How To Cut A Fade Haircut: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Cut a Clean and Neat Fade PDF download Download Article Professional hair stylist Arthur Sebastian & wikiHow staff go over different fades, plus how to cut and style them in this guide Co-authored by Arthur Sebastian and Ali Garbacz, B.A.

Last Updated: December 18, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • Fade Style Options & Hair Prep
    • |
  • Fading the Hair
    • |
  • Cleaning Up & Styling
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
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  • Things You'll Need
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This article was co-authored by Arthur Sebastian and by wikiHow staff writer, Ali Garbacz, B.A.. Arthur Sebastian is a Professional Hair Stylist based in San Francisco, California. He is the Owner of Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon, a studio offering Hair Styling, Color & Brazilian Blowout services. Arthur has 30 years of experience styling hair. His career began with apprenticeships at Wayne’s Beauty College in Santa Cruz, California Miss Marty’s School of Beauty in San Francisco, California. After receiving his Cosmetology License in 1998, he rented his first station at Wack Shack Hair Salon in San Francisco, going on to hold positions at Posh Hair Salon, Acabello Hair Salon, and Red Union Salon before opening his own studio. With over 500 online customer reviews, Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon has a 5 star average rating on Yelp and 4.9 average review on Google. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,402,176 times.

The fade haircut is a popular, flattering style that leaves a person’s hair long and luscious near the top and short and neat towards the bottom. Even if you've never faded hair before, cutting this style is simple so long as you have the right tools and know the basic steps. After you’re through reading this article, you’ll be able to cut a flawless fade.

Cutting a Fade Haircut at Home

  • Wash the hair with shampoo and dry it until it’s just damp rather than dripping wet.
  • Trim the top of the hair with styling scissors to the desired length. This will be the longest part of the fade.
  • Use clippers with a long guard size to trim the sides and back of their head, then use a shorter guard size for the area between their nape and the crown of the head.
  • Buzz their nape with the shortest guard size, then use it to blend any uneven spots and clean up the lines around their ears, nape, and forehead.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Fade Style Options & Hair Prep

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  1. Step 1 Try a low fade on hair that has more texture. 1 Try a low fade on hair that has more texture. For hair that’s thick or wavy, buzz the hair with the shortest clipper guard settings at a lower area. The best place to do this is below the ears and around the nape of the neck. Low fades show off a hair's texture better and work with the hair's natural pattern.[1]
    • The longer the hair is on top, the lower the fade will start down the person’s neck.
    • A fade is different from a taper cut. A taper cut leaves the hair a bit longer, while a fade usually shaves down to the person’s natural hairline.[2]
  2. Step 2 Choose a high fade for more contrast. 2 Choose a high fade for more contrast. This is a style that trims away most of the hair on the back and sides of the head. They can either leave it as a short buzz cut or have it shaved down to the skin. With the lowest clipper guard settings, start at the nape of their neck and work up to their temples. A high fade will give them a much cleaner and sleeker look.[3]
    • High fades work well with square or round face shapes because they lengthen the appearance of the face.
    • For the highest contrast, try a “skin fade,” which shaves the hair all the way down to the scalp.
    • A mid fade is a bit more noticeable as a low fade, but doesn’t expose the scalp as much as a high fade. The fade starts at a point above the ears and offers a lot more styling options.
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  3. Step 3 Get a pair... 3 Get a pair of styling scissors and clippers that have at least 3 guard lengths. Choose a pair of clippers with at least 3 different guard lengths so you can blend the hair as you go. Use the clippers on the back and sides of their head as well as their nape. Then go in with your styling scissors for the hair on top.[4]
    • If they’re looking for a softer fade, you can also use styling scissors on the back and sides to create what’s called the “scissor fade.” However, this is an advanced technique, so don’t attempt it unless you are very experienced with fades.
    • Do not use household scissors to trim hair, as it can result in a blunt or uneven cut.
    • Use clippers near the top of their head if they want their hair shorter than 1 in (2.5 cm).
  4. Step 4 Wash and dry the hair before cutting it. 4 Wash and dry the hair before cutting it. Damp, clean hair is easier to work with while cutting fades. Wash the person's hair with shampoo, rinse it with water, and dry it with a towel or let it air-dry until it’s just damp rather than soaking wet.
    • The hair shouldn’t be so wet that it clumps together. If that’s the case, you may end up cutting out chunks of their hair by accident.
    5. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Fading the Hair

