A skin fade haircut is a type of men’s haircut that has a gradual fade starting near the top of the head and gradually gets shorter until it reaches the skin at the neckline. Previously associated with the ’50s and military type cuts, this clean-cut look is now relished for its unparalleled contrast.
Regardless of the length and texture of your mane on top, the skin fade aka bald or zero fade never fails to produce a contemporary, versatile look suited for all environments. It’s just a matter of how you style your top strands, and you have the full control!
You can opt for a low, mid, or high fade depending on your desired output. Classy, subtle looks are complemented by high fades compared to casual and sporty hairstyles that work best with mid to low fades.
English barber Oscar Mcmillan does the skin fade on a wide range of hair types – straight, wavy, curly, and afro – and combines it with well-known modern haircuts, proving how versatile the fade could be!
Overwhelmed by all your choices and can’t decide which sharp, masculine hairstyle to try? Get the most out of the skin fade by reading this expert guide on how to sport one!
Slicked Back
Ample gel and a nice comb-over is the key to this successful look. The fade is all the more appreciated with this nice accent.
On Curly Hair
Work the ‘fro with some clean sides. More action can be done on those curls while keeping everything neat.
The Drop Fade
Glorious skin shave on medium length hair. Works for framing the face and creating edges.
High Skin Fade
The fringe up front helps give the fade some composure that makes the whole look work.
French Crop
It’s like the gods carved out those edges with such a divine fade and bangs combo.
Buzz Cut
The clippers are your friend when achieving this particular cut. Your most trusted barber with precise hands and a good taste in style is the second requirement.
Bald Fade with Beard
Why go mid-way when you can go all the way with a bald fade? Looks great, feels great, and definitely takes the top quiff on a whole ‘nother level.
Textured Quiff
Mimic a faux hawk with some delicate combing and hair mousse.
Low Skin Fade
Young lads would ace this cut. Brings a youthful effect that is still fashion forward.
Crew Cut
The classic gentleman’s look. Simple yet never fails to bring a high level of sophistication.
Long Hair with Undercut
Undercuts are really helpful when partnered with longer chops. In this case, the gentleman’s beard contribute to a wholesome dapper look.
Mid Skin Fade
Just like a Brooklyn fade, the fade starts around the temple and goes down the nape and ear area. What a great and simple style to work with.
Side Part
Show off that fade by having a side part just where the shave starts! Both features of the hair can be highlighted in this way.
For Wavy Hair
Having waves works for any cut that you desire. In this case, the fade helps to maintain that contrast for a well-maintained cut.
Faux Hawk
Hair designs like these come in handy for a style refresher. If you want a bold cut, try this pattern of a faux hawk where you can insert several hair trends in one cut.
The Mohawk
This mohawk is all sorts of fancy! Layered waves work through the hawk, highlighted of course by the conspicuous shaved sides.
Short Hair on Top
The shaved sides go well with the short length on top. Great for easy styling.
The Pompadour
Prop it up and save all the good looks. This trick gives dimension and variability, perfect for adventurous men like you!
Medium Skin Fade
Q&A with style creator, Juan Manuel Ortiz Abad
Barber @ Peluquería D’hombres Juanma in Málaga, Spain
How would you describe this look?
It’s a mix of old and new school. It’s a fresh cut and it is an easy hairstyle with fingers effect.
Any advice for someone considering it?
Keep your hair on top long to be able to style it like this.
I used matte ointment and volume powders for styling pompadour using fingers. It’s great for straight hair. The best face shape is square. It’s a great style for the urban and the executive.
Hard Part with Comb Over
Q&A with style creator, Jefferson Alves
Barber @ Barbearia Alves in Bombinhas, BR
How would you describe this look?
I consider this cut a razor part where the sides are well scraped. I started with the machine “0” and I went up gradually to detail well in the hair division. It’s a cut and style that highlight the face and the top of the hair. I made a tuft with a “streak” in the division, and it is well stripped and stylish.
Any advice for someone considering it?
For this style, I advise the client to have smoother and slightly larger hair that can be shaped to the side. It is also necessary to use ointment and hair fixative to keep the hairstyle longer.
The “streak” on the side helps break the hair. Put hair ointment and pull the tuft back simply. I advise you to dry your hair with a blow dryer to give a more stripped effect.
High Top for Black Men
Q&A with style creator, Justin Johnston
Barber @ Pure Blendz Barbershop in Ukiah, CA
How would you describe this look?
This is a haircut called the high top, but I put my own spin on it and gave him a mid fade instead of a high fade. My favorite thing about this haircut is the contrast. This fade comes out nice and smooth and matches well with his skin color to make it somewhat blurry. Lining up the hairline is key to make the haircut pop more than it would with just a clean fade. Fresh line up completes the cut.
Any advice for someone considering it?
Grow your hair out (if it’s not already long enough). If you want the curls on top and your hair is coarse like the client pictured, I would recommend that you purchase a curl sponge. A curl sponge with a medium to strong hold hairspray to lock in the curls is needed. Anyone with curly hair can achieve this cut. This is more so a basketball player type of haircut or just someone who is up to date with the culture and style of today!