How to Maintain a Fade Between Cuts — Honest Advice

The fade is the part of your haircut that ages fastest. By week three, the sharp taper has blurred, the line-up's grown out, and you look like a slightly fuzzier version of yourself.

You can fight this. Here's how.

1. Wash less, condition more Daily shampooing strips your hair of the oils that make a fade look healthy. Two or three times a week is plenty. On the off days, rinse with water and use a light conditioner. Your hair grows healthier, your fade looks crisper for longer.

2. Don't touch the line-up The clean line where your hair meets your forehead, temples and neck — that's what dates a fade. Resist the urge to "tidy it up yourself" with the clippers your mate has. We've all done it once. We've all regretted it.

If you absolutely have to, get one of the small detail trimmers (any decent men's grooming brand makes one) and only redo the neckline. Leave the rest.

3. Book the next one before you leave A fade looks best between week one and week three. Book your next cut on the way out the door. You'll look better all year. Boring advice. Works every time.

That's it. No miracle products. No salon-only foam. Just the basics, done well.