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  1. Step 1 Trim the top... 1 Trim the top with styling scissors. Lift sections of hair straight up from the top of the head so that the tips of the hair protrude from between your forefinger and middle finger. Trim the tips of the hair with the scissors until you reach the desired length.
    • Continue trimming the hair at the top of the head in sections until you've trimmed it all to the same length.
    • If the person has bangs, trim the bangs in sections for a neat and even line.
  2. Step 2 Trim the entire sides and back with a long guard size. 2 Trim the entire sides and back with a long guard size. Set the clippers to a long guard length and buzz the entire back and sides. The size of the guard length will depend on how long you want the top of the fade to be. Work against the grain of the hair to achieve an even cut. Continue trimming until each section of hair is a uniform length.[5]
    • Use a vertical movement to cut the hair, starting at the hairline and then sweeping up toward the top of the head.
    • Lift the clippers up and outwards slightly at the end of each stroke as you get closer to the rounded part of the person’s head. This helps the cuts fade together smoothly.
    • Leave more of the hair outline visible around the temples to achieve the popular “temple fade’ style.
  3. Step 3 Trim the hair at the back of the head with the next shortest guard. 3 Trim the hair at the back of the head with the next shortest guard. Switch to the next shortest guard length and, starting at the back of their head, cut the hair in vertical strokes from the neck toward the crown. Stop just below the crown so that the hair on top of the head is left long.[6]
    • For example, if you were using a #3 guard size, switch to a #2.[7]
    • Blend any uneven lines by going back over them with the clippers.
  4. Step 4 Buzz the nape with the shortest guard setting. 4 Buzz the nape with the shortest guard setting. Start at the nape of their neck and cut in upward strokes toward the center of the back of their head. Work your way around the back of their head and to the sides, maintaining the same length all the way around for an even finish.[8]
    • Shave the hair from the nape and below to create a clean, neat edge.
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Cleaning Up & Styling

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  1. Step 1 Clean the edges with your clippers on the shortest guard setting. 1 Clean the edges with your clippers on the shortest guard setting. Move your clippers along the nape and edges of the sides, right around their ears and temples. If you find any uneven spots, use the appropriate clipper guard length to blend them out. Then, turn the blade around and use it to go around the edges of the hairline. This will help to create a clean outline.
    • Use a razor along their hairline to get an even sharper line.[9]
  2. Step 2 Inspect the fade and brush off any hair clippings. 2 Inspect the fade and brush off any hair clippings. If you’re cutting someone else’s hair, have them look at their new cut and see if they want to make any changes. Brush away any loose hair from their neck and collar before you move on to styling their hair.[10]
    • If the person wants a shorter cut, trim off small amounts at a time to avoid cutting off too much.
  3. Step 3 Style the top... 3 Style the top with a hair styling product. Clay, wax, gel, and pomade all work well with faded hair. Work a small amount of styling product into the top, brushing or combing it as you do to give it a clean, neat look.
    • If you’re doing someone else’s hair, ask them what products they normally use and, if possible, incorporate these items so they can replicate the style themselves at home.
  4. Step 4 Trim the fade every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain it. 4 Trim the fade every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain it. To maintain the same hair length and fade, re-trim the cut approximately once every 4 to 6 weeks. Although fades grow out evenly, their style can change significantly as they grow out and so might require routine trims.[11]
    • Use the same clipper guards and styling method that you did for the initial haircut.
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Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question What attachment do you use for the end of the fade? Arthur Sebastian Arthur Sebastian Professional Hair Stylist Arthur Sebastian is a Professional Hair Stylist based in San Francisco, California. He is the Owner of Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon, a studio offering Hair Styling, Color & Brazilian Blowout services. Arthur has 30 years of experience styling hair. His career began with apprenticeships at Wayne’s Beauty College in Santa Cruz, California Miss Marty’s School of Beauty in San Francisco, California. After receiving his Cosmetology License in 1998, he rented his first station at Wack Shack Hair Salon in San Francisco, going on to hold positions at Posh Hair Salon, Acabello Hair Salon, and Red Union Salon before opening his own studio. With over 500 online customer reviews, Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon has a 5 star average rating on Yelp and 4.9 average review on Google. Arthur Sebastian Arthur Sebastian Professional Hair Stylist Expert Answer The end of the fade is typically going to be 0, which is skin. So you may start with like a 2, then move to like a 1.5, then a 1, and a 0.5. This will give you that nice seamless fade. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 18
  • Question How do you blend a fade haircut? Arthur Sebastian Arthur Sebastian Professional Hair Stylist Arthur Sebastian is a Professional Hair Stylist based in San Francisco, California. He is the Owner of Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon, a studio offering Hair Styling, Color & Brazilian Blowout services. Arthur has 30 years of experience styling hair. His career began with apprenticeships at Wayne’s Beauty College in Santa Cruz, California Miss Marty’s School of Beauty in San Francisco, California. After receiving his Cosmetology License in 1998, he rented his first station at Wack Shack Hair Salon in San Francisco, going on to hold positions at Posh Hair Salon, Acabello Hair Salon, and Red Union Salon before opening his own studio. With over 500 online customer reviews, Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon has a 5 star average rating on Yelp and 4.9 average review on Google. Arthur Sebastian Arthur Sebastian Professional Hair Stylist Expert Answer Start with a higher number of guard size, like a 3. Then, go down 1 size as you work your way down from the crown of the head. Go down 1 size for each layer of the fade. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 4
  • Question Is this haircut popular? Community Answer Community Answer This kind of haircut is definitely in style for men today. It's fairly easy to maintain, and tends to look pretty good. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 37 Helpful 56
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • If there’s a cowlick that would make it difficult to fade at a certain point on the head, start the fade just above or below it. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
  • For an even and well-maintained fade, plan on trimming the cut every 4-6 weeks. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • Consult the person whose hair you're cutting as you work to make sure they're satisfied with the length and overall style. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 3
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Because fades are a more complex style of cut, avoid cutting your own hair unless you have hairstyling experience. Cut another person's hair or have someone cut your hair so the person cutting can see the entire head and blend the cut evenly.[12] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Things You'll Need

