Have you ever wondered the difference between a zero fade vs skin fade? Fades continue to be a trendy hairstyle in the UK and the rest of the world—it’s stylish, keeps your hair out of the way, and looks super smart.
You’ve seen plenty of the world’s favourite celebs donning a sophisticated fade haircut, such as David Beckham, Zayn Malik, Ryan Reynolds and Brad Pitt. Hey, if it’s good enough for some of the world’s most successful and best-looking stars, why not give it a go?
Zero Fade Vs Skin Fade: What’s The Difference?
A zero fade is a taper fade that leaves some remaining hair near the base of the neck, whereas a skin fade is a zero-grade cut that is shorter at the bottom, revealing more of the scalp.
But before you make a solid decision on which cut you should go for, a zero fade or skin fade, let’s explore them in a little bit more detail.
What is a Skin Fade Haircut?
A skin fade is an effortlessly stylish zero-grade cut that is blended into a textured scissor finish on top. The haircut is a gradual transition from longer hair on the top of the head and shorter hair that is blended at the back and sides of the head.
A good skin fade is so well blended that it is difficult to see where the fade actually ends. All fades can be low, middle or high; it all depends exactly how high up the head the shortest part of the fade is.
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What is a Zero Fade Haircut?
A zero fade, on the other hand, is a taper fade style that leaves some hair near the base of the neck. Like all fades, the hair is longer at the top and gets shorter as you get closer to the ears and neck.
However, zero fades differ from skin fades because they do not show the scalp. Basically, the shortest part of the hair is cut as short as possible without showing the skin on the scalp. So if you’re not particularly proud of your scalp for any reason, this might be the haircut for you.
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Who Would Suit a Skin Fade Haircut?
In our opinion, skin fades look particularly striking on people with dark hair. This is because your dark hair will contrast sharply with the colour of your scalp, which gives your fade the chance to really shine and stand out!
We also think that skin fades look cool on people without beards, or perhaps someone with a little bit of stubble. However, do keep in mind that a skin fade is quite a high maintenance haircut, so for it to look good at all times, you’ll need to get it redone every couple of weeks.
Who Would Suit a Zero Fade Haircut?
We think that zero fades look awesome on guys with beards or thick, curly hair. This is because having some hair left along your neckline and by your ears will accentuate your curly hair, and you’re going to want to draw attention to your curls if you have them!
Bonus points if you have a thick beard, as a zero fade will give you an effortlessly smooth transition from hair to beard that will make you look really put together.
Zero Fade Vs Skin Fade: Things To Consider
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If you’re considering asking your barber to give you a skin or zero fade, there are a few things you should keep in mind before taking the leap:
Visit a quality barber
While a cheap haircut from a barber or a free haircut from a helpful friend may seem like a good idea at the time, you might end up really regretting it!
You should always have your haircut by a quality barber who has had the skill, training and experience to give you the hairstyle you want and deserve. We promise it’s worth spending a few extra pounds if it means your hair looks really sharp!
Getting your hair cut should be an enjoyable experience. At Cutters Yard, we’re committed to offering an outstanding experience; that is why we use the latest barbering techniques, the highest-quality tools and the best hair care products on the market. But that’s not all, we’ll even pour you a glass of whisky when you arrive!
Have regular haircuts
If you’re opting for a fade, you will need to visit your barber regularly to ensure it remains expertly blended. The closer the cut, the more often it’ll need to be tidied up.
For example, if you go for a skin fade, you should visit the barbers every few weeks as your hair grows back quickly! A grown out skin fade will start to look untidy after 2 or 3 weeks, whereas it usually takes a little longer for zero fades to look messy.
Use the right hair products
If you do decide to go for a skin or zero fade, make sure that you use the right products to keep your hair looking and feeling fresh.
If you notice any thinning throughout your hair, we highly recommend Aveda’s Invati Men hair products. The shampoo and scalp revitaliser will strengthen the hair to instantly make it appear thicker and fuller, meaning your skin fade will look fresher for longer.
Get a Skin or Zero Fade at Cutters Yard
The team at Cutters Yard are specialists in men’s hair trends and grooming. So whether you already know what style you’d like, or you need our stylists’ help choosing a hairstyle, the Cutters Yard team are here to help you look your absolute best.
So if you’d like to try out a zero or skin fade, make an appointment with us at our London Bridge and Southwark locations today!
