What you get
The blend is the whole job
A fade is judged at the blend: where skin turns into hair. We work it up in small steps, check it from both sides and the back in the mirror, and go again until there is no line to see.
- Low, mid or high, skin or a zero at the bottom.
- Blended into scissor work on top, or clipper length if you prefer.
- Edges finished with a razor, then a hot towel on the neck.
In the chair
How it goes
Pick the height
Low, mid or high, and skin or a zero. A photo of the back and side helps most.
Set the guideline
The bottom line goes in first, level on both sides, checked in the mirror.
Blend it up
Guards and the clipper lever, then foil, in small steps until the line disappears.
Edges and towel
Temples and neckline set with a razor, a hot towel, and a last look in the hand mirror.
Ask for it by name
Fade or taper?
They look close in a photo. They grow out very differently.
Skin fade
Goes all the way to the skin. Sharpest on day one; needs a visit every two to three weeks. $40.
Taper
Short at the neckline and sideburns only, with hair left at the bottom. Grows out soft over three to four weeks. $38.
Burst or drop fade
A fade that curves around the ear or drops behind it. Ask for it by name; same price as a skin fade.
Questions
Skin fades & tapers: straight answers
How long does a skin fade take?
About 45 minutes. A taper is about 40.
Low, mid or high fade: which should I get?
Low keeps more length above the ear and suits most heads. Mid is the everyday choice. High goes to the skin well up the side and is the boldest. Your barber will say which suits the shape of your head.
How often should I get a fade touched up?
Every two to three weeks for a skin fade. Every three to four for a taper. A $15 line-up in between keeps the edges sharp.
Do you do designs or hard parts?
A razor part, yes, at no extra charge. Fuller designs depend on the barber on shift; ask when you send a request.
Also on the menu
While you’re in the chair
Harlow & Pike · Kissimmee
Sharp for the next two weeks
Say the height and the day that suits you. The shop texts you back with a time; walk-ins are welcome too.