Learn what a fade haircut is, explore fade types, and discover expert barber techniques at The Forge Barbers Vancouver for sharp, clean fades.
Walk into any shop today, and you will hear one word repeated more than any other: Fade. It has become the gold standard of modern men's grooming. But what exactly is a fade?
Fade refers to the technique of a smooth transition from short hair to long hair. It can be aggressive or even subtle and professional.
If you don't know the exact terms (drop, skin, burst, or taper), you are leaving your look entirely to chance. Let’s decode the details of the hairstyle so you can get the best fades Vancouver has ever seen.
What is a Fade Haircut?
In simple words, a fade is just an illusion. It is a gradient effect where the hair creates a blur as it moves up the head. It works by slowly shortening the hair from the bottom (the perimeter) to the top (the parietal ridge).
Popular Types of Fade Haircuts
The difference between these styles is simply where the transition happens on your head:
1. Low Fade
It starts just above the ear and stays subtle. This is great for professionals, students, and anyone else who likes a clean but simple look. The haircut keeps its shape without being too strong.
2. Mid Fade
As the name suggests, it is between subtle and sharp. Mid fade is the most flexible and looks good on most face shapes and hair styles. It gives shape without being harsh.
3. High Fade
High fade starts higher on the head and makes the contrast stronger. This style is bold and modern. It pairs well with textured tops, pompadours, and bold haircuts, but it needs to be cared for more often.
4. Skin Fade (Bald Fade)
This fade is the most technical and clean fade that blends all the way down to the skin. But it grows out quickly, which is why it needs regular upkeep.
5. Drop Fade
In this type, the fade curves naturally behind the ear rather than staying straight across. This follows the natural shape of the head and gives the finish a more sculpted look.
6. Burst Fade
Here, the focus is on the ear, and the fade "bursts" outwards.
A burst fade is often paired with tops that have texture, curls, or modern mullets. It's more about style and creativity.
How to Select the Best Fades Vancouver for Your Face Shape and Hair Type
The cut depends on how your bones are shaped:
If you have a round face, get a high skin fade. Taking off all the weight (hair) from the sides makes your face look thinner and more defined.
If you have a long or oblong (rectangle) face, don't get a high fade. They make your head look like a light bulb. To keep some width on the sides, stick to a low fade or a taper.
Most fade styles look good on square faces, but softer edges often look more even than very sharp ones.
The texture of your hair is also important. Thick hair shows every flaw, so you need a men's barber Vancouver who is very careful. Curly or afro textures fade more smoothly on their own because the curls hide the lines where the fade starts and ends.
That’s why we at The Forge Barbers Vancouver always start with a consultation to help you choose the best Vancouver men’s haircut that suits you.
Fade Techniques Used By Good Barbers In Vancouver
Have a look at some techniques on how barbers Vancouver BC create a fade:
The C-Motion: The barber flicks the wrists out in a ‘C’ shape to pull the hair away from the head and mix the lengths instead of cutting a hole in the style.
The Guideline System: The barber draws a line around the head and then erase it. This is done to control where the fade starts and ends.
Foil Shaving: An electric foil shaver is used to give skin fades. This cuts hair closer than a razor without the risk of cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What's the difference between a Taper and a Fade?
A fade makes the hair on the whole head shorter whereas taper only makes the sideburns and neckline shorter.
2. How often do I need to take care of a skin fade?
Every 10 to 14 days. In 48 hours, the skin part will turn to stubble, and the blur will go away in two weeks.
3. Does a skin fade hurt?
No. If it hurts, the barber is using too much pressure with the foil shaver. A professional barber in Vancouver, BC knows how to get close without bothering the skin.
Conclusion
In short, a fade changes a regular messy look into something sharp and planned. But it needs care and an expert barber Vancouver BC who knows how your head is shaped.
That’s exactly where the relevance of our one-on-one personal consultation comes in. changes a regular messy look into something sharp and planned. But it needs care and a barber who knows how your head is shaped.