High Skin Fade
Bold contrast · tight
A high skin fade starts up near the parietal ridge, where the head begins to curve, and takes everything below it to bare skin with a foil shaver. The blend happens fast, over an inch or two, which is what creates the hard contrast with the top.
Who it suits
This cut removes nearly all side weight, so it favors strong bone structure; oval, square, and diamond faces carry it best. It is a smart pick for thinning sides, since skin hides what clippers would expose. Long, narrow faces should be careful because bare sides make them read even longer.
Skin grows back fast, so the fade looks its best for about a week. Most guys who wear one sit in the chair every one to two weeks.
High Skin Fade — common questions
What's the difference between a skin fade and a regular fade?
A regular fade stops at a short guard length, usually a #1 or half guard, so a shadow of hair stays. A skin fade goes all the way to bare skin at the bottom, finished with a foil shaver. The result is brighter contrast and a sharper line, at the cost of faster grow-out.
How often do you need a high skin fade redone?
Every one to two weeks if you want it crisp. By day ten the skin section has visible stubble and the blend starts to look soft around the edges. Stretch it to three weeks and it is basically a different, quieter haircut.
Is a high skin fade good for thinning hair?
Yes, especially for thinning at the sides and temples. Taking those zones to skin removes the thin-versus-thick contrast that makes hair loss noticeable. Pair it with a shorter top and the whole cut reads intentional.
