Deciding what hairstyle to go for can be challenging. However, you don’t have to think twice about fade haircuts. Whether you want to try it for the first time or go for a trim, fade is always ideal for all hair types. The good thing is that you can select a 1 to 3 fade haircut, zero fade, or number 1 fade, among others.
Fade haircuts are suitable for those who want a sleek and sophisticated look. Due to its versatility, it can be tailored to suit your style. There are different fade haircuts to select from, including low cuts.
What is Fade Haircut?
A fade means a change in the length and color of the hair on the sides and back. This indicates that the hair is blended in different lengths and is not all buzzed to the same length.
How high the hair grows up the head before beginning to transition into a longer length determines the fade—taper, low, mid, or high level.
In a 1 to 3 fade, the hair at the sides and back gradually move from a number 1 length (1/8 inch) at the bottom to a number 3 length (3/8 inch) higher.
To accomplish this, a barber will progressively advance from a number 1 length to a 1.5 length, then a 2 length, and finally to the number 3 length.
Types of Fade Haircuts
a) Low Fade Haircuts
The low fade concentrates on the bottom inch of hair as it tapers lower on the head. It has a subtle and discreet fade, making it highly versatile and easily adaptable to your preferences.
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Because only a little portion of the sides and back are cut to the shortest length (number 1), it is a more subtle version of the 1 to 3 fade.
The fade won’t be as noticeable overall because the barber will clip a sizable chunk of the sides and back to the fade’s longest length (number 3).
b) Medium Fade Haircut
The number 1 length begins to progressively change into the #3 length around an inch above the ear with mid-1 to 3 fades.
Mid 1 to 3 fades are no exception to the rule that mid fades are more attention-grabbing than low fades.
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The fade is more noticeable since approximately half of the sides and back will be trimmed to the shortest length (number 1) before it rises gradually.
c) High Fade
When shaving the high 1 to 3 fade haircut, the number 1 length will gradually change into the number 3 length around the area o the temples.
Most sides and back will be cut to the shortest length, making high fades the most obvious fades.
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As a result, most sides and back down will be cut down to the short length of number 1 (1/8 of an inch) with high 1 to 3 fades.
As a result, the fade becomes an essential part of the entire look. It draws attention much more than a mid-fade would.
d) Taper Fade
In a 1 to 3 fade taper, the number 1 length gradually and smoothly increases to the number 3 length at the top of the sideburns. So essentially, it is an extremely low fade—lower than a low 1 to 3 fade.
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The barber will cut only a small piece of the sides to the shortest length (number 1) with a 1 to 3 fade. In essence, the number 1 length will only extend about an inch above the neckline in the back, like in this tutorial.
Most sides and back will remain at the fade’s longest length (number3 length).
What is a Skin Fade?
To get a skin fade, the barber must remove the side of the hair from the skin. This is done with a foil shaver (or occasionally a straight razor) rather than a clipper to achieve an extremely close shave.
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The decision to get a taper, low, mid or high skin fade is up to you and your barber. A skin fade haircut, however, can still be divided into the four types mentioned above.
The skin fade is the most discernible since it is easy to detect the transition of hair from bald to, maybe, a 0.5 into a 2 at the tip of the edges. Depending on your hair’s thickness and color, it might not be as evident when you begin at a number 2 and work your way up to a 3.
Another style to try is to cut it with a 3 on the sides. Here’s how to get a perfect skin fade if you’d like to try it.
How To Select a Haircut Depending On Your Face Shape
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We all have different face shapes, making us look different with different hairstyles. Therefore, before you choose a certain hairstyle, you ought to know the shape of your head.
For example, your friend may look gorgeous with a certain hairstyle, and you look different. This is because of different head shapes.
Let’s look at different hairstyles based on the shape of your head.
a) Haircuts for Round Faces
A haircut that adds some definition to a round face shape is beneficial since it has a smooth chin and no noticeable lines or angles. So, if you have some extra baby fat and are searching for haircuts for chubby faces, you can try something that creates an illusion of structure with your hair.
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You can try a style with height at the tip and taken tight at the sides. Such styles include a flat top or even pompadour.
