Low. Mid. High. Skin. Taper.
Low fade — the gradient sits below the temple. Most conservative, easiest to grow out, plays well with longer tops.
Mid fade — at the temple. The default for a reason. Sharp without shouting.
High fade — above the temple. More contrast, more upkeep — every two weeks if you want it sharp.
Skin fade — clippers down to bare. Cleanest finish, hardest to do well, hardest to grow out gracefully. I'll tell you straight if your hair pattern fights it.
Taper fade — the cleanup version. Just at the sideburns and neckline. For someone who wants polish without a full restyle.
Blended by hand, not by hope.
Guard down progressively. Clipper-over-comb where the gradient lives. Scissor blending at the transition so there's no shelf. Lineup at the sideburn, the temple, the neck. Straight razor finish on the lines so they read sharp without looking razor-burned.
If you walk in with a fade that's already grown out two weeks past sharp, tell me — I'll take it shorter on top to keep proportions right instead of leaving you top-heavy.
The full tune-up.
Most fade clients add the beard work — beard line, eyebrow tidy, the complete look. That's the haircut + beard slot ($45, fifty minutes). Worth the extra five bucks if you wear a beard.
If you want the works — cut, beard, eyebrows, straight-razor finish — that's full service ($50, one hour).