The mid-fade haircut, a timeless and versatile style, is characterized by a gradual taper that starts halfway up the sides and back of the head. This comprehensive guide will cover everything from the history of the mid fade to the tools and techniques required for a professional finish. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced barber, this article will provide you with the insights needed to achieve a flawless mid fade.
Let’s start with the origin of this iconic haircut – the birth of mid fade haircut.
Mid fade haircut was primarily seen as a military cut but today it has evolved into a trendy, and stylish choice for men worldwide. In the military, clean and practical cuts are essential. The ‘high and tight’ style laid the foundation for all the modern fade variations. Mid fade haircut began to gain popularity in the early 1980s with renowned actors like Will Smith and Eddie Murphy rocking this style. The 1990s Hip-Hop culture cultivated this hairstyle into mainstream culture. Today, it is a versatile choice which is embraced by men of all ages and hair types, often tailored to suit individual preferences.
From our discussion, we reach the conclusion that mid fade haircut has two core characteristics:
- Versatility – suitable for various hair lengths and textures.
- Clean look – this hairstyle has clean tapered sides that gradually transition from short to long hair.
Tools You Will Need For Mid Fade Haircut
To pull a hairstyle like the mid fade, we will be needing a few tools. A good quality trimmer will be required with various guards. Point-cutting scissors will be required for balancing the top hair, a good quality comb, and spray bottle for damping hair. A brief summary is as follows:
- Trimmer with guards
- Scissors for point-cutting
- Comb for managing hair
- Hanzo spray bottle
Cutting the Mid Fade
Each professional hairstylist has a slightly different approach to cutting mid fade hair. Hanzo recommends to do the haircut in the following 5 steps for best results:
Preparation
- Clean and Dampen Hair: Start with clean, damp hair to ensure better control while cutting. This makes the hair more manageable and easier to cut accurately.
- Cape On: Protect clothing by putting on a barber cape. This helps to keep hair clippings off clothes, providing a more comfortable cutting experience.
- Section the Hair: Create a clear parting line around the parietal ridge to separate the top section from the sides and back. Clip the top section out of the way to prevent it from interfering with the fade haircut.
Baseline and Initial Fade
- Select Guard Size: Begin with a longer guard, such as a #3. This sets the foundation for the fade, ensuring you don’t cut too much hair too quickly.
- Create the Baseline: Work from the bottom up to the midpoint of the head. Keep the clipper blade flat against the head to achieve an even cut, establishing the initial length for the fade.
Blending the Fade
- Switch Guards: Transition to a #2 guard and continue fading upwards from the baseline. Use a flick-out motion to blend the lengths smoothly.
- Continue Blending: Switch to a #1 guard and blend from the bottom up. This ensures a seamless transition between different hair lengths, achieving the desired fade effect.
Detailing and Precision Work
- No Guard: Remove the guard to clean up the edges at the bottom of the fade. This step is crucial for a sharp and clean finish.
- Trimmers: Use trimmers to outline around the ears, neckline, and sideburns. This final detailing step ensures a polished and professional look.
Cutting the Top
- Comb and Trim: Unclip the top section and decide on the desired length. Use scissors to trim the hair, working methodically to ensure evenness.
- Texture and Shape: Employ point cutting techniques to add texture and blend the top section with the sides. This adds movement and prevents a blunt appearance.
Cutting Different Hair Length
- Short Hair: Use clippers with guards ranging from #4 to #6 to cut short hair. Blend these lengths into the fade for a cohesive look.
- Medium Hair: Opt for scissors when cutting mid-length hair. Trim small sections at a time to maintain an even length across the top.
- Long Hair: Create layers and add texture using scissors for long hair. Blend the longer top section smoothly into the faded sides to ensure a balanced and stylish haircut.
Cutting Different Hair Textures
It is very important for professional hairstylists to give great attention to hair texture. The same technique won’t work on all hair types and changes are required. Here are a few things to consider when cutting different hair textures:
- Straight Hair: Easier to achieve a clean fade with consistent clipper strokes.
