Are you looking to rock a bold, edgy hairstyle that will turn heads? Look no further than the short mohawk fade! This iconic haircut combines the rebellious spirit of the mohawk with the clean, gradual fade that has taken the men’s grooming world by storm.
But achieving the perfect short mohawk fade can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the world of self-styling. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explain how to create a flawless short mohawk fade, from the initial cut to the final styling touches.
We’ll share expert tips and tricks to help you navigate common pitfalls and ensure that your fade is perfectly blended and your mohawk is razor-sharp. You’ll learn about the tools you’ll need, the techniques to master, and the key steps to follow for a successful short mohawk fade.
Whether you’re a bold trendsetter or simply looking to update your look, the short mohawk fade is a versatile and eye-catching choice. So, grab your clippers, and let’s dive into the world of mohawk fades!
Preparing for Your Mohawk Fade
Before diving into the step-by-step process of achieving a short mohawk fade, it’s crucial to ensure that your hair is prepped and ready for the cut. Proper preparation will make the entire process smoother and help you achieve the best possible results.
1. Hair Length and Texture
The ideal hair length for a short mohawk fade is at least 2 inches on top, with shorter sides. This length allows for enough hair to create the signature mohawk strip while providing sufficient room for the gradual fade.
When it comes to texture, both straight and curly hair types can rock a mohawk fade. However, if you have particularly curly or textured hair, you may need to spend more time on the styling phase to ensure that your mohawk maintains its shape.
2. Washing and Detangling
First, ensure your hair is clean and free of any products, such as gel or pomade. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup, and follow up with a lightweight conditioner to keep your hair moisturized and manageable.
Once your hair is clean, use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush to gently remove any knots or tangles. Start from the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots to minimize breakage and ensure your hair is smooth and ready for cutting.
3. Drying and Sectioning
Before cutting, your hair should be completely dry. Use a blow dryer on a low heat setting to speed up the drying process or allow your hair to air dry if you have the time.
Once your hair is dry, use a comb to create a clear parting line down the center of your head, from your forehead to the back of your neck. This will serve as a guide for creating the mohawk strip and ensuring that your fade is even on both sides.
Tools and Supplies Needed
Before you start creating your short mohawk fade, you must gather all the necessary tools and supplies. Having everything on hand will make the process more efficient and help you achieve professional-looking results.
1. Clippers and Attachments
A high-quality set of hair clippers is the most crucial tool for achieving a mohawk fade. Look for clippers with adjustable blade lengths and multiple guard attachments to ensure a smooth, even fade.
A tapering comb attachment is also helpful for creating a seamless transition from the shorter sides to the longer mohawk strip.
2. Scissors and Combs
A pair of sharp, professional-grade scissors will be necessary for trimming and shaping the mohawk strip. You’ll also need a fine-tooth comb for sectioning and detangling hair and a wide-tooth comb for evenly distributing styling products.
3. Barber Cape and Neck Strip
To keep your hair off your clothes and minimize cleanup, invest in a quality barber cape. A neck strip will also help to create a clean, straight line at the base of your hairline.
4. Styling Products
Depending on your desired look, you may need various styling products to keep your mohawk fade in place. Pomade, wax, or gel can help you create texture, spikes, or a sleek, polished appearance. A light-hold hairspray can also keep your style in place throughout the day.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting a Mohawk Fade
Now that your tools and supplies are ready, it’s time to start creating your short mohawk fade. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve the perfect look.
Prepping the Hair and Cutting the Top
- Begin by washing and drying your hair, ensuring it’s free of tangles and knots.
- Using your fine-tooth comb, create a clear parting line down the center of your head, from your forehead to the back of your neck.
- Clip the top section of your hair (the mohawk strip) out of the way so you can focus on the sides and back.
- With your clippers, cut the sides and back to your desired length, using a guard attachment that suits your preferred fade level (e.g., a #2 guard for a shorter fade).
- Unclip the top section and trim the mohawk strip to your desired length and shape using scissors. For a classic mohawk, the strip should be longer in the front and gradually taper towards the back.
