10 Simple Steps on How to Do A Fade On Yourself

Achieving the perfect fade is a skill that requires precision, technique, and a keen eye for detail. Mastering this technique on oneself is a testament to patience, dedication, and the desire to elevate one’s grooming game. Whether you’re a seasoned barber looking to refine your skills or a novice venturing into the realm of self-haircuts, this comprehensive guide will empower you to execute a seamless fade on yourself, leaving you with a sharp and polished look.

Before embarking on this endeavor, it’s crucial to gather the necessary tools and familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of fading. A quality pair of clippers is paramount, and investing in a reliable clipper with adjustable blades is a wise decision. Additionally, you’ll need a guard set to achieve the desired lengths, a fine-toothed comb for blending, a handheld mirror for self-inspection, and a spray bottle for dampening the hair. With the proper tools in hand, you’re ready to embark on the journey of creating a flawless fade.

The first step involves trimming the top of the hair to your desired length using the clippers and appropriate guard. Once the top is set, dampen the hair and begin fading the sides and back. Start with a longer guard on the clipper and gradually decrease the length as you move closer to the neckline. Hold the clippers firmly and maintain a consistent angle throughout the fading process. Use the fine-toothed comb to blend the different sections, ensuring a smooth transition between lengths. Pay meticulous attention to the neckline, fading it gradually to create a clean line. Finally, use the handheld mirror to inspect your work and make any necessary adjustments until you’re satisfied with the final result.

Gather the Necessary Tools

To achieve a successful fade on yourself, it is imperative to assemble the right tools for the job. Here’s a detailed list of the essentials:

Clippers

The cornerstone of any fade is a quality pair of clippers. Opt for a cordless clipper with adjustable blades to accommodate different hair lengths. A T-blade clipper, with its narrow cutting edge, is particularly suitable for precision fading around the neckline and ears. Consider investing in multiple clipper guards ranging from #000 to #4 to achieve a seamless gradient.

Shears and Combs

For detailing and fine-tuning the fade, a pair of sharp shears is indispensable. A fine-tooth comb will help guide the clippers along the contours of your head, ensuring a smooth transition between lengths. A wide-tooth comb is useful for removing loose hairs and creating a more natural-looking finish.

Trimmer

A precise trimmer is crucial for tackling the intricate areas such as the sideburns and around the ears. Look for a trimmer with an adjustable blade and a narrow cutting head for detailed work.

Mirror

A full-length mirror is essential for self-fading, allowing you to monitor your progress and check for any unevenness. A handheld mirror can also be helpful for viewing the back and sides of your head.

Other Essentials

Additional tools that will enhance your fading experience include a spray bottle filled with water for keeping hair moist, a towel for wiping away stray hairs, and a brush for removing debris from the clippers.

Prepare Your Hair for Fading

Before you begin fading your hair, it’s crucial to prepare it properly. Here’s how:

Cleanse and Condition Your Hair:

Start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any dirt or product buildup. Follow up with a conditioner to hydrate and soften your hair, making it more manageable.

Detangle Your Hair Thoroughly:

Use a wide-toothed comb or detangling brush to remove any knots or tangles from your hair. This step is essential to prevent snagging or uneven fading.

Divide Your Hair into Sections:

Divide your hair into smaller sections using clips or hair ties. This will make it easier to fade your hair evenly and control the transition between different lengths.

Dampen Your Hair (Optional):

Dampening your hair slightly can help prevent clipper drag and make fading easier. However, ensure your hair is not too wet, as this can make it more difficult to control the fade.

Here’s a table summarizing the steps:

Step	Description
1	Cleanse and condition your hair.
2	Detangle your hair thoroughly.
3	Divide your hair into sections.
4	Dampen your hair (optional).

Section and Divide Your Hair

Dividing your hair into sections is crucial for a successful fade. Begin by parting your hair from the crown of your head to your forehead to create a top section, which you can temporarily tie up out of the way. Next, divide the remaining hair into smaller sections, working from the bottom up. Divide the lower back section into two, creating a left and right quadrant. These quadrants will serve as the foundation for your fade.

Proceed to divide each quadrant into smaller vertical sections. Aim for sections no wider than the width of your clipper guards. The width of your sections will affect the smoothness and precision of your fade, so it’s important to create sections that are even and manageable. Use a comb to carefully separate and define each section.

Once you’ve sectioned the lower back area, continue dividing the remaining hair upwards, following the same process of creating vertical sections. Gradually increase the length of the sections as you move higher up the head to create the transition from the fade to the longer top section.

Creating a Template

To ensure an even and precise fade, it’s helpful to create a template by marking your dividing lines using a clipper or trimmer. Start with a long #1 guard on your clippers and carefully trim along your section lines to create visible divisions. This template will guide you as you blend your fade.

