As a barber, you probably know what the skin fade afro is and you’ve worked with clients with afro hair. Creating the perfect look for them can sometimes be tricky because, as we all know, afro hair is unique. That’s why it’s important to know the best afro hair grading techniques, so you can give your clients exactly what they want. Read on to find out the best ways to achieve a skin fade look for men with afro hair.
Choosing the right tools
Using the right clippers and razors is essential to create a good gradient look for clients with afro hair. It is important to use clippers with adjustable blades to achieve the desired cut length without having to remove too much hair at once. The most commonly used lengths for afro hair are 1, 2 and 3. However, if you need a longer cut, 4 and 5 will work.
Client preparation to Skin Fade Afro hair
Before starting any type of cut or style on your client’s afro hair, it is important to make sure that their locks are well moisturized so that the hair does not become brittle or break during the process. A good technique is to use and apply conditioner to make sure each strand is well-moisturized before cutting and styling. It is important to work with the client’s natural texture when degrading afro hair. The key is balance: making sure the grading looks natural while still highlighting unique features such as curls.
Below, we show you the tutorials with which you can teach yourself how to create looks for your clients with afro hair:
Skin fade V-shape on Afro hair
Follow this salon’s friendly haircut step by step guide by Guest Artist Ainsley Walton to achieve the afro hair V-shaped fade, while working with impeccable grading technique and creative guidance, so that you can gain confidence in your process towards becoming a professional barber.
Objectives:
- Visually map out the hairstyle and shape
- Create shape and structure in the haircut
- Create a V shape in the fade guideline
- Analyse natural hair movement and behaviour
- Combine various male hairdressing and barbering techniques
- Use a variety of hairdressing tools
Technical Skills:
- Scissor Control
- Visual Clipper work
- Texturising
- Hairline shaping
- Clipper work
- Hair characteristics
- Cutting angles
Taper fade Afro hair
Guest Artist Tariq Howes showcases this salon-friendly Afro haircut. Learn his many tips and tricks on this hair type, it’s easy to see why he is one of the best in the industry in this category.
Objectives:
- Create shape and structure in the haircut.
- Clean taper fade blend.
- Analyse natural hair movement and behaviour.
- Combine various male hairdressing and barbering techniques.
- Use a variety of hairdressing tools.
- Work with texturising techniques.
Technical Skills:
- Texturising
- Graduation techniques
- Clipper work
- Fading Methods
- Hair characteristics
- Hairline shaping
- Cutting angles
Creative short afro with high taper fade
Be confident in learning this salon friendly creative look by creating this effortless round shape complimented with a sharp blowout fade through the temple area for a unique shape.
Objectives:
- Create shape and structure in the haircut
- Beautiful blend on the taper fade
- Working creatively
- Analyse natural hair movement and behaviour
- Combine various male hairdressing and barbering techniques
- Use a variety of hairdressing tools
- Work with texturising techniques
Technical Skills:
- Scissor Control
- Layering & graduation techniques
- Texturising
- Fading Methods
- Clipper work
- Sectioning patterns
- Hair distribution
A gradient haircut on afro hair requires special attention due to its unique characteristics, but learning how to do it correctly will make all the difference in giving your clients an amazing haircut, or an average one. If you choose the right clippers and razors, prepare your clients’ hair beforehand and know how to do various types of fades, such as V-shaped, tapered or high fade, you will be able to create amazing looks for any occasion. By learning from these tutorials and following their tips, you’ll be able to master the afro hair gradient look in no time.