Initiating the Fade and Detailed Shaping
- Start the fade process by using a lower guard attachment (e.g., a #1 or #0) to create a shorter length at the bottom of the sides and back.
- Gradually work your way up the head, using progressively longer guard attachments to create a smooth transition from the shorter bottom to the longer top.
- Use your tapering comb attachment to blend the fade seamlessly into the mohawk strip, ensuring there are no visible lines or boundaries.
- For added precision, use your scissors to further shape and define the mohawk strip, creating a clean, crisp outline.
- Clean up the hairline and neck area using clippers or a razor for a polished look.
Refining and Styling Your Mohawk Fade
- Classic Mohawk Fade: For a timeless look, style the mohawk strip upwards and slightly back using a small amount of pomade or wax. Use your fingers or a comb to create a smooth, uniform shape.
- High Mohawk Fade: To achieve a high mohawk fade, start the fade process higher on the head, leaving more length on the sides. Style the mohawk strip upwards and slightly forward for a bold, edgy appearance.
- Afro Hair with Mohawk Fade: For textured or curly hair, embrace your natural texture by allowing the mohawk strip to remain curly. Use a pick or wide-tooth comb to create volume and shape, and apply a light-hold product to keep the curls defined.
- Edgy Wide Mohawk Fade: Create a wider mohawk strip by leaving more hair on top and making the sides shorter. Style the mohawk into spikes or a textured, messy look using a strong-hold product like gel or wax.
- Burst Design: To add a unique twist to your mohawk fade, incorporate a burst design. This involves creating a circular or semi-circular shape at the back of the head, with the fade radiating outwards from this point.
- Blending: To ensure that your mohawk fade looks seamless, carefully blend the fade into the mohawk strip. Use your scissors or clippers to eliminate any harsh lines and create a smooth transition.
Styling Your Mohawk Fade
Once you’ve cut and shaped your short mohawk fade, it’s time to explore the various styling options available to help you express your personal style and creativity.
Creating Spikes
For an edgy, punk-inspired look, consider styling your mohawk into spikes. To achieve this:
- Apply a small amount of strong-hold gel or wax to your damp mohawk strip.
- Using your fingers or a comb, separate the hair into small sections and gently twist each section upwards to create individual spikes.
- For added definition and hold, use a small amount of hairspray to lock the spikes in place.
Adding Texture
If you prefer a more relaxed, textured appearance, you can use various styling products to create a tousled, messy look:
- Rub a small amount of pomade or styling cream between your palms and work it through your mohawk strip, focusing on the ends of your hair.
- Use your fingers to gently scrunch and twist the hair, creating a messy, piecey texture.
- For a matte finish and extra hold, lightly mist your mohawk with a texturizing spray.
Maintaining Your Style
To keep your mohawk fade looking its best throughout the day, it’s essential to use the right styling products:
- Pomade: A water-based pomade provides a medium to strong hold with a slight sheen, perfect for classic or slicked-back mohawk styles.
- Wax: Hair wax offers a stronghold and a matte finish, ideal for creating spikes, textured looks, or taming flyaways.
- Gel: For maximum hold and control, use a high-quality hair gel to sculpt your mohawk into place and maintain a sleek, polished appearance.
- Hairspray: A light-hold hairspray can help to lock your mohawk style in place without leaving your hair feeling stiff or crunchy.
Conclusion
In this step-by-step guide, we’ve covered everything you need to know to achieve a stunning short mohawk fade.
From preparing your hair and gathering the necessary tools to cutting, fading, and styling your mohawk, you have the knowledge and skills to create this bold and versatile look at home.
Remember, the key to a successful mohawk fade is patience, practice, and attention to detail. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect – with time and experience, you can master this stylish and edgy haircut.
Whether you opt for a classic, high, or wide mohawk, fade or choose to add a unique twist like a burst design or textured spikes, your new look is sure to turn heads and express your style.
Share your success story and inspire others to try this bold, eye-catching hairstyle for themselves. If you found this guide helpful, like, comment, and share it with your friends and family.
