Low Fade
Starts just above the ear and stays close to the hairline. The most subtle of the four, and the one that grows out most gracefully. Good if you can't get back every couple of weeks, or if your office is on the conservative side.
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Fade haircuts in NYC
Looking for a barber for fades in NYC? A skin fade at Elite Barbers NYC is $45 and takes about 30 minutes, with a wash, a straight razor neck shave and a hot towel included. Low, mid, high, bald or taper. Tell your barber the height and we'll blend it clean.
The cut
What is a skin fade?
A skin fade is a haircut where the sides and back are cut down to bare skin at the bottom, then blended gradually longer toward the top, so there's no visible line between one length and the next.
The blend is the whole job. Anyone can run clippers up the sides. The skill is in the gradient, and in reading where it should start on your head rather than on the last person's.
Two things decide a fade more than any photo does: how high you want it to sit, and how you style your hair in the morning. Tell your barber both before they start.
Every skin fade here includes a wash, a hot lather neck shave finished with a straight razor, and a hot towel. About 30 minutes, start to finish.
Taper vs fade
Skin fade vs taper fade
The difference is how far down the hair goes. A skin fade takes the sides and back all the way to bare skin. A taper only shortens the sideburns and the neckline and keeps visible length everywhere else.
Skin fade
- Down to bare skin at the bottom
- Sharp, high-contrast look
- Looks its best for about 7 to 10 days
- Suits short to medium length on top
Taper fade
- Shortens only the sideburns and neckline
- Softer, more conservative look
- Grows out slowly, so fewer visits
- Works well with longer hair on top
Can't decide? Start with a low taper. You can always go shorter next time.
Pick your height
Low, mid, high or bald fade
The difference is simply where the shortest point starts. If you're not sure, bring a photo or ask at the chair. Head shape and hair type decide more than fashion does.
Mid Fade
Begins around the temple, halfway between ear and crown. The most versatile height: sharp enough to read as a proper fade, balanced enough to suit most head shapes. Don't know what you want? This is usually the answer.
High Fade
Starts high, near the top of the head's curve, for maximum contrast between the sides and the length on top. Bold and very clean. But it shows more scalp, so it needs the shortest gap between visits.
Bald Fade
Finished with a razor at the base for a true skin finish with nothing left at all. The sharpest version of the cut, and the most work to keep up. Worth it if you want the line to be unmistakable.
Taper
Only the sideburns and neckline are shortened, so you keep the length through the sides. The lowest-maintenance option here, and often the right call if your hair's longer on top.
Not sure?
Ask at the chair. Your barber can tell you which height will suit your head shape and grow out best between visits.
Call and askWhat it costs
Fade haircut prices
Priced exactly as they are on our booking page.
Signature Elite Cut + Beard Trim
40 minHaircut and skin fade with a straight razor beard trim and outline. A razor fade for your hair and your beard, plus a wash, nose wax and a hot towel.
Beard Trim Fade with a Razor & Hot Towel
20 minBeard faded and lined with a razor, finished with a hot towel. Nose wax included.
From our Google reviews
98 reviews mention the fade
And 22 name the skin fade specifically. These are the topics that come up in our 2,500+ Google reviews.
fade 98
attention to detail 76
beard trim 58
skin fade 22
fresh cut 11
hot towel 9
Who cuts it
Pick your barber
Alex, Rima, Dimitry and Slava. Ask for someone when you book, or take the first chair that's free.
Fade haircuts
Questions we get asked
How much is a fade haircut?
A skin fade is $45 and takes about 30 minutes. It includes a wash, a straight razor neck shave and a hot towel. The Signature Elite Cut + Beard Trim adds a straight razor beard trim and starts at $65 instead of $95.
What is a skin fade?
A skin fade is a haircut where the sides and back are cut down to bare skin at the bottom and blended gradually longer toward the top, with no visible line between lengths.
What's the difference between a taper and a fade?
A skin fade takes the sides and back all the way down to bare skin. A taper only shortens the sideburns and the neckline and keeps visible length through the sides. A taper grows out more slowly, while a skin fade gives the sharper contrast.
How often should I get a fade?
A skin fade looks sharpest for about 7 to 10 days, because the shortest part grows out first. Many people rebook every two to three weeks. A low fade or a taper holds its shape longer, and a $25 shape up between cuts can stretch it another week.
Do you cut fades on curly or Afro-textured hair?
Yes. Curly and coily hair shrinks as it dries, so the blend has to be judged differently than on straight hair. Tell your barber how you wear it and they'll cut for that.
Can I get a razor fade with a beard trim?
Yes. The Signature Elite Cut + Beard Trim gives you a skin fade and a straight razor beard trim and outline in one 40 minute appointment, from $65. A beard trim fade on its own is $30.
Do I need an appointment for a fade?
No. Walk-ins are welcome six days a week. To lock in a barber and a time, book online. We're closed on Saturdays.
Easy to reach from
We're at 782 Lexington Avenue between 60th and 61st Street. The 4, 5, 6, N, R and W stop at 59th Street, and the F and Q at 63rd.
Chair's open
Get the fade.
$45, about 30 minutes, wash and hot towel included. Book a barber and a time, or just walk in.
Mon-Thu until 7pm · Fri and Sun until 6pm · Closed Saturdays