History of the Fade

Black hair is black history. Our unique hairstyles span back to the ancient world, with traditions passed down through generations to create the iconic hairstyles we know (and rock) today. Afros, braids, cornrows, dreadlocks, and Jheri curls step in and out of the spotlight, but no hairstyle remains as timeless as the classic fade.

The fade first arrived on the scene with the invention of electric trimmers in the 1930s but grew to prominence in the 1940s and 50s as a result of rigid military standards for grooming. Newly enlisted cadets would have their hair cut to skin level with sharp lines and angles to signify strength and discipline. Eventually, this haircut became known as a “fade” or “skin fade.”

Gradually, the classic “skin fade” evolved into the taper fade and comb over fade. Soon after came the afro and the Jheri curl. In the burgeoning Hip-Hop culture of the 1980s, the youth were after a cleaner look and black barbers began to experiment with ways to build on the classic fade. Afros were shaped into hi-top and flat-top fades and popularized by Cameo, Big Daddy Kane, Eric B & Rakim, and, of course, the Fresh Prince of Bel Air himself, Will Smith.

The fade remains as popular today as it did in the 1940s. Men of all ages and backgrounds are getting fades for their simple style, ease of maintenance, adaptability to head shape, and versatility between office and home. Many barbers cut intricate designs into their clients’ fades or taper more conservatively, but regardless of the style, the fade is an essential part of any barber’s arsenal.

As a veteran barber, the fade is the first cut I mastered. If you’re looking to level up and get the cleanest, crispest fades, get yourself the Pro Barber Tools Set. This set includes our patented 1-Min. Blade Modifier and 10-Sec. Blade Setter to help you create and maintain your fade with ultimate accuracy, precision and detail.

Get perfectly sharpened blades without the risk of over-sharpening. Achieve zero-gap alignment in seconds and allow your trimmers to hit exactly every time. Your modified blades will reduce razor bumps and ingrown hairs while providing a cleaner, closer cut.

Whether you’re a barber looking to master their craft or just someone looking to upgrade their fade, The Rich Barber can help you do it. Pick up the Pro Barber Tools Set and make your fade the stuff of legends. Keep cutting and remember: don’t let the history of the fade fade from history!