Best Fade Haircuts in Amsterdam (2026 Guide)

The Ultimate Guide to Fade Haircuts in Amsterdam

The fade is the most requested haircut style in Amsterdam — and for good reason. It's versatile, clean, and works with virtually every face shape and hair type. But not all fades are created equal, and knowing what to ask for makes the difference between a great cut and a disappointing one.

Types of Fade Haircuts

Skin Fade (Zero Fade)

The skin fade starts from bare skin (no guard) at the bottom and gradually blends upward. It's the sharpest, most dramatic fade and requires serious skill to execute cleanly. The blend from skin to hair needs to be seamless — any lines or patches are immediately visible.

Best for: Guys who want maximum contrast and a clean, modern look. Works especially well with textured tops, pompadours, and quiffs.

Maintenance: Needs a touch-up every 2–3 weeks to stay sharp.

Mid Fade

The mid fade starts the gradient about halfway up the sides, usually around ear level. It's the most versatile fade — not as dramatic as a skin fade, but still clean and defined.

Best for: Almost everyone. It's the safe choice that always looks good, whether you're in a boardroom or at a bar.

Maintenance: Every 3–4 weeks keeps it looking fresh.

Low Fade (Taper Fade)

The low fade keeps the gradient close to the bottom, usually just above the ear and around the neckline. It's subtle and professional — the kind of fade that looks like you just have great hair, without screaming "I just got a haircut."

Best for: Professional settings, older gentlemen, or anyone who prefers a more understated look.

Maintenance: Can go 4–5 weeks between cuts.

High Fade

The high fade starts the gradient very high on the sides, close to the top of the head. It creates maximum volume and contrast on top, making it popular with curly and wavy hair types.

Best for: Curly hair, afro textures, and anyone who wants serious volume contrast.

Drop Fade

The drop fade "drops" behind the ear, following the natural curve of the head rather than going straight across. It creates a more natural, organic shape that works particularly well when viewed from the side.

Best for: Guys with round face shapes who want to add length, and anyone pairing their fade with a longer top.

How to Ask for a Fade at the Barbershop

The biggest mistake clients make is just saying "give me a fade." Here's how to communicate clearly:

• Specify the type: "I'd like a mid skin fade" or "low taper fade, please."
• Reference the guard: "Start at a 0 on the sides and blend to a 2" gives your barber exact parameters.
• Show a picture: We always encourage clients to bring reference photos. It eliminates guesswork.
• Mention the top: "Skin fade on the sides, textured crop on top" — the fade is only half the cut.

Where to Get the Best Fade in Amsterdam

A great fade requires three things: skill, the right tools, and attention to detail. At Porem Barbershop, our team specializes in fades — it's easily 70% of what we do daily.

Our barbers come from barbering traditions in Morocco, Greece, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands, each bringing different techniques to the craft. Abdel brings 20+ years of precision Moroccan fading technique. Ozzy trained under the Netherlands Hair Stylist of the Year. Stavros brings 12 years of experience from Athens, London, and Amsterdam.

Haircuts at Porem start at €45, which includes a full consultation, precision cut, and styling. We use Andis, Wahl, and Babyliss Pro clippers — the industry standard for clean fades.

Fade Aftercare Tips

• Don't wash your hair immediately — wait 24 hours after a fresh fade to let the cut settle.
• Use a light pomade or clay to add texture and hold on top.
• Moisturise the faded area — the skin on your sides can dry out, especially in winter.
• Book your next cut before leaving — the best time to maintain a fade is before it grows out.

Book your fade at Porem Barbershop — two locations in Amsterdam Centrum, open 7 days a week.