Let's start by exploring the origins of the fade, the different types of fades and the most popular fade hairstyles today.

The Origin And Evolution Of The Fade Hairstyle For Men

The fade really hit the scene and became a mainstream trend on the back of the rise of hip hop in the late 1980s. Barbers began experimenting with techniques and the resulting fade hairstyles were popularised by rappers and pop icons of the era. Since then, fade hairstyles have evolved into a modern mainstay in men's hair design and are incorporated in endless ways.

The Different Types Of Fade Hairstyles

This is the part where you want to pay attention!

So, we are talking about the back and side of the head and the term ‘fade’ actually refers to an altering of the natural hairline. This is done with a gradation of hair length and a seamless transition between hair to skin. The hair 'fades' away to the skin so there is no evident hairline.

The fade can be a zero fade, where the hair is blended to zero with no guard on the clippers.

Or,

A skin fade, where a shaver or razor blade is used for an extremely clean transition right down to smooth skin.

The fade can be a low, mid or high depending on how high up on the head the gradation is.

With a low fade this transition takes place just above the ear and at the nape of the neck. For a medium fade it is higher up on the head but still dropping down at the back. A high fade brings the transition right up above the temples at the front and up towards the crown of the head at the back.

A burst fade is when the transition is cut in a circular fashion.

This is usually cut around the ear from the temple to the neck and commonly used to create a faux-hawk style haircut. It is also sometimes cut just at the temple known as a burst temple fade.

The Fade Cutting Technique In Modern Hairstyles

The fade has truly become a hallmark of modern barbering and has been incorporated into the hairstyles for men of all ages. A currently trending development is the mullet hairstyle with a fade cut at the temples. Another fashion-forward style is the mid-to-high fade with a crop top. Lastly, the burst fade is also becoming increasingly popular, especially cut high around both sides and worn with a sharp, angular neckline.