A great skin fade looks effortless, but it’s all about the blend — a smooth, gradual transition from bare skin up into length, with no harsh lines. At Cuts by Chase in Whitechapel, it’s one of the most-booked styles, and it works on straight, wavy, curly and afro hair alike.
What is a skin fade?
A skin fade (sometimes called a bald fade) takes the hair down to the skin at the lowest point, then blends it up the sides and back. The result is a clean, sharp finish that puts all the focus on the shape and length you keep on top.
How to ask for the right fade
The key decision is where the fade starts — its height on the head:
- Low fade — starts just above the ears for a subtle, smart look.
- Mid fade — the most popular all-rounder, starting around the temples.
- High fade — starts higher up for a bold contrast with the top.
Not sure which suits you? Our breakdown of skin fade vs taper vs burst fade walks through every option. Or just bring a photo — a good barber will tell you what works for your hair and head shape.
Keeping your skin fade sharp
A skin fade looks its best for the first couple of weeks, then the lowest part grows out first. To stay crisp, most clients come in every 1–2 weeks, or book a quick Shape Up (£16, 25 min) between full cuts to tidy the edges and hairline. We cover timing in detail in how often you should get a haircut.
Ready for a fresh fade? Book online at Cuts by Chase — a haircut is £41 and takes around 45 minutes.