The first time you came across the term “fade” in a barbershop, you might have pretended that you already knew what it was all about. But to be honest, most of the time, beginners don’t have a clue. The clippers go on, and initially, you have a brief moment that wonders if you are going to leave with a cut very much like your father’s photo album from the 90s.
Hearing a fade may first come across as an easy job short on the sides, long on top but however once you step into the realm of men’s grooming, you become aware that there is a whole world of terms just for it. Low fade, mid fade, skin fade. Next, the changes start to show up: fade two side haircut, full fade haircut, even double side fade for the more daring ones.
On that note, the thing is that: the fade gents boy style hair cutting is not about learning every single version for those who are not familiar with it. Rather, it is about having enough knowledge to get what you want without making it too complex. So much that going to the shop (or being in front of your own mirror) and making the picks that won’t regret when the hair is falling becomes quite easy.
The First Time I Asked for a Fade
Actually, I was clueless about the term “fade haircut back and sides.” The barber of mine chuckled, took a clipper guard, and demonstrated along while explaining. That transition from the short hair at the bottom to the longer hair on top — that is the fade. No separation where one length ends and the other begins. Just a gentle change.
There are guys who prefer the “side fade haircut men” look as it appears to be tidy but not dull in any way. In contrast, some people take it to the next level with a double fade cut or even a very short hair fade with a beard to make the contrast more visible—especially when paired with oval face shape hairstyles male for a balanced look.

Why Beginners Should Start Simple
First, you do not need to have a perfect Instagram fade on your first day. Just a regular fade haircut will be sufficient to get accustomed to the hair growth and the feeling, like a mid fade haircut boys style if you are young or new to this haircut.
However, the more radical types of haircuts such as skin fades, high fades, one side fade haircut can only be done once you have gained enough confidence about their maintenance.

Not All Fades Are the Same
Here’s a way to think about it:
Fade Style | Vibe | Who Wears It |
---|---|---|
Classic fade haircut | Clean, timeless | Professionals, students |
Long fade haircut | Blended but keeps length | Men with thick hair |
Half fade haircut | One side shorter | Trend-focused |
Back fade haircut | Subtle from behind | Low-maintenance guys |
All fade haircut | Tight blend all around | Sporty, neat look |

The Mistake Most Beginners Make
They assume that knowing guard sizes is everything. Just select a number, cut, and you are done. But blending is the process that takes most of the importance. Even if a haircut is of the same length on all sides, it will appear uneven if the transitions are not smooth.
If you are doing it at home, be very careful and work slowly. Begin with the longer guard and move down one size at a time. At the fade line, do not press the clipper straight in instead, flick it out slightly.

How It Feels to Wear Your First Fade
You will find yourself touching your head more than you normally would. You will look at your reflection from the side. The clean edges also make the area where the rest of the hair is visible be more visible and they stand out sharper.
If you have gotten a fade hairstyle for men with a beard, you will also feel how much more your jawline is defined. For boys, it is the neatness that is most visible — there are no hairs that are over the ears or messy at the back.

Keeping It Fresh Without Panic
You are always amazed that the fade cut grows faster than you thought. The perfect men’s fade that you got on a Saturday? By the second week, the blending of the fade starts to disappear.
- Skin fades: weekly
- Mid fades: every two to three weeks
- Low fades and tapers: three to four weeks
Some guys decide to learn how to do their quick touch-ups at home. On the other hand, those who don’t want to bother themselves simply book a barber regularly. Both ways are correct.

Fade Cuts That Play Well With Beginners
- Fade cut for boys that’s mid or low
- Fade haircut men styles with short mid fade and beard
- Side fade cut if you want to keep the length of the top
- Step fade haircut for more defined transition
You can easily grow out these styles if you decide to switch.

When You’re Ready to Experiment
If after trying a couple of fades you still want to take the risk and go for more daring ones, here they are—styles that work especially well with diamond face shape hairstyle for a bold, sharp look.
- Double side fade haircut for high contrast
- Undercut faded beard for a sharper jawline
- Medium length formal haircuts for men with a fade for a business setting
- Fresh clean cuts for guys with diamond face shapes using a fade line haircut

What I Wish I Knew Starting Out
I wish I had known that the fade is not only a style that you can easily do without a lot of time but it is a maintenance commitment. That the sizes of the guards don’t even come close to telling the whole story.
That the lighting in the bathroom is deceitful. And that a barber who knows your head shape is more valuable than the newest clippers on the market.

FAQs
1. What’s the easiest fade for a beginner?
A low or mid fade — easier blending and neat grow out.
2. How long does a beginner fade last?
About two to three weeks until the blending starts to soften.
3. Can boys get a fade at school?
Yes, however, do not get extremely short skin fades if there are regulations in the school.
4. Do I need expensive clippers for a fade?
No, but sharp blades and a full set of guards are a must.
5. Which fade works best for thick hair?
A long fade haircut or full fade haircut to keep the hair under control.

Alex Carey writes about men’s and women’s hairstyles, blending fashion insight with easy-to-follow haircare routines for every hair type. With a keen eye on seasonal trends, Alex helps readers stay updated on what’s hot and what’s not. From daily care tips to complete style makeovers, Alex covers it all.