Cuts

Skin fades in Richmond and Nelson

Skin fades, taper fades, drop fades and burst fades by Josh at JSL Studios, Richmond. Clean blends from skin to length, finished with a razor.

WHERE RICHMOND, NELSON
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A clipper with a metal guard blending a crisp skin fade at the temple

A fade is the cut that shows most when it is rushed. The blend has to move evenly from skin to length with no lines and no patches, and it has to match on both sides. That takes time and a steady hand, and Josh gives it both.

The fades Josh does

  • Skin fade. Down to bare skin at the bottom, blended up into whatever you want on top. High, mid or low, depending on where you want the fade to start.
  • Taper fade. A softer version that only fades at the neckline and around the ears. Good for a cleaner look at work without the full skin fade.
  • Drop fade. Follows the shape of your head and drops behind the ear. Works well with longer or textured tops.
  • Burst fade. Fades in a curve around the ear and leaves the back longer. Often paired with a mohawk or a fringe.

Every fade is finished with a razor at the neckline and edges unless you ask for a trimmer instead.

How it goes

Josh starts by asking how high you want the fade and how short the top is staying. Then he sets the guideline, works the blend up through the guards, and cleans it with a razor. The top is cut or shaped after, so the whole thing reads as one cut rather than two.

Bring a photo if you have one. A fade is easy to describe badly and easy to show.

If you are keeping a beard, book a beard trim with it. A fresh fade with an untidy beard looks unfinished, and blending the two together is part of the job.

Booking

Fades run a little longer than a standard men’s haircut, so book ahead through the booking form and say which fade you are after.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

§01 What is the difference between a skin fade, a taper and a drop fade?
A skin fade takes the sides all the way down to bare skin before blending up into length. A taper only fades the hairline at the neck and around the ears, so more of the side stays at one length. A drop fade follows the curve of the head and drops lower behind the ear. If you are not sure which suits you, describe the look you want and Josh will pick the right one.
§02 How often does a fade need doing?
A skin fade looks its sharpest for about a week and grows out noticeably by three weeks. Most people who wear one come back every two to four weeks. A taper holds its shape a little longer because there is less skin showing.
§03 Can you fade curly or thick hair?
Yes. Thick and curly hair actually takes a fade well because the contrast between the short sides and the texture on top is clear. The blend just takes more care, which is why the appointment runs a bit longer.
§04 Do you do a razor finish?
The neckline and around the ears are finished with a razor as standard, so the edges are clean rather than fuzzy. If you would rather skip the razor, say so and Josh will finish with a trimmer instead.

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