Fade Cutting Blueprint
Australian fade playbook combining clipper setup, shear detailing, and climate-aware maintenance.
Source baseline: ScissorPedia technique archive and JapanShears training notes — Cross-check drills against the internal technique SOP before publishing.
Who This Blueprint Serves
- Traditional Craftsman: Elevate classic tapers into modern skin fades without losing precision.
- Modern Influencer: Capture content-ready fades with clean light transitions and on-camera polish.
- Business Professional: Standardise fade delivery across staff for predictable ticket times.
- Apprentice: Build repeatable systems before improvising.
Fade Sequence Overview
- Consultation: Establish fade height, skin exposure, and styling expectations. Note cowlicks or scars.
- Clipper Foundation: Set lever open baseline, build gradation with guards, leave cushion for shear detail.
- Shear Refinement: Use 6.5"-7" fade shears for scissor-over-comb, travelling in 1 cm panels.
- Blending: Switch to 30T blender to blur demarcation lines; follow hair grain.
- Detail & Finish: Hot towel neck shave (optional), style with climate-appropriate product.
Tool Checklist
- Primary fade shear: 6.5"-7" sword or semi-convex.
- Detail shear: 5.5" convex micro-tip.
- Blender: 25-30 tooth.
- Clippers: Zero-gapped, maintained per Clipper Clean-Up Guide.
- Combs: Fade comb + carbon detangler.
- Styling: Matte pomade for humid climates, powder for dry inland clients.
Persona Adjustments
- Traditional: Emphasise scissor control—long shear passes, minimal clipper reliance.
- Influencer: Film shear passes; highlight ATS-314 edges in content.
- Business: Time each stage (target: 35 minutes total) and log in SOP.
- Apprentice: Start with drop fade mannequin drills before live clients.
Australian Climate Modifiers
- Humidity (QLD/NT): Blow-dry hair fully before detailing; moisture hides weight lines.
- Dry heat (WA/SA): Use anti-static spray to prevent flyaways that disguise lines.
- Cool VIC/TAS: Allow extra time; thick winter growth needs more shear passes.
Troubleshooting Matrix
| Issue | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Visible steps | Skipped guard or inconsistent comb angle | Re-establish baseline with clipper lever open, rework with shear-over-comb. |
| Frizz at blend | Over-texturising or humidity | Use lower tension, apply humidity-resistant product. |
| Slow service time | Using short shears | Upgrade to 6.75" fade shear, practise continuous passes. |
Service Timing & ROI
- Target 35-minute standard fade, 45 minutes for skin fade.
- Charge premium for fast-turnaround lunch fades in CBD locations.
- Track edge life in maintenance SOP—fades wear tips faster.
Post-Service Checklist
- Brush hair from blades, wipe with 70% alcohol.
- Oil pivot, run gravity test.
- Log shear used + tension adjustments.
- Capture before/after photos for marketing (with consent).
Next Steps
- Book team workshop using this blueprint and fade shear guide.
- Update consultation forms to capture fade preferences.
- Schedule quarterly fade audits to track consistency.