Precision fades with seamless blending, from skin to length
A skinfade is where the sides and back are gradually blended down to the skin, creating a sharp contrast with the longer hair on top. It's one of the most popular styles we do at BB's Barbers Penrith, and for good reason. Done well, it looks clean from day one and grows out evenly over the next few weeks.
The key to a great skinfade is the blending. There should be no visible lines or steps between the different lengths. It takes a steady hand, a good eye and genuine experience to get that seamless gradient from skin to length. Andrew and Isaac use a combination of clippers and trimmers at multiple guard lengths, working through the transition zones until the fade is smooth from every angle.
Both styles use graduated blending on the sides and back, but they differ in how far down they go. A skinfade blends all the way to bare skin, usually around the ears and neckline. It gives a bold, modern look with maximum contrast. A taper fade is more subtle. The hair gets shorter towards the bottom but doesn't go all the way to skin, so it's a cleaner, slightly more conservative option.
Not sure which one suits you? Just ask when you come in. We'll have a chat about what works best for your hair type, face shape and the look you're going for. For a deeper comparison, read our full guide to skinfades vs taper fades.
A skinfade looks its sharpest in the first week or so. After that, the regrowth starts to soften the contrast. Most of our regulars come back every two to three weeks to keep their fade looking clean. If you prefer a lower-maintenance style, a taper fade grows out more gradually and can go a bit longer between visits.
Between appointments, a light product on top is all you need. We're happy to recommend something that suits your hair type. Book online through our Setmore page and pick a time that works for you. Walk-ins are welcome too, but booking ahead means no waiting. Free parking on Skirsgill Lane, Penrith, just a few minutes from the centre of Penrith.
A skinfade blends down to bare skin around the ears and neckline for a bold, high-contrast look. A taper fade keeps a little more length at the bottom for a subtler finish. Both are £20 at BB's Barbers Penrith.
Most of our regulars come back every two to three weeks to keep their fade looking sharp. A taper fade can last a bit longer between visits as it grows out more gradually.
Yes. Junior skinfades and taper fades are £14 for under-16s.
Browse our full haircut and beard trim services. Read our in-depth guide: Skinfade vs Taper Fade — What's the Difference?