blend from skin or #0 at the bottom up to #2 where the top length begins. Standard blend, no hard lines.”
Pro Tip
The mid fade is the barbershop default for a reason. When in doubt about fade height, start here.
| Fade | Taper | |
|---|---|---|
| Shortest Length | Down to skin (0mm) | Short but never skin (#2+) |
| Contrast | Dramatic | Subtle, gradual |
| Maintenance | Every 1-3 weeks | Every 3-4 weeks |
| Setting | Casual, fashion-forward | Conservative, professional |
| Grows Out | Looks messy quickly | Ages gracefully |
See the exact guard sizes in our Haircut Numbers Guide.
| Face Shape | Best Fades | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Round | High fade, Skin fade | Removes side width, elongates face |
| Oval | Any fade works | Balanced proportions suit everything |
| Square | High fade, Mid fade | Enhances angular jawline |
| Oblong | Low fade, Taper fade | Keeps side volume, avoids adding height |
| Heart | Drop fade, Shadow fade | Follows natural head curve, softens forehead width |
| Diamond | Mid fade, Burst fade | Balances cheekbones, shows angular structure |
| Triangle | Low fade, Temple fade | Adds volume at temples to offset wide jaw |
Not sure about your face shape? Take the free quiz or use the AI detector.
A fade blends hair down to the skin (or very close to it), creating a dramatic contrast. A taper gradually shortens hair but always keeps some length, never reaching bare skin. Tapers are more conservative and grow out more naturally.
High fades and skin fades work best for round faces. They remove width from the sides, making the face appear longer and more angular. Avoid low fades that preserve side volume.
It depends on the type. Skin fades and high fades need a touch-up every 1-2 weeks. Mid fades last 2-3 weeks. Low fades and tapers can go 3-4 weeks between cuts.
A drop fade curves the fade line lower behind the ear, following the skull shape. A burst fade creates a semicircular pattern radiating outward from the ear. Drop fades are subtle and classic. Burst fades are bold and trending, especially with mullets.
Absolutely. Fades work with every hair type. Curly and coily hair actually creates beautiful texture contrast with faded sides. The curly top fade is specifically designed for this, leaving natural curls on top with clean faded sides.
A skin fade uses a razor or foil shaver to go completely bald at the baseline. A zero fade uses clipper blades with no guard, leaving about 0.5mm of stubble. Zero fades are slightly less dramatic and need less frequent maintenance.
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