For a fade, the hairdresser works with clippers and changing guard combs to blend several length settings into one another. The key move is «fading»: the hard edges between the individual clipper steps are blurred until no line remains visible. Depending on how low on the head the transition begins, it is called a Low Fade (just above the ear), Mid Fade (at temple height) or High Fade (high up on the head). With a Skin Fade or Bald Fade, the gradient runs all the way down to shaved skin.
A salon appointment usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. First the desired transition line is set, then the barber removes the side hair in several passes with descending guards and blends the transitions using clippers, a trimmer and sometimes a razor. The top hair is cut separately and matched to the desired style (e.g. crop, pompadour, quiff or undercut styling). Finally, the contours at the neck and sideburns are shaved in precisely.
A fade suits almost every hair type and face shape, but looks cleanest on straight to slightly wavy hair. It also looks great on curly or Afro hair, though the blend then demands more experience. Because the transition appears especially sharp with very short sides, a high or skin fade emphasises strong head and facial features, while a low fade looks more subtle and office-friendly.
A fade grows out relatively quickly: after just two to three weeks the transition loses its crispness as the regrowing side hair blurs the clean gradient. Anyone wanting to keep the look sharp therefore usually returns for a trim every three to four weeks. Maintenance itself is simple – short sides need no product, while the top is styled with pomade, clay or paste depending on the cut.
In terms of price, a classic men's haircut with a fade in Switzerland costs roughly between CHF 35 and CHF 65 depending on region and salon; elaborate skin fades or combinations with beard styling can reach CHF 70 or more in urban barbershops. These ranges are rough guide values without guarantee – exact prices vary widely by canton, salon and add-on services. On CityHero you can compare current hairdresser prices in your city directly.