0.5 Fade: A bit more forgiving than a skin fade, a 0.5 can stretch up to three weeks before it starts to soften up. It's still a precise look but with a bit more leeway. 1 Fade: If you like the fade but need a little less maintenance, a 1 fade can hold its shape for 3-5 weeks.
A skin fade just means that the fade goes down to the very skin. This usually involves using a foiler or razor to take the beginning of the fade down to a 00 or 000 (as opposed to something like a 0, 0.5, or 1).
The 0.5 fade is a perfect option if you still want that faded look,but want to keep it a little bit longer then a skinfade, show this to your barber if you like this haircut!
Average Lifespan of a Fade Haircut
A classic fade haircut typically lasts 1-3 weeks, though the overall lifespan is influenced by hair growth rate, fade style, and grooming habits. Though individual rates vary, hair grows about half an inch per month, impacting how fresh a fade looks.
Number 1 (⅛ inch or 3.2 mm): Leaves a very short length, ideal for a close buzz cut or fade. Number 2 (¼ inch or 6.4 mm): Slightly longer than number 1, still in the buzz cut category but with a fuller look. Number 3 (⅜ inch or 9.5 mm): Provides a short but manageable length, suitable for a crew cut.
REMOVE YOUR CLIPPER GUARD AND OPEN THE LEVER TO A 0.5. BEGIN TO FADE THE NUMBER 0.5 LINE INTO THE GRADE 2 . ENGAGE THE CORNER OF YOUR TEETH OF THE GRADE BENEATH THE PLACEMENT OF THE LINE. USING A RUBBING C MOTION, WHICH HELPS CATCH ALL THE HAIR, RESULTING IN A SMOOTH FADE.
Grade 0.5 (1.5mm) & 1.5 (4.5mm)
It is quite short and often used for very close cuts or creating a stubble look. This attachment will leave the hair at a length of 4.5 millimeters after using the hair clipper.
Unfortunately for most men, a fade haircut will last only 3-5 days in its perfect state due to their fast-growing hair. Fear not, looking fresh in your faded haircut does not require you to have frequent trips to your barber. You can absolutely do it yourself.
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.
Opting for a buzz cut or a longer, fuller style with natural borders can significantly reduce the frequency of your visits to the barber. These styles tend to hide hair growth more effectively, allowing you to go longer between cuts.
The #0.5 clipper guard is the shortest guard available, leaving behind a super-close buzz cut or even shaved hair. With a cutting length of 1/16 of an inch or 1.5mm, this guard is perfect for those who love the low-maintenance, no-fuss look. It's ideal for achieving a clean and defined shaved head.
Zero Fade: A zero fade 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. A zero fade haircut is a clipper cut that leaves some stubble even at the lowest and shortest points of the head.
So a #1 fade will terminate in hair that's ¼ of an inch. In this case the fade tapers all the way down to the skin and is usually finished with a razor blade by your barber. You'll want to talk to your barber about how high that bald section should go.
Fades are better for textured hair, tapers suit all hair types: Fades can highlight natural texture or curls in short hairstyles, while tapers are suitable for all hair textures, offering flexibility in styling.
Fade: $30 to $40. Color treatment: $35 to $80.
Most men with crisp fades can expect them to last 1 to 2 weeks, but several factors contribute to how long your fade stays sharp, such as your hair growth rate, the specific fade style you choose, and various other elements.
The 0.5 fade follows the zero fade as it moves up the neckline to the top of the head and the sides where it can grow to a 2-inch taper fade.
For a very short fade, ask for #1 or #2 sized clippers on the back and sides (a #1 is 0.125 in (3.2 mm) long, while a #2 is 0.25 in (6.4 mm) long). If you want to keep your hair a bit longer on the sides and back, ask for a #4 (0.5 in (13 mm) or #5 (0.625 in (15.9 mm)). Mention the length you want on top, too.
How Often Should You Get a Haircut? Depending on your current hairstyle, you should be looking at visiting your barber anywhere from every 2 to 6 weeks. Now, that's a pretty big range, and it really depends on your own personal preference and the length of hair you have.
Fades with longer tops generally need less frequent upkeep, as the top and sides grow together, balancing each other out. With a bit of self-care—cleaning up around the vellus hair, shaping the sideburns, and doing a light touch-up—you can extend the look for 3 to 4 weeks.
Both of these clippers will take hair as short as 0.5mm which is the ideal starting point for a perfectly clean shave.
The numbers 1, 2, and 3 refer to the different length guards on hair clippers. The lower the number, the shorter the haircut will be. Number 1 is approximately 1/8 inch, number 2 is 1/4 inch, and number 3 is 3/8 inch.