Fades Explained:

Find the Right Style for Your Hair at Epping Barber

At Epping Barber, we know that the right fade can completely transform your look.

Whether you prefer sharp contrasts or subtle blends, our experienced barbers tailor each fade to your head shape, hair type, and personal style.

Low Fade

What It Is:

A low fade starts just above the ear and curves around the hairline, gradually tapering down.

It maintains more length on the sides than higher fades, offering a subtle and clean look.

Best For:

  • Hair Types: Straight, wavy, or curly

  • Face Shapes: Oval, square, heart-shaped

  • Clients Seeking: A conservative, business-appropriate fade that’s easy to maintain

Ideal Pairings:

  • Side part

  • Pompadour

  • Brush-up or slick-back

Mid Fade

What It Is:

A mid fade starts slightly above the ears and blends evenly into the top.

It provides a noticeable contrast while staying balanced.

Best For:

  • Hair Types: Most hair types — works especially well with thick or wavy hair

  • Face Shapes: Round, oval, square

  • Clients Seeking: A modern, stylish look that’s more dynamic than a low fade but not too bold

Ideal Pairings:

  • Crop top

  • Curly top

  • Messy fringe

High Fade

What It Is:

The high fade starts much higher on the head, usually near the temples and drops quickly into the skin or shortest length.

This creates a bold, dramatic contrast.

Best For:

  • Hair Types: Straight or tightly coiled

  • Face Shapes: Round or oval — the vertical height adds definition

  • Clients Seeking: A modern, edgy look that draws attention to the hairstyle on top

Ideal Pairings:

  • Afro or textured top

  • Faux hawk

  • Quiff

Skin Fade (Bald Fade)

What It Is:

A skin fade — also known as a bald fade — tapers down all the way to the skin, removing all visible hair at the bottom. It's the cleanest, sharpest fade you can get.

Best For:

  • Hair Types: Straight, coarse, or tightly curled

  • Face Shapes: Oval, oblong, square

  • Clients Seeking: A sleek, razor-sharp appearance; great for clean, defined styles

Ideal Pairings:

  • Line-up/shape-up

  • Caesar cut

  • Beard blend

Taper Fade

What It Is:

A taper fade gradually reduces hair length just at the sideburns and nape — a more understated, low-maintenance fade that maintains more fullness around the ears.

Best For:

  • Hair Types: All hair types, especially straight and wavy

  • Face Shapes: All shapes

  • Clients Seeking: A timeless, low-commitment fade that grows out well

Ideal Pairings:

  • Comb-over

  • Side part

  • Slick back

Burst Fade

What It Is:

A burst fade curves around the ear in a semi-circle while leaving length at the neckline. It’s popular with mohawks and textured tops.

Best For:

  • Hair Types: Curly, coiled, or thick hair

  • Face Shapes: Square, round

  • Clients Seeking: A bold, stylish fade with flair — often chosen by younger clients or trendsetters

Ideal Pairings:

  • Mohawk

  • Curly faux hawk

  • Textured afro

Not Sure Which Fade Suits You?

Every head is different. Our barbers will recommend a fade based on your:

  • Hair growth pattern

  • Texture

  • Face shape

  • Lifestyle & maintenance preference