Welcome to Swanky’s take on one of the most popular and versatile hairstyles for men - the Skin Fade. Similar but different to the Men’s Crew Cut. This hairstyle has taken the world by storm, becoming a staple in barber shops across the globe. Whether you’re considering a fresh new look or simply want to understand more about this stylish haircut, you’ve come to the right place.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about the skin fade haircut. From its definition and history to the different types that you can choose from, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also share some tips on how to maintain your skin fade and communicate effectively with your barber to get the look you desire.

So, whether you’re a fan of the low skin fade, intrigued by the high skin fade, or curious about the buzz cut skin fade, there’s something for everyone. Let’s embark on this journey to explore the world of men’s skin fade hairstyles together. Stay tuned!

What is a Skin Fade?

A Skin Fade, also known as a Bald Fade or Zero Fade, is a trendy men’s haircut that involves shaving the hair down to the skin level on the sides and back, and then gradually blending it into a longer length on top. The ‘fade’ in the name refers to this transition from short to long, creating a seamless ‘fading’ effect.

The skin fade is unique because it can be incorporated into many different hairstyles, making it one of the most versatile haircuts around. It can be paired with a pompadour, a buzz cut, a comb-over, or even a simple crew cut. The possibilities are endless, which is part of the reason why skin fade has become so popular.

One of the key benefits of the skin fade is its clean, sharp look. Because the hair is cut so short on the sides and back, it creates a high-contrast style that emphasises the hair on top. This makes it a great choice for men who want a stylish, modern look that stands out.

The Appeal of the Skin Fade Haircut

The Men’s skin fade hairstyle is amongst one of the most popular haircuts of today. Why? From a personal perspective, as well as being extremely versatile, I think it represents several things: masculinity, strength, self-care, wealth and commitment. One of the main reasons I link these representations is because a skin fade is at most three weeks before you need to have it freshened up. Some customers even come in every week. Of course, the different variations might not be as demanding, depending on how they are worn.

Now, pretty much anyone can have a skin fade as it works with all hair types (thick or thin/light or dark). Something that might be handy to know, the shorter you go on the sides (exposing the skin) the thicker your hair will look on top. So, if you’re thinning on top, it will create an illusion of thickness. You may not have to go to Turkey after all :)

By having a skin fade on the sides you can create any sort of length through the top. Whether it’s a man bun (men with a bobble in) or a short crop, the choice is yours to best represent your style. Interested in more? Well, let's delve into a few examples…

Different Types of Men’s Skin Fade

Low Skin Fade

This could also be described as a taper fade. The fading technique is kept lower/closer to the temples, ears and nape of the neck. This means that less skin than either of the other two fades we are going to talk about.

High Skin Fade

The highest and most demanding of the fades. Just to go back a bit here and comment on the versatility. If you opt for this fade, from a personal perspective, it's better to opt for a shorter style on top. However, this does not mean I am right, and I have created this haircut for people where they have a high fade on the sides and then disconnect to the length on top. I just personally prefer doing a mid to low fade so that there are not too many contrasting tones of skin to hair!

Medium Skin Fade

You guessed it, it’s in between the two others. The occipital bone is usually the guide for us professionals.

Buzz Cut Skin Fade

This is a high skin fade with a clipper guard/real short cut on top. Even shorter than a crop.

French Crop Skin Fade

High, mid or low fade with a short scissor cut on top. Usually using techniques like point cutting and thinning to create texture through the lengthier parts of the hair cut.

Reverse Skin Fade

For the arty farty ones out there :) happy for individuality, you do you and that is all I have to say on this.

How to Maintain Your Skin Fade

The best way to maintain your skin fade is by visiting your barber on a regular basis. At very least once a month, but twice if you want to be the boss. If you keep some more length through the top then you may want to invest in a wax, paste or cream. Also, my favourites are salt sprays and texture sprays (both add texture) some are harsher than others. These sprays can be used individually and work best when heat activated (dried with a hairdryer). All different in consistency and texture. The best thing to do is ask your barber for advice as all hair types are different and as I don’t have you sitting in front of me, I can’t assess the hair.

How to Communicate with Your Barber About Your Fade

The best way to communicate with your barber is by using pinterest and searching haircuts that you like. Create a board, a collection of images, not just of one and that's it. If you just choose one you may have blonde hair and the guy in the picture will have dark hair, it ain't going to look the same.The more pictures you get the more your barber can work with and provide the best advice. After that learn the terminology, ask your barber to educate you. We love boasting about our knowledge :)

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving world of men’s hairstyles, the skin fade stands out as a timeless and versatile choice. Whether you’re seeking a bold, high-contrast look or a subtle, understated style, the skin fade offers a range of options to suit your taste.

From the low skin fade that offers a subtle transition to the high skin fade that makes a bold statement, there’s a variation that fits every personality. With the ability to pair it with a multitude of top hairstyles, the skin fade truly is a chameleon of men’s haircuts.

Remember, maintaining a skin fade requires regular trips to the barber and the right hair care products. But the effort is well worth it when you see the sharp, clean look of a well-maintained skin fade in the mirror

So why not take the plunge and try a skin fade on your next visit to the barber? With its blend of style, versatility, and modern appeal, the skin fade might just become your new favourite haircut. As always, don’t hesitate to ask your barber for advice or suggestions. After all, they’re there to help you look your best.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through the world of skin fade haircuts. We hope this guide has been informative and inspiring. Stay swanky, stay stylish!

FAQ

How often should I get my skin fade haircut refreshed?

A skin fade haircut typically needs to be refreshed every two to three weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows and the specific style of fade you have.

Can I get a skin fade if I have thinning hair?

Yes, a skin fade can actually help create the illusion of thickness on top. The shorter you go on the sides, the thicker the hair will look on top.

What are the different types of skin fades?

There are several types of skin fades including low, high, medium, buzz cut, French crop, and reverse skin fades.

How do I maintain my skin fade haircut at home?

Regular visits to your barber are essential for maintaining your skin fade. In between visits, you can use hair care and styling products recommended by your barber to keep your hair looking its best.

How do I communicate what I want to my barber?

The best way to communicate with your barber is by showing them pictures of the style you want. You can also learn the terminology used in barbering to better express what you want.

Skin Fade - A Complete Overview of this Popular Men's Hairstyle