How to Do a High Fade

A high fade skin line begins at or above the temple — roughly at the level of the outer corner of the eyebrow. If the skin line sits below the temple, it is a mid fade. The high fade leaves a much shorter amount of hair on the sides, so clients who want it "high" need to commit to a significant amount of skin showing.

High Fade — Step by Step

1. 1
   Establish the high skin line

   Starting at the neckline, bring the skin line up above the temple. It should reach the outer corner of the eyebrow level on the sides. Mark this height on both sides before making the first pass.
2. 2
   Cut the skin line with a balding clipper

   From the neckline up to just below the high fade mark. Establish the skin base clearly before any blending.
3. 3
   Blend from skin through #0.5, #1, #1.5, #2

   Because the high fade has a taller blend zone than a mid or low fade, you have more room to work. Use every half-size available and take your time — rushed passes create steps.
4. 4
   Continue blending #2 → #3 → #4

   The high fade side can run all the way to the crown before hitting the top length. Work each guard size in overlapping passes, checking from the front and back every few minutes.
5. 5
   Avoid the flat crown spot

   The crown is where most high fades fail. The curve of the head creates a natural flat spot if you use straight horizontal passes. Use a circular, scooping pass around the crown to maintain the curve of the head in your blend.
6. 6
   Define the temple corners

   High fades require sharp, clean temple definition. Use your T-outliner to create a crisp line at the temple corners — this is what gives the high fade its signature sharp look.