What is the difference between a taper and a fade?

A taper gradually shortens the hair at the sideburns and neckline but stops short of the skin. A fade blends all the way down to the skin (or close to it) for higher contrast. Taper = subtle. Fade = sharp.

How long does a fade haircut last?

Most fades look sharp for 2–3 weeks. After that the blend softens as the bottom guards grow in. A quick line-up at the 2-week mark extends the look another week.

Do I need a line-up with my fade?

We include the line-up in every fade haircut at no extra cost. The fade and the line-up are the same service.

Which fade is best for a professional look?

Low fade or taper fade. Both look sharp without being aggressive, and both grow out gracefully between appointments.

How much does a fade cost at Detroit Barbers?

Fades start at $35 and include the consultation, fade, line-up, and hot-towel finish. Same price at all eight shops.

Can I get a fade with curly or coily hair?

Yes — every Detroit Barbers barber cuts fades on curly, coily, wavy, and straight hair every single day.

Fade Haircuts in Metro Detroit

Clean, blended fades by master barbers — low, mid, high, skin, taper, and burst — across all eight Detroit Barber Co. shops.

4.9 RatingStarting at $35+

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A great fade is the single most-requested haircut in any modern barbershop, and it is the one most likely to be done wrong. The blend has to be invisible. The line at the top of the fade has to match your hair pattern, not fight it. The neckline has to look clean from every angle — including the back, which you can not see in the mirror. Detroit Barbers has been cutting fades across Metro Detroit for more than a decade, and the consistency is why our regulars keep coming back.

We cut every fade type, every week, in every chair. Low fade for a conservative, professional look. Mid fade for the most flexible, year-round option. High fade for a bold, modern statement. Skin fade (also called a bald fade or zero fade) for maximum contrast. Taper fade for a softer, subtler gradient that still looks sharp. Burst fade when you want the fade to curve around the ear rather than running straight up. Whatever you book, the blend will be smooth from the skin to the top length.

Fades are available at all eight of our Metro Detroit locations — Ferndale, Corktown, Birmingham, Plymouth, Grosse Pointe Park, Rochester Hills, Shelby Township, and Southfield. Same price, same craft, same Detroit Barbers fade in every chair.

What This Service Includes

Low Fade

Fade starts just above the ear and tapers down. Conservative, office-friendly, and the safest fade if you are new to them.

Mid Fade

The most-booked fade in the shop. Starts halfway up the side, balances contrast and versatility, and works with almost any top length.

High Fade

Fade starts high on the head for a bold, modern look. Pairs well with textured crops, pompadours, and longer styles on top.

Skin Fade (Bald Fade)

Fades all the way down to the skin for maximum contrast. The cleanest, sharpest version of the fade — and the most demanding to execute well.

Taper Fade

A softer, subtler gradient at the sideburns and neckline. Looks sharp without committing to a full fade.

Burst Fade

Fade curves around the ear rather than running straight up the side. Common with mohawks, mullets, and longer-back styles.

Who This Service Is Best For

Men who want a sharp, modern haircut that holds its shape for 2–3 weeks
Clients with thick hair who want clean contrast between the sides and the top
Professionals choosing a low or taper fade for office-friendly polish
Men with curly or coily hair who want a clean fade that respects their texture
Anyone who has had a bad fade before and wants a barber who actually blends
Clients who want to pair the fade with a beard for a connected, head-to-jaw look

What to Expect at Detroit Barbers

STEP 1
Consultation & Fade Selection
Your barber will help you choose the right fade — low, mid, high, skin, or taper — based on face shape, hair texture, and how you wear your hair.
STEP 2
Guards & Outline
We set the outline first, then work the guards down in steps to create the gradient. This is where the blend is built.
STEP 3
Blending Pass
The detail pass: clipper-over-comb, flicking, and freehand work to remove every visible line. A real fade has no steps.
STEP 4
Line-Up & Hot Towel Finish
Razor line-up at the hairline, temples, and neck. Hot towel and aftershave to close out the service.