Your haircut can have a huge impact on your looks, but most men seem not to pay enough attention to their hair.
If you want to look your absolute best, then you must pay attention to your hair; there is no other way around it.
One of the few haircuts that work well for most people is a number 1 fade, it’s modern yet timeless, and it can be styled in a variety of different ways.
If you are bored of your haircut and looking for a new fresh haircut that is both trendy and easy to style, then number 1 fade is a great option for you.
In this article, we will tell you all you need to know about the number 1 fade haircut.
So let’s get started!
What Is Number 1 Fade?
Fade is a haircut in which the hair on the side and back is cut in a manner where the hair at the bottom is shortest in length, and it gradually increases as we move up.
Number one fade is a haircut in which the length of the hair at the bottom on the sides and the back is 3mm, which is achieved using a number 1 clipper guard, and the length gradually increases as we move up before ultimately blending into the hair on top.
This gives a very sharp and elegant look and is perfect for those who always want to look fresh and clean.
If you are looking for a sharp, modern, and stylish haircut but you find the skin fade( number 0) a bit too aggressive, then the number 1 fade is perfect for you.
There could be a few different types of 1 fade depending on the height at which the transition begins.
So if the fade transition began about an inch above the ear, then it is called a low fade.
if the fade transition starts high somewhere near the temple, then it is called a high fade.
And finally, if the transition starts somewhere between the two, then it is called a medium fade.
A low fade is a more subtle haircut, and the high and medium fades are more stylish.
So if you are looking for a more versatile haircut or if you are getting a fade for the first time, I would suggest going with a low or medium fade first.
How to ask for a 1 fade?
It’s quite easy to ask for a number 1 fade; you just have to tell your barber you want a number 1 fade, and any decent barber will do it for you.
You will also have to specify which type of fade you want out of the low, medium, and high fades.
If you’re finding it difficult to explain it to your barber, you can show him a picture or, better yet, a video.
1 Fade: Long On Top Vs. Short On Top
The biggest advantage of a number 1 fade is that you can style it however you like.
And it is important to note that 1 fade is not a hairstyle on its own; it is a haircut or an effect that you can incorporate into pretty much any hairstyle you want.
So if you have a hairstyle you like, be it a side swept, a pompadour or spiked up hair or buzz cut, or any hairstyle, you can enhance it and make it more stylish by getting a number 1 fade.
In a fade, you don’t need to touch the hair on top if you don’t want to, and just get the sides and back trimmed.
So you can go with whatever length you length prefer on top, and it would work well with a 1 fade.
The longer length on top creates more of a contrast with the fade and makes for a really stylish look, plus it provides you more flexibility in terms of styling options. So if you are into slicked back, a pompadour, or something like that, then you should keep long hair on top.
But if you want something low maintenance that requires minimal to no styling, then you can go with short hair on top.
Also, short hairstyles are more in trend currently, so if you are someone who keeps up with the latest trends, then again, short hair on top is the way forward for you.
11 Best Number 1 Fade Hairstyles
So now that we know what a number 1 fade is, let’s move on to the styling part.
As mentioned before, the number of different hairstyles you can make with the 1 fade haircut is practically endless, and we will talk about the best ones here.
here are the top 1 fade hairstyle:
1. 1 fade buzz cut
buzz cuts are all the rage this season, and this trend is not going anywhere anytime soon.
If you want a low-maintenance haircut with almost no styling required, then this is the best option for you.
A buzz cut is quite simple; you get the number fade on the sides and the back, and on top, trim the hair down using a clipper. A number 2 clipper guard on top would work the best with a number 1 fade.
It is also a great option for those with thinning hair or receding hairline.
2. Pompadour with 1 fade
Pompadour is a classic hairstyle that has been around for ages. It’s a simple hairstyle in which you sweep the hair upward and backward.
It is different from slicked-back hair as it has more volume to it.
It is a great hairstyle for anyone who loves classical, timeless styles and likes to keep long hair on top.
3. 1 fade comb over
It is the most basic and simple hairstyle; you just get the number 1 fade and keep the hair on top a little longer.
Then just sweep the hair on top to the side using a comb, and you are done.
It is a brilliant traditional hairstyle that is perfect for those who want a stylish yet sophisticated hairstyle.
If you are a working professional and want to keep it simple without compromising on the style, then this is the perfect option for you.
4. slicked back hair with fade
Another classic on our list is slicked-back hair with 1 fade on the sides.
The idea again is quite simple, get a #1 fade and keep the hair on the top a little longer, and then using a comb or fingers, sweep your hair straight back.
This hairstyle works especially well with high fade and looks really stylish.
5. quiff with fade
Quiff is quite similar to the pompadour, but here you dont sweep back your hair completely.
Also, modern quiff can have a few variations, you can have a sweep back with some volume, or you can trim the hair a little shorter and have a messy hairstyle.
Again it’s quite easy to achieve, just have a #1 fade on the sides and keep the length on top medium to long.
For styling, you can use a good wax or clay, and unlike pompadour, you dont need shine in your hair; here, you can also opt for a matt look.
6. 1 fade with beard
This one is quite a popular hairstyle these days.
All you got to do is get a fade on the sides and have a beard along with it; the top you can customize according to your preference.
The key here is to blend the beard with the fade and create a sort of fade look even on the beard.
If you have a good beard, then this is the look to go for, but remember it can be slightly tricky to achieve, and you most likely won’t be able to do it yourself, so better leave it to a professional.
7. number 1 high fade
As we have talked about before, number 1, high fade, is essentially a haircut in which the transition of fade begins near the temple area.
It is a really stylish hairstyle and works well with all hair lengths, so you can keep the hair on top as long or as short as you want.
But remember that this is quite in your face, and if you want something subtle or something that works better in a professional setting, then this is probably not the best option for you.
8. number 1 low fade
Number 1 low fade is a brilliant option for someone who is getting faded for the first time or someone who likes a subtle haircut.
In this haircut, the fade transition begins slightly above the ear.
Again it works well with all sorts of hair lengths, but it is better suited for medium to long hair.
9. messy/wavy on top with 1 fade
This is another really popular hairstyle that has been in trend for the last few seasons and isn’t going anywhere in the foreseeable future.
The hairstyle is pretty simple, just the normal #1 fade on the sides and slightly longer hair on the top.
Then just create a messy or wavy look on the top, and you are ready to rock.
You can use a sea salt spray to achieve this look, or if you have naturally curly or wavy hair, then nothing better than that.
10. 1 fade into a 2
Number 1 fade into a 2 is a simple haircut in which you start with a number 1 and then fade it into a number 2.
It is a gradual transition that makes for a very sophisticated look, so if that is what you are going for, then this is the look for you.
11. 1 fade into a 3
Number 1 fade into a 3 is a fade that starts with number 1 and fades into a number 3.
As you can imagine, the transition won’t be as smooth as number 2, and thus it creates a better contrast that looks quite stylish and sleek.
The Bottom Line:
Number 1 fade is a brilliant haircut that is extremely stylish yet timeless. You can make tons of different hairstyles and looks using this particular haircut. It is basically an effect that you can add to any hairstyle you want.
So you can easily customize it according to your preferences; whether you want short hair or long hair, whether you want a sleek traditional hairstyle or a modern messy look, you can style the number 1 fade however you want.
Hope you found this article helpful and hope you were able to pick the perfect hairstyle for yourself.
