Barber
Skin fade vs scissor cut: which suits you?
Both can look sharp. The right one depends on your hair, how often you want to visit and how much styling you will do at home.
The short answer
Choose a skin fade if you like a very clean, defined look and are happy to visit every two to three weeks. Choose a scissor cut if you want a softer shape that grows out gracefully and lasts three to five weeks.
What a skin fade is
A skin fade takes the sides and back down to the skin with clippers and foil shavers, then blends upwards into longer hair. The contrast is what makes it striking, and also why it shows growth quickly.
What a scissor cut is
A scissor cut shapes the whole head with scissors, often over a comb. It keeps more length on the sides, so the outline is softer and the cut looks good for longer between visits.
Which suits your hair
Thick or coarse hair often suits a fade, because removing bulk at the sides keeps the shape tidy. Fine or thinning hair can look fuller with a scissor cut that keeps some length. Curly hair works with either; ask for the sides to be left a little longer if you want the curl to show.
Upkeep and cost over time
A fade needs more frequent visits to stay sharp. A scissor cut takes a little longer in the chair but can stretch further between appointments. Over a year, the number of visits matters more than the price of one cut.
Still unsure?
Book a cut at Highgate Cuts and ask for a quick consultation first. Your barber will look at your hair, your face shape and your routine and suggest the option that will look best for longest.
Questions? Email us at [email protected].