A skin fade looks its best for about twelve days. That is not us trying to sell you more appointments — it is just how fast hair grows at the nape, which is roughly half an inch a month.

By week three the blend has softened and the neckline has gone fuzzy, but it still reads as intentional. This is the sweet spot for most people, and it is why our regulars sit on a three-week cycle.

Week four is where it starts working against you. The taper flattens out, weight builds on top, and the shape you paid for is gone. If you can only get in monthly, ask for a slightly longer guard on the sides — it buys you an extra week.