What a “Good Consultation” Means for Fades
A fade consultation is not a style debate; it is a quick process to define (1) the visual outcome, (2) the client’s constraints, and (3) the technical plan (fade height, shape, and checkpoints). Your goal is to leave the chair with a shared picture of: where the fade starts and ends, how bold the contrast should be, and how the neckline/sideburns will be finished.
Step-by-Step Consultation Script (Outcome + Constraints)
Step 1: Open with outcome language (what they want to see)
Barber: “What do you want this haircut to look like from the front and from the side—clean and subtle, or sharp and high-contrast?”
Follow-ups (pick 1–2):
- “Do you want the fade to look ‘bare’ at the bottom, or just shorter?”
- “Do you want the sides to look tight for longer, or grow out softer?”
- “Any photo you like? Tell me what you like about it: the height, the blend, or the outline.”
Step 2: Lifestyle and maintenance (how often they’ll reset it)
Barber: “How often do you realistically come in—every 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, or longer?”
- 1–2 weeks: you can recommend bolder contrast and higher fades because they’ll keep the shape fresh.
- 3+ weeks: recommend softer transitions (often low or taper) so grow-out looks intentional.
Barber: “Do you style your hair daily, or do you want it to work with minimal effort?”
- Listen to the audio with the screen off.
- Earn a certificate upon completion.
- Over 5000 courses for you to explore!
Download the app
- Minimal styling: avoid extremely high fades that expose head shape issues and require frequent edge cleanup.
- Daily styling: more freedom to go higher/cleaner because the top will be controlled.
Step 3: Neckline and sideburn preferences (the “frame”)
Barber: “For the neckline, do you prefer a natural taper, a squared look, or rounded?”
Barber: “Sideburns: do you want them kept, thinned, or faded out completely?”
- Conservative/professional: keep some sideburn presence; choose a taper or low fade; avoid taking the sideburn to skin too high.
- Sporty/modern: sideburn can be faded out; mid/high fades often pair well.
Step 4: Boldness scale (define “how tight” with a simple rating)
Barber: “On a scale of 1 to 5, how bold do you want the fade?”
- 1–2 (subtle): taper or low fade; keep more darkness near the parietal ridge.
- 3 (balanced): mid fade; clear shape without looking extreme.
- 4–5 (bold): high fade; strong contrast and a sharper silhouette.
Step 5: Confirm the plan in one sentence
Barber: “So we’re doing a [taper/low/mid/high] fade, keeping the neckline [natural/rounded/squared], sideburns [kept/thinned/faded out], and you want it [subtle/balanced/bold]. Sound right?”
Selecting Fade Height Using Head Landmarks
Use consistent landmarks so “low/mid/high” means something measurable. Explain it simply to the client while you point in the mirror.
Key landmarks (what to feel for)
- Temple area: the corner where the front hairline turns toward the side. Useful for showing where a fade will look highest from the front.
- Parietal ridge: the widest point of the head where the side plane transitions to the top plane. You can feel it as a “ledge.” This is the most important landmark for fade height decisions.
- Occipital bone: the bump on the back of the head. It affects how a fade “wraps” and whether the back looks too high or too heavy.
Practical mapping: low vs mid vs high vs taper
| Fade type | Where the transition sits (landmark-based) | Visual effect |
|---|---|---|
| Taper fade | Mostly at the edges: around sideburns and nape; bulk stays below/at the parietal ridge | Conservative, natural grow-out |
| Low fade | Stays low on the head; transition sits well below the parietal ridge and drops behind the ear | Softer, less contrast, more “weight” on sides |
| Mid fade | Transition targets around the midpoint between ear and parietal ridge; often approaches the ridge but doesn’t live above it | Balanced, clean shape without being extreme |
| High fade | Transition sits at or above the parietal ridge; tightens the head quickly | High-contrast, bold, exposes head shape more |
How to “show” the height in the mirror
Stand the client straight, then use your comb or finger to trace the intended fade line around the head.
- Point to the parietal ridge: “This is the shelf where the head widens. If we fade above this, it becomes a high fade.”
- Point to the temple: “If we bring it up here, it will look sharper from the front.”
- Point to the occipital bone: “If we go too high over this bump, the back can look ‘popped’ or too tight.”
Matching Fade Style to Face Shape and Head Shape
Fade height changes the perceived proportions of the head and face. Use it to balance, not just to “make it tight.”
Face shape guidelines (quick recommendations)
- Round face: avoid very low fades that keep too much width on the sides. Recommend mid (balanced) or high (more lengthening effect), depending on boldness tolerance.