Section	Width
Lower Back Quadrants	Half the width of your head
Vertical Sections	Width of clipper guards
Top Section	Any length desired

Establish the Fade Height

Determining the height of your fade is crucial as it establishes the length of the blended area. Here’s a guide to help you establish the ideal fade height:

High Fade: This fade starts high on the sides and back of your head, just below the crown. It’s typically around 2-4 inches in length and gradually fades into the longer hair on top.
Mid Fade: A mid fade starts around the middle of the sides and back, transitioning smoothly to the top. It measures between 1.5-2.5 inches in length and creates a more subtle blended look.
Low Fade: As the name suggests, a low fade begins near the bottom of the sides and back of your head. It typically measures around 1-1.5 inches in length and gives an edgy, closely cropped appearance.
Custom Fade: If you prefer a unique look, you can opt for a custom fade. This involves selecting a specific height within the high, mid, or low fade range and gradually blending it to your desired length.

Consider your face shape, hair texture, and personal style when choosing the fade height. For oval faces, a mid or high fade can accentuate the natural shape. Round faces benefit from a high fade to create contrast and length. Square faces can opt for a low or mid fade to soften the angles. Fine hair requires a shorter fade length to achieve a defined look, while thick hair can handle longer fade heights.

Fade the Back and Sides

Now that the top is complete, you can move on to the back and sides of the head. This is where the fade comes in.

Step 1: Choose Your Guard

The first step is to choose the right guard for your clipper. The guard will determine the length of the fade. For a high fade, use a shorter guard. For a low fade, use a longer guard.

Step 2: Start at the Back of the Head

Start by holding the clipper at the back of the head, just above the neckline. Move the clipper up the head in a smooth, even motion. Keep the clipper parallel to the head so that the fade is even.

Step 3: Fade Up the Sides

Once you reach the top of the back of the head, continue fading up the sides. Use the same technique as you did for the back of the head. Keep the clipper parallel to the head and move it up in a smooth, even motion.

Step 4: Connect the Fade

Once you have faded up the sides, you need to connect the fade to the top of the head. To do this, use the clipper to blend the two sections together. Start at the point where the fade meets the top of the head and move the clipper down in a smooth, even motion.

Step 5: Finish the Fade

To finish the fade, use a smaller guard to fade the hair around the ears and neckline. This will help to create a clean, polished look. Use a combination of fading techniques to create a smooth, gradual transition from the top of the head to the bottom.

Fade Length	Guard Size
High Fade	0.5 – 1
Mid Fade	1.5 – 2.5
Low Fade	3 – 4

Blend and Taper the Fade

Once you have established the guidelines for your fade, it’s time to blend and taper the hair for a smooth transition. This process requires precision and attention to detail. Here are the steps to achieve a flawless blend and taper:

1. Cut the Hair at an Angle

Use your clippers to cut the hair at an angle, following the guidelines you have established. Hold the clippers at a slight angle to create a gradual transition from the shorter to the longer hair.

2. Gradually Decrease the Guard Size

As you move up the head, gradually decrease the guard size of your clippers. This will help create a smooth gradient effect where the hair gradually gets longer.

3. Blend the Edges

Once you have cut the hair to the desired length, use your clippers without a guard to blend the edges of the fade. This will create a seamless transition from the faded hair to the top of the head.

4. Shape the Fade

Use your clippers to define the shape of the fade. Keep the clippers parallel to the scalp and carefully remove any excess hair that falls outside of the desired fade lines.

5. Perfect the Fade

Once the general shape of the fade is established, go over the entire fade with your clippers without a guard to refine the blend. Take your time and make small, precise adjustments as needed.

6. Detail the Fade with a Trimmer

To achieve a barbershop-quality fade, use a trimmer to detail the hair around the hairline, sideburns, and nape of the neck. This will create a clean and polished look that elevates the overall appearance of your fade. Here’s how to detail the fade with a trimmer:

Trimming Technique	Area
Fading a line	Around the hairline and sideburns
Outlining	Around the ears and nape of the neck
Precision shaving	For fine details and cleanup

Clean Up the Neckline

7. **Fade the Neckline:** This step is crucial for creating a clean and polished fade. Start by using your clippers with a size #0 or #1 guard to trim the hairline around your neck. Hold the clippers parallel to your skin and work in small, even strokes. Gradually increase the guard size as you move up the neck, using a #2 guard for the lower neck, a #3 guard for the middle neck, and a #4 guard for the upper neck. This gradual fade will create a seamless transition between the fade and your regular haircut.

Caution: Be cautious when trimming around your neckline, as the skin is thinner and more sensitive in this area. Avoid pressing too hard with the clippers, and take your time to achieve a clean and precise fade.

Guard Size	Area
#0 or #1	Hairline around the neck
#2	Lower neck
#3	Middle neck
#4	Upper neck

Style and Finish the Fade

Depending on your desired look, you can choose from various fade styles, including:

Taper fade: Gradual transition from short to longer hair, starting from the neckline and blending upwards.
High fade: Shortens hair from the crown of the head, leaving a longer top section.
Mid fade: Starts the fade transition halfway between the neckline and crown.
Low fade: Begins the transition closer to the neckline, leaving more hair on top.

