Achieving a fade haircut at home isn’t rocket science, but it does require some skill, patience, and the right tools. With a little practice, you can master this technique and give yourself a professional-looking fade. Before you start, gather your tools: a clipper with adjustable blade settings, a mirror, a comb, and a pair of scissors. Make sure your hair is clean and dry, and that you have a comfortable place to work.
Start by setting the clipper blade to the longest setting and gradually decrease the setting as you move down the head. Hold the clipper against your scalp and move it in the direction of hair growth. Be careful not to press too hard, as this can cause the clipper to snag or cut your hair unevenly. As you move down the head, gradually decrease the blade setting to create a smooth transition from long to short hair.
Once you’ve reached the desired length, use the comb to blend the different sections of hair. Start with the longest section and comb it towards the shorter section. Gradually decrease the length of the comb as you move down the head, blending the different sections together. Finally, use the scissors to trim any stray hairs and refine the shape of the fade.
Trim Top Section
To trim the top section of your hair, you’ll need a pair of clippers with a 1-2 guard. Start at the back of your head and work your way forward, trimming against the grain of your hair.
Once you’ve trimmed the back, move on to the sides. Be careful not to cut your hair too short, especially around the temples. You can always go back and trim more later, but you can’t add hair back once it’s gone.
When you’re trimming the top of your head, be sure to blend the different sections together. This will help to create a smooth, even fade.
Here are some tips for trimming the top section of your hair:
- Use a sharp pair of clippers.
- Trim against the grain of your hair.
- Be careful not to cut your hair too short.
- Blend the different sections together.
- Take your time and be patient.
Using a Guard
If you’re not comfortable using clippers freehand, you can use a guard to help you achieve a more even fade.
Guards are available in a variety of sizes, so you can choose the one that best suits the length of hair you want to leave on top.
| Guard Size | Length of Hair Left |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1/8 inch |
| 2 | 1/4 inch |
| 3 | 3/8 inch |
| 4 | 1/2 inch |
| 5 | 5/8 inch |
| 6 | 3/4 inch |
| 7 | 7/8 inch |
| 8 | 1 inch |
Fade Down Sides
Fading the sides of your hair is a popular way to achieve a stylish and modern look. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it yourself:
1. Gather Your Tools
You’ll need a pair of hair clippers, a fading comb, and a mirror.
2. Wash and Dry Your Hair
Start with clean, dry hair. This will help the clippers glide smoothly and prevent snags.
3. Create a Guiding Line
Use the fading comb to create a guiding line along the temple area. This line will determine the lowest point of your fade.
4. Fade the Sides
Start by attaching a longer clipper guard to the clippers. Fade the sides by holding the clippers parallel to your head and moving them down from the guiding line. Gradually decrease the clipper guard size as you move down to create a smooth transition.
5. Refine the Fade
To refine the fade, use a fading comb with a shorter teeth size. Hold the comb against the skin and use the clippers to trim any stray hairs. Repeat this process until you’re satisfied with the fade.
Here’s a table summarizing the steps for fading the sides of your hair:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gather your tools: clippers, fading comb, mirror |
| 2 | Wash and dry your hair |
| 3 | Create a guiding line along the temple area |
| 4 | Fade the sides by gradually decreasing the clipper guard size |
| 5 | Refine the fade using a fading comb with a shorter teeth size |
Refine the Fade
Define the Fade Lines
Carefully examine the faded area and determine where the transition from skin to hair begins. Mark these lines to guide your blending process.
Blend the Lines
Using a clipper without a guard, gradually blend the lines between the faded area and the unshaved hair. Hold the clipper at a 45-degree angle and move it in small, overlapping strokes. Start with a longer guard length (e.g., #2) and gradually shorten it (e.g., #1, #0.5) as you approach the skin.
Smooth the Transition
Once you’ve blended the lines, switch to a shorter guard length (e.g., #0) and blend again, going over the entire faded area in small, circular motions. This will smooth out any remaining rough edges and create a natural-looking transition.
