Waves
Crown-Swirl Waves With Mid Drop Fade
- Difficulty
- ADVANCED
- Hair Type
- Coarse coily hair, crown swirl pattern
What it is
Waves brushed out from a crown swirl, the ridges arcing around the back and pulling forward over the sides in a wide fan. The pattern is cut short and holds tight definition all the way to the fade line. Sides run into a mid fade that drops down behind the ear, so the blend follows the curve of the skull. A stepped hard line-up sits at the front hairline and the moustache and chin hair are kept trimmed short and unconnected.
Who it suits
For coarse coily hair with an established crown swirl and a consistent brushing habit. The mid drop fade adds shape at the back, which suits a flatter crown. A good pick if you want a wave cut that reads as sharp from every angle rather than only the front. Best if you are willing to sit in the chair every couple of weeks.
How to ask for it
Ask for waves with a mid drop fade. Cut the top with a 1 guard so the swirl pattern holds, then run the fade from a 0 at the ear up to a 2 at the top, dropping the line behind the ear rather than keeping it level. Request a stepped line-up at the front hairline.
Upkeep
Brush outward from the crown following the swirl, ten minutes twice a day, then durag. Light moisturizer before each session. Fade needs redoing every two weeks to keep the drop clean.