Finishing the Fade

After establishing the fade style, you’ll need to fine-tune it using the following techniques:

Blending

Use clippers with a shorter guard size to create a smooth transition between the fade and the longer hair. Start at the neckline and gradually move upward, overlapping strokes to blur the boundaries.

Edging

Define the neckline and sideburns using a trimmer with no guard. Carefully trim around the edges to create a precise, clean line.

Scissoring

If necessary, use scissors to trim any stray hairs or refine the shape of the fade. Focus on areas where clippers may not reach, such as around the ears or nape.

Fade Type	Characteristics
Taper Fade	Undercut gradually blends with longer hair, up to the crown
High Fade	Fades begin at the crown, leaving a longer top section
Mid Fade	Transition starts halfway between the crown and neckline
Low Fade	Fades begin near the neckline, maintaining longer hair

Maintain and Touch Up Your Fade

Maintaining your fade is crucial to keep it looking fresh and sharp. Here’s how to do it:

Daily brushing: Use a brush with soft bristles to gently brush your hair in the direction it grows. This removes loose hair and prevents tangles.

Trimming: Schedule regular trims to remove any overgrown hair and keep your fade looking neat. The frequency of trims depends on how fast your hair grows.

Touch-ups: Every 2-3 weeks, use a clipper with the same guard size as your fade to touch up any areas that have started to grow out.

Styling: Use products like pomades or gels to style your fade and create the desired effect, such as added shine or hold.

Table: Fade Maintenance Schedule

Frequency	Action
Daily	Brush your hair gently
Every 2-3 weeks	Touch up your fade with a clipper
Every 4-6 weeks	Get a trim to remove overgrown hair

Additional Tips for Fade Touch-Ups

Always start with clean, dry hair.
Hold the clipper against the grain of hair growth for a closer cut.
Overlap your strokes to ensure an even fade.
Take your time and be patient to avoid any mistakes.
If you’re unsure about any step, consult a professional barber.

Troubleshooting Common Fade Problems

1. Choppy or Uneven Fade

Cause: Inconsistent blending or using the wrong clippers.
Solution: Use the correct clipper size for each fade level and overlap your strokes to create smooth transitions.

2. Fade Too High or Low

Cause: Incorrectly setting the guide length or not holding the clippers at the right angle.
Solution: Adjust the guide length until it’s the desired height and keep the clippers parallel to your head as you fade.

3. Visible Lines

Cause: Not blending sections properly or holding the clippers too perpendicular to your head.
Solution: Overlap your strokes and fade in a circular motion to avoid sharp lines.

4. Bald or Uneven Patch

Cause: Applying too much pressure or moving the clippers too quickly.
Solution: Use light pressure and move the clippers slowly and evenly.

5. Fade Not Long Enough

Cause: Using too high of a guide length or not going far enough down the sides.
Solution: Choose a lower guide length and blend it gradually from the top to the bottom.

6. Fade Blends Too Abruptly

Cause: Overlapping strokes too quickly or not using a fine enough guide length.
Solution: Overlap strokes slowly and increase the number of guide lengths you use for smoother transitions.

7. Lines Not Defined Enough

Cause: Not using a sharp clipper blade or not holding the clippers firmly against your head.
Solution: Change the clipper blade and apply firm pressure while fading.

8. Fade Smeared or Blurry

Cause: Using a low-quality clipper or not cleaning the blade regularly.
Solution: Use a high-quality, well-maintained clipper and clean the blade after each use.

9. Fade Won’t Hold

Cause: Not using a styling product or not blow-drying the hair.
Solution: Apply a gel or pomade to the faded areas and use a blow-dryer to set the style.

10. Hair Length Too Short

Cause: Mistake in clipper size selection or blending too close to the scalp.
Solution: Double-check the clipper size and start blending from further away from the scalp.

How To Do A Fade On Yourself

A fade haircut is a popular style that can be achieved at home with a little practice. To do a fade on yourself, you will need a pair of clippers and a comb. You can also use a mirror to help you see what you are doing. Start by sectioning off the hair on the top of your head. This section will be left longer than the rest of the hair. The next step is to start blending the hair on the sides and back of your head. To do this, hold the clippers at a 45-degree angle and start cutting from the bottom of the hair up. As you get closer to the top of the head, gradually decrease the angle of the clippers so that you are blending the hair. Be sure to go slowly and carefully, and don’t cut too much hair off at once. Once you have blended the sides and back of your head, you can start fading the hair on the top of your head. To do this, hold the clippers at a 90-degree angle and start cutting from the bottom of the hair up. As you get closer to the top of the head, gradually decrease the angle of the clippers so that you are fading the hair. Again, be sure to go slowly and carefully, and don’t cut too much hair off at once. Once you have faded the hair on the top of your head, you can style it as desired. You can use a brush or comb to create the desired look.