Patrick Mahomes isn’t just a Super Bowl champion quarterback; he’s also a style icon. His signature fade haircut is a favorite among athletes and trendsetters, known for its sharp lines, smooth transitions, and effortless cool.
Whether you’re a Mahomes fan, simply looking for a Patrick mahomes haircut, or want to enhance your barbering skills, this step-by-step guide will teach you how to achieve his iconic fade. We’ll cover the essential tools, techniques, and styling tips to help you nail his look.
Understanding the Mahomes Fade
Before we dive into cutting, let’s break down the key elements of the Mahomes fade:
- Type of Fade: Patrick Mahomes sports a burst fade with a defined line-up. A burst fade curves around the ears, creating a semi-circular look, while a distinct line-up sharpens the edges around the hairline and sideburns.
- Length on Top: Mahomes keeps a bit of length on top, usually textured or styled into a subtle mohawk shape.
- Variations: While Mahomes has a go-to style, he occasionally experiments with different fades like a skin fade or a high fade.
Tools You’ll Need
- Clippers: High-quality clippers with adjustable blades are essential.
- Guards: A range of clipper guards (usually #0 to #3) to create different hair lengths and the gradual fade effect.
- T-Blade Trimmer: For creating a crisp line-up at the hairline and shaping the sideburns.
- Comb: For sectioning the hair and guiding your clippers.
- Scissors (Optional): For trimming longer sections on top and blending, if needed.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Get the Patrick Mahomes Fade Haircut
Let’s break down how to achieve the classic Patrick Mahomes fade for yourself or your clients:
Step #1: Hair Preparation
Begin with clean, dry hair. Freshly washed hair is easier to manage, and you can better visualize the final result without product buildup obscuring things. If your starting hair length is particularly long, a rough trim with clippers or scissors will shorten the overall cutting process and make it easier to establish your guidelines.
Step #2: Set Your Guidelines
Establishing clear guidelines is essential for a smooth fade. For a Mahomes-inspired look, the first guideline typically sits just above the temples. Visualize this as an imaginary line across the side of the head. Your second guideline usually rests around the top of the ears. These guidelines serve as reference points for where you’ll transition between different clipper guards.
Step #3: Begin at the Bottom
Start with a #0 or #1 guard, depending on how short you want the base of the fade. Cut upwards against the direction of hair growth, starting at the base of the neck and moving up to your first guideline. Use an upward scooping motion with your clippers to begin the blending process. This creates the initial gradient of the fade.
Step #4: Second Guideline
Switch to a #1 or #2 guard. Starting just below your first guideline, cut upwards into the shorter hair you just created, using short horizontal motions with your clippers. This blends the two lengths together. Your goal is to smooth out any visible lines between the first and second sections. Stop when you reach your second guideline.
Step #5: Continue Blending
Progress to successively higher guards (e.g., a #2, then a #3 guard), always working from the bottom up. With each change in guard length, start slightly below the previous section and blend upwards using the same techniques. This gradual transition is what creates a seamless fade without harsh lines.
Step #6: The Burst Fade Curve
As you work your way around the back of the head, subtly shift your clippers in an outward arc around the ear. This creates the characteristic semi-circular shape of the burst fade. Keep the curve gradual and smooth for the most natural-looking effect.
Step #7: Line-Up and Finishing Touches
Switch to your T-blade trimmer for meticulous detailing. Clean up the neckline, removing any stray hairs for a sharp finish. With your trimmer, carefully refine the edges along the hairline at the forehead, temples, and sideburns for that extra crispness.
Step #8: Styling the Top: Mahomes Variations
The Mahomes fade is all about versatility. Here’s how to style the top section based on your preference:
- Textured: If the hair on top is too long, trim slightly with scissors. Apply a matte pomade or wax, distributing it evenly. Use your fingers or a comb to add texture and definition for a casually cool, slightly tousled look.
- Mini-Mohawk: Leave a bit more length on top. Apply mousse or a lightweight styling gel to damp hair for added volume. Blow-dry, directing the hair upwards, and finish with a touch of wax or pomade to shape a subtle mohawk with defined lines.
Final Result
Image Source: David Escamilla
Tips for Success
Achieving a truly flawless fade takes skill and attention to detail. Keep these tips in mind, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned barber looking to refine your techniques:
Practice Makes Perfect: Repetition is Key
Especially if you’re new to cutting fades, practice is crucial. Mannequin heads offer a great way to develop your hand movements and get familiar with blending techniques without the pressure of a live client. Recruiting a patient friend or family member for practice cuts is another excellent way to build confidence.
Good Lighting: Seeing is Believing
Make sure your workspace has ample lighting. Shadows can make it difficult to see where you’re cutting and to spot uneven areas in the fade that need smoothing. A well-lit space reduces the risk of mistakes and ensures accuracy as you work.
Small Sections: Control and Precision
When cutting fades, work in small, manageable sections. This allows for greater control and allows you to focus on blending seamlessly. Rushing through large sections often leads to visible lines and an uneven fade.
Mirror Check: Your 360-degree View
Regularly check your work from all angles, especially the back of the head, using a handheld mirror. This helps you spot any inconsistencies and catch areas that might need additional blending. Don’t rely solely on what you see in the main mirror – those smaller, detailed adjustments often happen with good mirror-checking!
Challenges and Troubleshooting
- Uneven Blending: This is a common challenge. Practice with the clippers off to get familiar with those scooping, blending motions. Take your time, and go back over areas with different guards to smooth out visible lines.
- Maintaining the Shape: Fades require regular touch-ups, ideally every 2-3 weeks, to keep the lines crisp. If you’re between barber visits, carefully clean up your hairline and sideburns with the trimmer.
- Matching Your Hair Type: Mahomes has thick, textured hair. If you have very fine hair, a slightly higher fade with shorter hair on top might be better to avoid any patchiness.
Finding the Right Barber
If cutting your own hair isn’t in the cards, choosing a skilled barber is crucial. Here’s how to find one:
- Specialization: Look for barbers who specialize in fades or specifically mention expertise with textured hair.
- Visuals: Ask to see their portfolio, either on social media or a website. Look for examples of well-executed fades.
- Clear Communication Bring pictures of Patrick Mahomes’ haircut and be specific about your preferences (high fade, length on top, etc.)
Final Note
The Patrick Mahomes fade is a winning haircut for a reason – it’s adaptable and universally flattering. The short faded sides offer a clean, sharp look that balances out rounder face shapes, while the slightly longer hair on top allows for versatility in styling.
Whether you prefer a textured, messy look or a more defined mini-mohawk, this haircut can be tailored to suit your personal style and hair type.