- Curly Hair: More challenging; use a comb to guide the clippers and trim small sections at a time.
- Coarse Hair: Requires precision; start with a higher guard size and gradually decrease.
Variations of the Mid Fade
Since this is a frequently requested hairstyle, many hairstylists have created cool variations of the mid fade haircut. Some of these variations are as follows:
- Low Fade: The Low Fade haircut starts lower on the head and tapers gently.
- High Fade: Starts higher on the head with a more dramatic contrast.
- Skin Fade: Tapers down to the skin for a clean, bald finish at the bottom.
- Drop Fade: Fades down behind the ears and drops lower at the back of the head
Of all the above mentioned mid fade haircuts, the skin fade is the most popular.
Best Shears for Cutting a Mid Fade
For an amateur or beginner hairstylist, even a single shear is enough to do the baseline and initial fade, blending, etc. For professional hairstyles, however, attention to detail is the key. Hanzo recommends having all the right tools to get the job done. The following section recommends shears for each section of the mid fade haircut.
Baseline and Initial Fade
- Hanzo Kamikaze (HH-1): Ergonomic design and sharp blade for precise, clean cuts.
- Hanzo Kime (HH-6): Smooth transitions with sharpness and comfort.
Blending the Fade
- Hanzo Mamba Texturizer (HH-VT1): Perfect for blending and softening transition lines.
- Hanzo Shimatta (HH-14T): Fine-tuning and ensuring no harsh lines.
Detailing and Precision Work
- Hanzo Talon (HH-8): Ideal for detailing around the ears, neckline, and sideburns.
- Hanzo Karu (HH-CW): Ensures a polished finish around edges and tight areas.
Cutting and Styling the Top
- Hanzo Menuki (HH-4): Excellent for scissor-over-comb techniques and top trimming.
- Hanzo Tenshi (HH-22): Suitable for point-cutting and adding texture to the top.
Shear Sets for Best Mid Fade Haircut
Shear sets are a great option for hairstylists looking to get the best value for money. These shear sets are meticulously crafted to give the best combinations for a vast array of haircuts. Hanzo recommends the following three shear sets for best medium fade haircut:
The Hanzo Swivel Set
The Swivel Set is designed for professionals who prioritize ergonomic tools. It includes:
- HH6S Kime Swivel Shear: Ideal for versatile cutting.
- HH340T Mazeru Swivel: Perfect for texturizing and blending.
This set offers a saving of $303 and is available at a handsome price tag of $1,604.70. Buy here!
The Hanzo Kime Set
The Kime Set offers high-carbon shears for precision and diverse styling:
- HH6 Kime: Suitable for versatile cutting.
- HH6T Kime Texturizer: Efficient for blending and texturizing.
Common Mistakes and Professional Tips
What differentiates an amateur mid-fade haircut from a professional one lies in the attention to detail, the tools used, and the execution of techniques.
Key Differences
Professionals achieve a seamless blend with no harsh lines, thanks to precise clipper control and quality shears. A professional fade is uniform and symmetrical, carefully checked from all angles. Clean, sharp edges around the ears, neckline, and sideburns mark a professional finish.
Common Mistakes
Amateur cuts often have visible lines and uneven transitions due to poor blending techniques.
Inconsistent clipper pressure can result in patches and an uneven fade. Failing to clean up the edges and neckline can leave the haircut looking unfinished.
Achieving Professional Results
To elevate your haircut from amateur to professional, focus on mastering blending techniques, using high-quality shears, and paying meticulous attention to detail. Regular practice and a commitment to learning will also greatly enhance your skills. With the right tools and techniques, anyone can achieve a professional mid fade haircut.
Conclusion
A mid fade haircut is a versatile and stylish option that can be tailored to various hair types and lengths. By understanding the history, mastering the necessary techniques, and using the best tools available, such as Hanzo Shears, you can achieve a professional-looking medium fade. Pay attention to the details, practice patience and precision, and your mid fade will stand out with clean, sharp, and seamless transitions.
Discover the best shears in the industry here.