Do you wish to step up your men’s grooming business? Or just looking to brush up your clipper skills? Whichever, consider brushing up your fading game.
Beard Fading Tips & Techniques For The Men
This article offers eight (8) pro fading tips on blending, line work, and barbering skills improvement.
Let’s dive in…
Three fading tricks
- Top-down
This is a widely used fading technique. But while top-down gives the right blend, balancing the cut and trying out different fade alternatives may be challenging.
This method is best for men with fine hair, as it removes visible lines during barbing.
- Bottom-Upp
Down-up fading helps control buildups, creating a delicate balance. The bottom-up technique is most suitable for ethnic or thick hair, leaving an impressive finish.
- Middle-out
The effect of a middle-out technique is best called a taper than a fade.
Working out from the middle creates a visual blueprint. Begin with creating the weight line from the point you wish at the middle, and then blend up-down.
Many pros prefer this method since it involves both the top-down and bottom-up approaches. Besides, the steps are easy to follow.
High or low fade?
Here’s an international trainer, Paul Mitchell’s guide to determine the outcome:
- Medium fades are flexible and fit almost all hair types
- Strong occipital gives low fades to conceal the bulge
- High fades fit flatter occipitals and longer heads
Controlling the Clipper Blend
Besides knowing the techniques, many barbers do not know the most suitable tool for the desired outcome.
Clippers with adjustable levels are best for fading. That said, a C-shaped motion is the best way to work your clipper.
Hand position
Handle your clipper with the thumb on top and two fingers beneath. This position encourages fluid clipper movement.
Lever
Always begin with an open lever when you have a guard on. As you blend down, gradually close the lever in this manner – open, half, and closed. With an open lever, use big strokes. As the level closes, reduce strokes.
Handling a Cowlick
Tough hairs are a core challenge during fading – every barber’s nightmare. To control a cowlick and make it look natural, move the tough part to the cowlick.
Brush and Blend
If you encounter stubborn hair, a small brush might come handy. Although some use combs, a brush with soft bristles offers more comfort. Besides, soft-bristled brushes are more useful to drag up small hairs that won’t cooperate with the clipper.
Concentrate on outlines
A well-blended fade with a weak lineup wouldn’t look right. A clean line-up gives a more desirable appeal to your cut.
Go gently
For clean and easy line work, exert light pressure – easy in, easy out.
Beard Fading Techniques
The shortest hairs just above your ears is a standard guide for simple beard fading.
Note – a lower transition may offer a more dramatic fade. However, not without your client’s consent.