Skin fade haircut guide: low, mid or high fade?
A skin fade is a haircut where the sides and back are taken right down to the skin at the bottom and blended gradually into longer hair higher up. Done well, there is no visible line, just a smooth change from skin to hair. This guide explains the options so you can ask for exactly the fade you want.
Low, mid or high: where the fade starts
The name tells you how far up the head the skin goes before the blend begins.
- Low fade. The skin section stays close to the hairline, just above the ear and around the neckline. It is the most subtle option and suits offices and first-timers.
- Mid fade. The blend starts around the temple. It gives a clear, clean shape without looking severe.
- High fade. The skin goes up towards the top of the sides, leaving a sharp contrast with the hair on top.
Fade or taper?
A taper only shortens the hair at the sideburns and the neckline, leaving the rest of the sides longer. A fade shortens the sides and back all the way round. If you want something tidy that grows out quietly, ask for a taper. If you want a sharper finish, ask for a fade.
How to ask for a skin fade
Give your barber four pieces of information:
- How high you want the fade: low, mid or high.
- How much length to leave on top, and whether you want it cut with scissors.
- Whether you want a natural hairline or a sharp line-up at the front.
- A photo, if you have one.
How long does a skin fade last?
Because the shortest part is cut to the skin, regrowth shows sooner than on a longer cut. A skin fade looks its sharpest for about two weeks. Most people come back every two to three weeks to keep it fresh.
Skin fade price and time
A skin fade at Porsopher Barber is £26 and takes about 25 minutes. Add a beard trim and shape for a full tidy-up; see our beard trim guide and the full price list. You can walk in any time we are open, or book a Tuesday or Wednesday morning online.