Define the Guard Lines
If desired, you can define the guard lines between the different fade levels using a smaller clipper guard length (e.g., #1.5, #1). Carefully trim along the lines to create a sharp contrast between the different fade sections.
Soften the Lines
For a softer, more gradual fade, use a longer clipper guard length (e.g., #2) to blend the guard lines. Gradually shorten the guard length as you approach the skin, blending the lines until they are no longer visible.
Check for Symmetry
Throughout the fading process, frequently check the symmetry of the fade on both sides. Use a mirror to ensure that the lines and transitions are even and match.
Finish with a Razor (Optional)
For a clean, polished finish, consider using a razor to remove any remaining stubble or fine hairs from the skin. Be cautious and avoid applying too much pressure, as you don’t want to cut or irritate the skin.
Check Symmetry
To ensure your fade is symmetrical, stand in front of a mirror. Use a comb or your fingers to brush your hair evenly on both sides. Check the length and shape of the fade on each side, making sure they are mirrored images of each other.
Pay attention to the following details:
8. Check the Sideburns
The sideburns should be faded in a gradual manner, with a smooth transition from longer hair at the top to shorter hair at the bottom. The shape of the sideburns should complement the shape of your face.
| Face Shape | Sideburn Shape |
|---|---|
| Round | Narrow, tapered |
| Square | Wide, angled |
| Oval | Medium width, rounded |
If one sideburn is longer or shorter than the other, or if the shape is not symmetrical, use your clippers to trim and shape the sideburns evenly.
Stylize and Finish
Dry Your Hair
Use a towel or a blow dryer to dry your hair completely. This will help the product work better and give you a sharper fade.
Fade Out the Sides
Apply a small amount of hair cream or styling wax to your fingers and work it through the sides of your hair, starting at the nape of your neck. Use your fingers to fade the product into your hair, leaving the top of your head untouched.
Use a Clipper for Definition
Once you’ve faded out the sides, use a clipper to define the fade. Start at the nape of your neck and use the clipper to fade the hair gradually up towards the top of your head.
Brush and Comb
Use a brush and comb to blend the fade and remove any flyaways. This will give you a smooth, polished finish.
Add a Finishing Touch
To finish off your fade, apply a small amount of hairspray or styling gel to your hair. This will help to hold the style in place and give it a sleek, polished look.
Fade Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|—|—|
| My fade is too harsh | Use less product and blend more gradually. |
| My fade is too soft | Use more product and blend less gradually. |
| My fade is uneven | Use a clipper to define the fade more precisely. |
| My fade is too high or too low | Adjust the starting point of the fade. |
| My fade is patchy | Use a brush and comb to blend the fade more thoroughly. |
How to Give Yourself a Fade
To give yourself a fade, you will need:
- A pair of hair clippers
- A guard for the clippers (the size of the guard will determine the length of the fade)
- A comb
- A mirror
Instructions:
- Wash and dry your hair.
- Comb your hair in the direction that it grows.
- Attach the guard to the clippers.
- Start at the back of your head and move the clippers down towards the bottom of your neck.
- Hold the clippers against your skin and move them in a slow, even motion.
- Be sure to overlap your strokes to avoid any missed spots.
- Once you have faded the back of your head, move on to the sides and the top.
- Use a smaller guard for the sides and the top of your head.
- Fade the sides and the top of your head in the same way that you faded the back of your head.
- Once you are finished, check your fade in the mirror to make sure that it is even.
People Also Ask:
What is the best way to learn how to give yourself a fade?
The best way to learn how to give yourself a fade is to watch a few tutorials on YouTube. There are many helpful videos available that can show you step-by-step how to achieve the perfect fade.
How often should I get a fade?
How often you should get a fade depends on how fast your hair grows. If you have fast-growing hair, you may need to get a fade every two to three weeks. If you have slower-growing hair, you may be able to get a fade every four to six weeks.
What is the difference between a fade and a taper?
A fade is a gradual transition from short hair to long hair. A taper is a more subtle transition from short hair to long hair. A fade is usually more noticeable than a taper.
