How to cut a fade: a clean low, mid or high fade
⏰ Short on time? Here's the summary
A fade is a haircut where the hair gradually goes from very short (sometimes down to the skin) to longer, without a visible line. You cut one by first setting three zones at different lengths and then blending them together. The only difference between a low, mid and high fade is the height where that transition starts.
Want to cut fades yourself with confidence? Read which clipper is best or go straight to the Revahs Clipper One Pro.
What exactly is a fade?
A fade is a haircut where the hair gradually goes from very short to longer. It's all about that seamless transition. Can you see clear steps or a hard line? Then the fade isn't blended, and that's the only difference between a fade that looks professional and one that doesn't.
Low, mid or high fade: which one do you choose?
| Type | Starts | Effect | Doable yourself? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low fade | Just above the ear | Subtle, neat | Easiest, start here |
| Mid fade | At the temple | Clean, modern | Fine with some experience |
| High fade | Above the temple | Lots of contrast | Mistakes show straight away |
Cutting your first fade yourself? Go for a low fade. You work low, there's less surface to get wrong and a slip barely shows. Pick one style and stick to it. Switching halfway is the quickest way to end up lopsided.
What do you need?
Clippers that hold their speed
A fade needs constant power. If your clippers stutter or slow down in thick hair, you automatically push harder and get chunks taken out. Also read: why high RPM makes the difference. Which clippers are suitable is explained on best hair clippers.
Guard numbers 0 to 3
For a standard fade you work with the barber guard numbers 0 (no guard), 0.5, 1, 2 and 3. A 1.5 is optional, but it makes blending much easier because the step between zone 1 and 2 is then half as big. How many millimetres each number is, you can see in clipper guide comb sizes: the mm chart.
Two mirrors and good light
A fade goes all the way round. With two mirrors you can really see the back of your head, and good light stops you missing shadow bands.
Revahs Clipper One Pro
The Revahs Clipper One Pro is widely used to cut fades at home: a motor that holds its speed in thick hair, a taper lever from 0.5 to 3.5 mm and eight guide combs from 1.5 mm for precise blending.
View the Clipper One ProCutting a fade in 9 steps
The most forgiving order: base length first, then the guidelines, and only then blending.
- Choose your fade type. Low, mid or high. And mentally mark your start line.
- Cut the top to length first. Then you know exactly what you're working towards on the sides.
- Set the first guideline (0 or 0.5). All the way round the head, at the height you chose. This is your shortest zone.
- Set the second guideline (guard 1). About 1 to 1.5 cm above the first line, in an even band all the way round.
- Set the third zone (guard 2 or 3). Another 1 to 1.5 cm higher. With thick or long hair, 3 works better.
- Blend zone 0 into zone 1. This is where most hard lines appear. Use 0.5 and a flick-out motion.
- Blend zone 1 into zone 2. Use 1.5, or play between 1 and 2. Small sections, check as you go.
- Finish the ears and neck. Use the corner of your clippers. This is where a home cut and a barber cut differ.
- Check all the way round. Go to a window or a bright lamp. See a shadow band? Blend there for another 30 seconds. Usually that's enough.
Blending without a hard line
Blending isn't about working hard but working smart. Three rules:
- Work from short to long. Get rid of the lowest line first, then move higher.
- Use light pressure. Pushing harder takes chunks out, and then you have to go even shorter.
- Work in micro-zones. Two centimetres wide, finish it, move on to the next bit.
Revahs clippers are widely used for cutting a clean fade, thanks to the precise taper lever of the Revahs Clipper One Pro, which lets you step between zones in small, precise increments instead of swapping guide combs.
Thick hair, curls and kids
Thick hair
Thick hair needs power and a steady speed. If your clippers are too weak, you push through and take chunks out. See also: best clippers for thick hair.
Curly hair
Curls hide lines in shadow, but show mistakes as soon as the hair dries. So always cut dry or at least 90% dry, blend a little longer than you think you need to, and work in smaller zones.
Kids
For kids, a low fade works best. Keep your zones low, use longer guards (1.5, 2 and 3), work in short sessions and take extra care around the ears.
The 4 mistakes everyone makes
- Working too fast. A fade is precision work. Small zones, check in between.
- Carrying on while your clippers are pulling. Blunt blades or too little maintenance. Causes and solutions.
- Cutting on a half-empty battery. Dips in power ruin your blending. Clippers not charging properly?
- Too much pressure. Let the clippers do the work.
Want to cut fades with confidence?
Choose clippers that deliver constant power and are precise enough to blend.
Frequently asked questions
What is a fade haircut?
A haircut where the hair gradually goes from very short or skin to longer hair, without a visible line. Low, mid and high refer to the height where that transition starts.
What is the difference between a low, mid and high fade?
Only the starting height. A low fade starts just above the ear, a mid fade at the temple and a high fade above that. The higher it is, the more contrast and the more visible a mistake.
Which fade is easiest to cut yourself?
A low fade. You work low, blend less surface and mistakes show less.
Which guards do you use for a fade?
Usually guard numbers 0 or 0.5, 1, 2 and 3, with 1.5 as an optional in-between step. The bigger the steps, the more blending you need to do.
How do you avoid hard lines in your fade?
Use flick-out motions, in small zones, from short to long. Then check your fade in different light.
Can I cut a fade with one pair of clippers?
Yes, as long as you have different guide combs and your clippers hold their speed.
