High skin fade, shown on a high and tight
SIDESBare skin at the bottom, blended up past the parietal ridge
NECKLINEFaded out to skin, no line
UPKEEPRe-cut every 2 weeks

THE SIDES

High skin fade

A high skin fade goes to bare skin at the bottom and climbs past the top of the ear, so most of the side of the head is skin. It is the highest-contrast fade there is, which makes the shape on top read very loudly — and means the top had better be worth looking at.

Also called bald fade, high fade, skin fade.

See one on your face — free

Cut with a high skin fade

Every one of these is photographed at this fade. Tap any of them to see it on your own face.

Also works with one

These are cut with something else by default, so the photographs show that instead — but ask for a high skin fade and your barber will know exactly what you mean.

Questions

How often does a skin fade need re-cutting?
Every two weeks, and many people go weekly. Bare skin grows into stubble within days, and the whole effect depends on that section staying clean.
Does a high skin fade suit everyone?
No. It exposes the shape of the skull and the temples completely, so scarring, heavy asymmetry or a receding hairline all become more visible rather than less.
EVERY FADE