How to ask for a fade you'll actually like.

There are only a handful of real fade shapes. Knowing which one you want — before you sit down — is the difference between the cut you pictured and the cut you talked yourself into.

Low, mid, or high

It comes down to where the fade starts. Low sits just above the ear, mid lands around the temple, high climbs toward the crown. Same idea, three very different energies.

If you're not sure, bring a photo. One good reference says more than five minutes of describing it.