

Nguyen mentions that sometimes the length on the side where the part sits is so short that you don’t even need to fuss with finding a part. These days, the high fade is more versatile, where the top can be left longer for a more contemporary look. The high fade is often referred to as a “high and tight,” and resembles a military-style cut on the back and sides. Finally, run a matte-finish styling paste through your hair to help set the look.Use a blow dryer to quickly dry and set the hair in place.Comb the hair into place based on how you want the final result to look.Locate the disconnection and split the longer hair from the shorter hair. Use a comb and comb the hair on the top forward, looking for a disconnection from the top and sides where the barber established your part. Start by finding your part on clean, wet hair.“You can also ask for a clipper cut with the fade starting with a #3 guard (10 mm) and let the barber know if you prefer to comb your hair from right to left or left to right.” He also recommends that both you and your barber take time to assess your natural growth pattern to determine the ideal placement for your part and hair growth pattern. What to ask your barber for: “Ask for an all-scissor cut to preserve the length on the back and sides,” Nguyen says.

And because it doesn’t expose the scalp on the back or sides, it grows out well, meaning you probably won’t need to get your hair cut more often than every four or five weeks. The back and sides are cut to a conservative length without showing any scalp for a look that’s clean and professional. “This is where it all started,” Nguyen says. “There are many variations that will either make it edgier (fit for a night out on the town), or more conservative fit for a day at the office.” He also points out that the comb over fade is a practical option for guys who may be self-conscious about their hairline, as the recession actually lends itself to the natural flow of the haircut. “The comb over is a timeless haircut that has not and will not go out of style,” Nguyen says. The same goes for the part: Whether you part from the left or the right comes down to your hair growth pattern. Where it gets interesting is the placement of the fade on the sides, which, Nguyen explains, depends on both the client’s preference as well as what best complements their head shape. The comb over, also called a side part, is a haircut where the back and sides are cut short and the hair on top is longer and parted to one side. Her clients include Ryan Reynolds and Shawn Mendes.

