Fade
Low Drop Fade With Loose Curl Sponge Top
- Difficulty
- INTERMEDIATE
- Hair Type
- 3C curly, high density
What it is
The fade sits low and drops in an arc behind the ear, following the skull rather than cutting straight across, so the back of the head keeps its round shape. Above the drop line the curls are left full and springy, unpicked, sitting like a soft dome over the temple. The line-up is set high and sharp at the corner, which throws the loose curl mass forward. Nape is left open and clean, no boxed edge.
Who it suits
Made for defined 3B to 3C curls with enough spring to hold volume without picking out. Good on square and heart faces since the curl width balances a narrow chin. Dense growth around the crown helps the dome sit even. Anyone with limp or fine hair will get a flat top half instead of the round shape this cut depends on.
How to ask for it
Say low drop fade, start the guard at the bottom of the sideburn and let the line curve down and behind the ear. Ask them to leave all the curl on top, scissors only, no clipper on the length. Request a sharp line-up at the front corner and an open, tapered nape with no box.
Upkeep
Three to four weeks. The drop line fills in before the top loses shape. Wash with a curl cream, scrunch damp, and keep a satin cover at night to protect definition.
