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How to Ask for a Fade You'll Actually Like

Published September 21, 2026 · 3 min read

The most common thing we hear right before someone sits down is some version of "I want a fade, but I don't really know how to describe it." That's completely fine — that's what the consultation is for. But if you walk in with even a little bit of language to work with, you're going to get a better result faster. Here's a quick breakdown of what actually matters when you're asking for a fade.

Start with where it starts, not how short it is

Most fade confusion comes from one thing: people describe the top of their hair when they should be describing the bottom. The defining feature of a fade is where it starts — low on the head, mid, or high — and that changes the whole look more than the length of the guard does.

A low fade starts just above the ear and the neckline, keeping most of the side hair intact. It's clean but not dramatic — a good choice if you want something that grows out gracefully. A mid fade splits the difference and works with just about any style on top. A high fade starts well above the temple and takes off a lot of side hair — it's the most defined look and the one that's going to show the most skin.

If you can just say "low," "mid," or "high," your barber can take it from there. You don't need to know the guard numbers — that's our job.

Then tell us what's happening on top

The fade is the sides. The top is a separate conversation, and it matters just as much. Are you keeping length up there and just cleaning up the sides? Going shorter all around? Trying to get some texture or a messier look? Even something vague like "I want it shorter but not buzzed" gives us something to work with.

The single best thing you can bring in is a photo — not because we need it, but because it cuts out a full minute of back-and-forth and makes it much easier to land exactly where you want to be. Screenshot something from your phone, pull it up when you sit down. That's it.

If you're not sure what you want, just say that too. We're at 2452 W Victory Blvd and we do this all day — part of the job is helping figure out what's actually going to work for your hair type, your face shape, and how much time you want to spend on it in the morning.

One thing to get straight before you leave the chair

Once the cut is done, ask your barber to show you the back before you get up. This isn't being difficult — it's normal, and we expect it. The fade at the neckline is the part you can't see on your own, and if something's off, it's a thirty-second fix while you're still in the chair. A lot of guys skip this and spend the rest of the day second-guessing it. Don't do that.

Walk-ins are always welcome, or you can check in online before you head over so you're not waiting around.