  • Professional grade clippers
  • Styling scissors
  • Brush or comb
  • Shampoo
  • Hair products for styling (optional)

You Might Also Like

Give a "Fade" Haircut to MalesHow toGive a "Fade" Haircut to Males Give Yourself a FadeHow to Cut a Fade On Your Own Hair Bald Fade15+ Bald Fade Styles Ask for a Fade HaircutHow to Get a Fade that Complements Your Style, Hair Type & More High Drop FadeHigh Drop Fade: Popular Styles, How to Achieve the Look & More Types of FadesFade Hairstyle Types for Men: A Complete Guide Use Hair ClippersA Beginners Guide to Cutting Hair with Clippers Faded Beard Styles8 Faded Beard Styles (Plus, Hairstyles to Pair with a Faded Beard) Skin Fade HaircutSkin Fade Haircuts 101: High, Mid, & Low Styles Taper Fade MulletHow to Get a Taper Fade Mullet: Popular Styles & Ideas Cut Your Own Hair (Men)How toCut Your Own Hair (Men) Cut Kids' HairHow toCut Kids' Hair Messy FadeEverything You Need to Know About the Messy Fade Cut a Man's HairHairstylist-Approved Guide to Cutting Men’s Hair at Home Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ http://www.fashionbeans.com/2016/the-complete-guide-to-mens-fade-haircuts/
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LboZ334v4fY
  3. ↑ http://www.fashionbeans.com/2016/the-complete-guide-to-mens-fade-haircuts/
  4. ↑ https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/mens-fade-haircut/
  5. ↑ Arthur Sebastian. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ Arthur Sebastian. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ Arthur Sebastian. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ Arthur Sebastian. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ https://youtu.be/3SdJygwlfWU?t=754
More References (3)
  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/3SdJygwlfWU?t=749
  2. ↑ http://www.fashionbeans.com/2016/the-complete-guide-to-mens-fade-haircuts/
  3. ↑ http://www.fashionbeans.com/2016/the-complete-guide-to-mens-fade-haircuts/

About This Article

Arthur Sebastian Co-authored by: Arthur Sebastian Professional Hair Stylist This article was co-authored by Arthur Sebastian and by wikiHow staff writer, Ali Garbacz, B.A.. Arthur Sebastian is a Professional Hair Stylist based in San Francisco, California. He is the Owner of Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon, a studio offering Hair Styling, Color & Brazilian Blowout services. Arthur has 30 years of experience styling hair. His career began with apprenticeships at Wayne’s Beauty College in Santa Cruz, California Miss Marty’s School of Beauty in San Francisco, California. After receiving his Cosmetology License in 1998, he rented his first station at Wack Shack Hair Salon in San Francisco, going on to hold positions at Posh Hair Salon, Acabello Hair Salon, and Red Union Salon before opening his own studio. With over 500 online customer reviews, Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon has a 5 star average rating on Yelp and 4.9 average review on Google. This article has been viewed 1,402,176 times. 11 votes - 76% Co-authors: 32 Updated: December 18, 2025 Views: 1,402,176 Categories: Featured Articles | Short Haircuts Article SummaryX

To cut a fade haircut, start by trimming the top with styling scissors, then trim the sides and back with a long guard size. Next, switch to the next shortest guard and, beginning in the back, cut the hair in vertical strokes from the neck toward the crown. Buzz the nape of the neck with the shortest guard setting, then clean up the edges to complete the cut! To learn about styling fade haircuts, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Arthur Sebastian Co-authored by: Arthur Sebastian Professional Hair Stylist 11 votes - 76% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 32 Updated: December 18, 2025 Views: 1,402,176 Nancy

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