Fade Selector Tool
Pick the right fade without guessing. Answer a few quick questions and get a fade recommendation that fits your hair, face shape, and how often you actually want to be back in the chair. Copy the barber script at the end and use it on your next visit.
Fade Selector
Select your details to get a recommended fade and a copyable barber script.
What this fade selector does
A fade looks great when it matches two things:
Your natural features (face shape + hair density)
Your lifestyle (maintenance level + work setting)
This tool recommends one of these:
Low Fade
Mid Fade
High Fade
Skin Fade
Scissor Taper (No Fade)
You also get a short explanation and a copy-and-paste script you can read to your barber.
Fast answer: which fade should you get?
Use these as a quick baseline. The tool personalizes it further.
Low Fade: safest choice for most men, best grow-out
Mid Fade: balanced, clean, modern
High Fade: bold, sharp, shows growth fast
Skin Fade: crispiest finish, most upkeep
Scissor Taper: most conservative, easiest maintenance
Low fade vs mid fade vs high fade
Most confusion is just “where the fade starts.”
Low Fade
Starts lower near the ears and neckline. Keeps more “weight” on the sides, so it looks fuller and grows out cleaner. Good default if you want a fade that stays presentable longer.
Mid Fade
Starts around the temple area. It’s the middle-ground option: sharp enough to look modern, but not so high that it turns into high-maintenance.
High Fade
Starts higher on the head. Strong contrast and a more aggressive look. It can make haircuts look extra fresh, but it shows growth quickly and needs more touch-ups.
Skin fade explained
A skin fade goes down to bare skin at the bottom. When it’s done well, it’s the cleanest finish you can get. It’s also the fastest to look “grown out,” which is why it usually requires the most frequent visits.
Scissor taper (no fade) explained
A scissor taper isn’t a fade. It’s a classic clean-up where the barber shapes the sides and blends naturally without taking it down tight. If you want something professional, low risk, and easy to maintain, this is the safe choice.
Best fade for your face shape
Face shape matters because fade height changes the visual balance of your head.
Round face
Mid and high fades usually look best because they add angles and reduce side bulk. If you go low, keep it tight enough that it doesn’t widen the sides.
Oval face
You can wear almost any fade. Low or mid is usually the cleanest everyday look.
Square face
Low or mid fades work well because they keep the cut sharp without exaggerating the “boxy” silhouette.
Long face
Low fades and scissor tapers usually look best. High and skin fades can make the face appear longer because they remove too much side weight.
Best fade for thin or thinning hair
Thin hair needs smarter contrast.
Best: Low Fade or Scissor Taper
Use caution: Mid Fade (keep it soft and blended)
Avoid: High Fade and Skin Fade if thinning is noticeable
The reason is simple: the higher and tighter you go, the more scalp you expose. Keeping some weight on the sides can make hair look fuller.
How often do fades need a haircut?
This is the part most guys underestimate.
Scissor taper: every 4–6 weeks
Low fade: every 3–4 weeks
Mid fade: every 2–3 weeks
High fade: every 1.5–2.5 weeks
Skin fade: every 1–2 weeks
If you want the “always fresh” look, skin fades and high fades do that. If you want to stretch time between cuts, low fades and scissor tapers win.
What to tell your barber for the best result
The fade type is only half of it. Add these two details and you’ll get a more consistent cut:
Blending: “Keep it blended, no hard line.”
Neckline: “Natural and clean” (or “tapered” if you prefer)
If you want a sharper outline around the neck, ask for a “blocked neckline,” but expect it to look harsher as it grows out.
Common mistakes that ruin a fade
Choosing a skin fade when you hate frequent haircuts
Picking a high fade with thin hair (scalp gets exposed)
Not specifying the neckline (natural vs blocked)
Asking for “mid fade” but meaning “low fade” (this happens constantly)
If you’re unsure, default to low fade and adjust next visit.
Fade Selector FAQ
Is a low fade the safest fade?
Yes. It’s the least risky, works with most hair types, and grows out clean.
What fade is best for a professional job?
Scissor taper or low fade. Avoid skin fades if your workplace is strict.
What fade looks best with thick hair?
Mid fade or high fade usually looks best because it controls bulk and keeps shape.
Does a fade work with curly hair?
Yes. Curly hair looks strong with low and mid fades. High fades can work too, but curls often look best when the fade is smooth and not too harsh.
What if I want it sharp but not skin?
High fade without going to skin, or a mid fade with a tighter bottom.
Next step
Run the tool, copy the barber script, and save your result. After your next cut, adjust one level up or down if you want it tighter or easier to maintain.