- Long/oblong face: avoid extremely high fades that make the face look longer. Recommend low or mid, keeping some weight at the sides.
- Square face: most fades work; choose based on lifestyle and boldness. Mid is a safe default; high emphasizes strong angles.
- Heart/triangle (wider forehead, narrower jaw): avoid taking the temples too high if it makes the forehead look wider. Recommend low or mid with controlled temple height.
Head shape and growth pattern adjustments (what to look for)
- Flat occipital (back of head looks flat): avoid pushing the fade too high in the back. A low or mid with a slightly lower back transition helps keep a fuller silhouette.
- Prominent occipital bone (noticeable bump): don’t set the fade line right on the bump. Either keep the blend lower to preserve weight under it, or go cleaner below it while keeping the transition controlled so it doesn’t “shelf.”
- Prominent parietal ridge: high fades can create a harsh step if the ridge is strong. Recommend mid or a low fade that stays under the ridge, unless the client wants very bold contrast.
- Dents/indentations: avoid exposing them with a high skin fade. Recommend taper or low with more shadow left in the area of the dent.
- Cowlicks/whorls (often at crown or nape): keep the fade lower around the trouble spot or leave more length so it lays down. If the cowlick is at the nape, a taper neckline often behaves better than taking it too tight.
Decision Matrix: What to Recommend and When
Use this matrix after you’ve heard their outcome and constraints. It helps you recommend confidently without overwhelming the client.
| If the client wants… | And their constraints are… | Recommend | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative, workplace-friendly | Longer time between cuts; wants natural neckline/sideburn presence | Taper fade | Clean edges without dramatic contrast; grows out best |
| Softer transition, not too “tight” | Prefers some weight on sides; concerned about head shape | Low fade | Subtle blend; hides dents/ridge; less exposure |
| Balanced modern look | Regular maintenance (2–3 weeks); wants clean but not extreme | Mid fade | Most versatile; strong shape with controlled contrast |
| High-contrast, sharp silhouette | Frequent maintenance (1–2 weeks); confident with bold look | High fade | Maximum tightness and contrast; strongest “pop” |
Quick “rule-outs” to prevent regret
- If they visit monthly and want it to look good the whole time, steer away from very high, very tight fades.
- If they mention dents, bumps, or sensitivity about head shape, avoid recommending high fades as the default.
- If they need a conservative neckline, avoid taking the nape too high; recommend taper or low.
Managing Expectations with Reference Points (Finger-Width + Mirror Check-ins)
Use finger-width measurements to make “low/mid/high” concrete
Translate fade height into a simple measurement the client can visualize. Use your fingers against their head while they look in the mirror.
- Low fade reference: “About 1 finger above the top of the ear, staying low around the head.”
- Mid fade reference: “About 2 fingers above the ear, approaching the widest part of the head.”
- High fade reference: “About 3 fingers above the ear, up near/above the ridge.”
- Taper reference: “We’re mainly cleaning the edges—sideburns and nape—without moving the fade high on the head.”
Note: finger width varies, so treat it as a communication tool, not a strict measurement. Pair it with landmarks (parietal ridge/temple/occipital).
Mirror check-ins: when and what to confirm
- Check-in #1 (before cutting): confirm fade type and height by tracing the planned transition around the head in the mirror.
- Check-in #2 (after setting the initial guideline/shape): show the height at the temple and behind the ear: “This is where the fade is sitting—still good?”
- Check-in #3 (before detailing neckline/sideburns): confirm outline choices: “Natural taper vs squared vs rounded—still the plan?”
Phrases that prevent misunderstandings
- “When you say ‘mid,’ do you mean around the middle of the ear or middle of the head? Let me show you.”
- “Do you want the fade to be the main feature (bold), or should the top be the main feature (subtle sides)?”
- “If we go higher, it will look cleaner today but it will also show growth sooner. Are you okay with that?”
Putting It Together: Two Practical Consultation Examples
Example 1: Conservative client, longer grow-out
Client: “I want it neat for work. I can’t come in often.”
Your recommendation: Taper fade with a natural neckline and defined-but-present sideburns.
How you explain it (mirror + landmarks): “We’ll keep the bulk below the parietal ridge so it stays professional and grows out clean. I’ll just taper the sideburn and nape so it looks sharp without looking extreme.”
Example 2: Bold client, frequent maintenance
Client: “I want it tight and high. I come every week.”
Your recommendation: High fade, with sideburns faded out, neckline shape per preference.
How you explain it (mirror + landmarks): “We’ll take the fade up to/above the ridge for that high-contrast look. I’ll show you the height at the temple and behind the ear before we commit.”
