Fade & Taper
Sharp lines. Seamless blends. Zero choppy spots.
About this service
A fade lives or dies on the blend. At Love Thy Barber, every fade — skin, bald, low, mid, high, drop, or taper — gets the time it actually needs. Clipper-over-comb to set the guideline, multiple guard passes to layer the gradient, and detail work with a trimmer and straight razor to lock in clean edges around the ear and neck.
Sammy will match the fade height to your face shape and hair density, then refine the top — textured crop, pompadour, slick-back, comb-over, low-pony — so the fade and the top read as one cohesive cut, not two separate ideas.
Who it’s for
Anyone wanting a high-contrast, low-maintenance cut: athletes, professionals, students, and clients who want a fresh fade every 1–3 weeks. Works on every hair type, including coarse, curly, and very fine hair.
What to expect
- 1
Set the Guideline
Clipper-over-comb work establishes where the fade starts (low, mid, or high) and how steep the gradient should be.
- 2
Layer the Blend
Multiple guard sizes, lever drops, and clipper-over-comb passes to remove every visible line between guards.
- 3
Detail & Edge
Trimmer and straight razor work to define the sideburn, ear arc, and neckline — the details that separate a great fade from an okay one.
- 4
Top Cut & Style
Scissor or clipper work on top to match the fade, then a blow-dry and product application so you see exactly how the cut will sit.
How long it lasts
A fresh fade looks crisp for 1–2 weeks and presentable for 3. Most fade clients rebook every 2–3 weeks; skin fades usually want a 1–2 week refresh.
Aftercare
- ✓Wash with a quality shampoo every 2–3 days; over-washing dries the scalp.
- ✓Apply product to slightly damp hair and finger-dry to keep texture.
- ✓Use a soft boar-bristle brush daily on the sides to keep the gradient clean.
- ✓Rebook every 1–3 weeks based on how sharp you want the fade to read.
Common questions
What’s the difference between a fade and a taper?+
A taper gradually shortens the hair around the ears and neckline only. A fade extends that gradient further up the head — low, mid, or high — and can take the shortest section all the way to the skin.
How often should I get a fade?+
Skin fades look best with a 1–2 week refresh. Low and mid fades typically rebook every 2–3 weeks. The taller and tighter the fade, the more often you’ll want to come in.
Can I get a fade with curly hair?+
Yes — curly fades are a Love Thy Barber specialty. Sammy will match the fade height to how your curls coil and finish the top with curl-defining product so you walk out with shape, not just a guard size.
Ready for your fade & taper?
Reserve your chair online — confirmation email is instant, and Sammy holds your time.