How-To Video: Disconnected Drop Fade

The barbering industry is in the midst of a resurgence—men are taking greater interest in their self care and various trends are seeing a new light after fading (no pun intended) out for a period of time. To better suit this new breed of men, it's time to perfect your barbering skills.

In today's how-to video, John Delgado, Andis educator, demonstrates a disconnected drop fade. Now, of course the fade is a common go-to cut for a lot of men today, but incorporating a "drop" just behind the ear and down the neck gives the cut a little more character. Watch the process below:  

Step-by-Step:

  • Wet the top and create a horseshoe parting above the parietal. Use the Andis Master Clipper, blade closed. Clipper-over-comb through the parietal and angle down towards the occipital at the ear to build up weight through the back.
  • Apply the #3 attachment, blade closed. Then use the Andis Styling Comb for better tension and work in c-stroke motions starting at the temple up to your guide in the previous section. 
  • Switch to the #2 attachment, blade closed and use the same process working 1 inch lower to blend up into the previous section. Then angle the blade slightly outward to resolve any dark spots or shadows.
  • Apply the #1 attachment, open blade. Repeat just below your previously cut section. Then close the blade and at the top of the temple, with only a quarter of the blade touching the scalp, work in quick c-stroke motions around the occipital bone.
  • Remove attachment, open blade. Use the Barber Combo for better tension with short hair and repeat the same process with tighter c-strokes as you move lower on the head. Then close blade half way, tilt the head slightly away and repeat.
  • Close blade and angle out so only a few teeth are touching the scalp and work down the temple and around the perimeter with a tighter c-stroke or buff motion.
  • Using just the corner of the Andis T-Outliner Blade, follow your guide from the temple around to the back. In the nape, tip the head forward. Angle the blade slightly so you can cut through more bulk.
  • To define the perimeter, gently rest your knuckle on the face and pivot the trimmer using only the corner of the blade to create a curved shape. Keep the skin taught by lightly pulling it in the opposite direction.
  • Dampen the top and section out the front fringe in a V shape from just below each recession point.
  • Cut a 1 inch section down the center top using clipper-over-finger to create your guide. Then cut horizontally, combing the hair straight up to connect the sides.
  • Cut in pie shape sections on the crown to connect top to bottom, angling your fingers downward for good tension. Then move to the front hairline to define the finished length of the fringe.
  • Apply product in damp hair using scrunching motions to help preserve the curl. Use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment and gently hold on top of the head to build curl and eliminate frizz.

About: Andis Company, a family held business founded in 1922, is a leading manufacturer of handheld tools to trim, cut, curl, straighten and dry hair. The company’s products are purchased in more than 90 countries by barbers and salon professionals, consumers, hotels, motels, resorts, small animal groomers and large animal groomers and shearers. To find a local distributor, call 800-558-9441 or visit andis.com