They add structure to your face. If you have any soft edges, square corners in the high recession area of your hair will sharpen them.
You can also keep your full square beard to help thin the chin area. This cut will give you the appearance of a more chiseled jaw.
b) Haircuts for Long Faces
Long faces, categorized as either rectangular or oblong face shapes and fall between an oval and a square, need to have their hairstyles gently altered to prevent them from looking longer than they already are.
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Note that a rectangular face looks longer. Therefore, you should avoid taking sides too short or keep the length on top. A well-proportioned style that won’t leave too much length of hair on top or take sides too short is your best shot if you have a longer face.
You can try a style that lets your hair fall to the sides. Also, one that will fall across the forehead adds width and ensures the face doesn’t appear narrower than it is.
Try not to pair it with a duck dynasty beard, as a full beard will only make your face look more elongated. Instead, try facial hair ranging from stubble to a short beard, as this fills out gaps.
c) Haircuts for Oval-Shaped Faces
The trick with an oval face is to ensure you wear the hair off your forehead. This creates some volume and angles on top.
The most suitable hairstyle is a classic short back and sides if you have an oval head. It should also be slightly longer on top.
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A fringe creates too much heaviness on the forehead, softening your features and increasing your face’s roundness. So, avoid it to prevent a more rounded face.
Also, feel free to ditch the beard. You won’t need any facial hair to fill out any disproportionate gaps.
d) Haircuts for Square-Shaped Faces
A square face is considered the masculine ideal and is characterized by a razor-sharp jawline. Other features include an overall chiseled appearance and even proportions.
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A square face is a great foundation for most styles and is versatile to work with long and short hairstyles. The classic style works well with square faces; you can go for close fades, short layers, and side partings.
A little light stubble also gives the sharpness of your jawline a little welcome texture but without blurring its line.
e) Haircuts for Heart-Shaped Faces
A heart-shaped face is wide at the temples and hairline. It gradually narrows to a point at the chin. It benefits from a few optical illusions to make it appear better proportioned.
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Very tight cuts accentuate the narrowness of the chin and the width of your forehead. For this face shape, a medium-length swept look is the most ideal.
Reasonably kept thin and light, mid-length and long hairstyles soften the strong forehead of the heart-shaped face. In this case, facial hair is also key. A beard helps a heart-shaped face gain fullness in the narrower part of the head.
f) Hair Cuts for Diamond-Shaped Faces
Diamond-shaped heads are narrow in the chin and brow. The diamond shape is among the rarest face shapes for men. This makes it have a few requirements to ensure it looks perfect.
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It would be best if you aim for haircuts that add width to the forehead and chin area are the ideal ones. Fringes add texture to the forehead. Also, you can tuck longer hair behind the ears to accentuate a diamond shape bone structure.
For a diamond-shaped face, don’t take sides too short because of the width of the cheekbones. If you go for a short hairstyle at the sides, it will make your ears look bigger.
In addition, softer lines and layers are even better for a diamond-shaped face. This is because it works to soften the face’s natural angles.
g) Haircuts for Triangle-Shaped Faces
A triangle-shaped face requires the opposite treatment of a heart-shaped face. This is due to its narrow forehead and wide jawline.
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This face shape requires a style with volume. Longer nose-length haircuts with fuller sides add depth to this style. Some light bubbles are the most you’ll be good with for the beard. However, it is best to stay clean-shaven due to the prominence of the jawline.
Frequently Asked Questions On 1 to 3 Fade Haircuts
1. Does short hair make you look younger?
You can get rid of damaged hair by getting a short, pixie haircut. It will also make you look healthier and younger. In addition, a short haircut is among the best ways to visually balance your face shape and attract attention to your features.
2. What is the 2.25 rule?
The 2.25 rule is a rule to see whether or not a short hairstyle will suit you. To try it out, you’ll need a pencil and a ruler.
Place the pencil horizontally under your chin, and then take the ruler and place it vertically under your earlobe. If these two tools meet at a point less than 2.25 inches from your ear, you can be sure you’ll look great with the cut.
3. How long does a low fade haircut last?
A low fade needs touching every three to four weeks. Note that shorter fade haircuts need maintenance more regularly than longer lengths.
