Trend Alert: Fade Haircuts Refuse To Fade Gracefully Into Obscurity
Some phenomena, like animal sacrifice, acid-wash denim and dolphin tattoos, come and go according to the ebb and flow of societal taste and trends. But others, for better or worse, are seemingly here to stay. Take, for instance, the fade haircut. This simple hairstyle, recently embraced by the follicularly-adventurous Ricky Martin, consists of a crop of gelled, spiked, curled or expertly shorn hair worn at the top of the head, with the sides closely shaved. Below, please join us as we journey through a veritable Funhouse of memories relating to this very special style:
Some suggest it originated as a form of post-war rebellion, referencing soldiers’ crew cuts while allowing for an injection of individual style. Others hypothesize it is worn to make men look as much like a giant, walking phallus as humanly possible.
We first became personally acquainted with this style in the late 1980s, as it was the favored hairstyle of the incomparable Kid ‘n Play. Later, we watched in horror curious fascination as one, then a dozen, then every single boy at our Junior High dances in Miami wore the cut, sometimes complimented by the rather appropriately and sexily named “mushroom top.”
Today, the cut seems to be a mainstay of the Latino community. While the Jheri Curl and the Ducktail, the Mullet and the Rattail have all faded into obscurity save within certain geographic locations and among specific communities, the Fade refuses to fade. So, tell us, have you ever worn this style? Do you wear one now? Do you, like, seriously think that looks good? And doesn’t the one blonde guy in the video look totally constipated?
8
- Managing Editor
Daniel Mauser
- Editor
Cindy Casares
- Associate Editor
Alex Alvarez
- Contributing Editors
Gabriel Caro - Camilla Rowan
- Video Editor
Marcelo Cunning
The Fade scares me a lot less than the Mushroom Top/Little Fireman/OK let’s just stop there, that is making its way back in.
Posted by csdiego | December 19, 2007
how could you call this hairstyle a “fade” hairstyle. how does it “fade”? there are probably a dozen more appropriate terms to describe this hairstyle. it’s difficult to express how inappropriate and ignorant this is. unfortunately, it’s also not shocking coming from you. i’d go on to berate you in spanish, but i’m only mexican on the outside.
ps
aryans always look constipated in Ana Land.
Posted by Fat Elvis | December 19, 2007
@ Corpulent Corpse: I love it when you berate me, dollface.
Posted by ...dijo Alex | December 19, 2007
The fade is the perfect haircut for late adolescence and early adulthood.
But when men keep fadin’ into their late twenties and early thirties, it’s just stupid, lazy, and in no way befitting someone who’s had the experience of having to get a haircut every two weeks.
The fade is the mark of the chooch, or the chuntaro. Take your pick.
Posted by pocho_guey_al_norte | December 19, 2007
I have had a fade since I was 7 years old. I am 26 now. Almost 20 years! Time to change?
Posted by Joe | December 19, 2007
I don’t think the fade is as offensive as a gold lame suit, or death by choking on one’s own vomit. But I digress. I think Daniel just got a Fade in Buenos Aires. And I sort of have one. Down below. So, no secret santa for you, Alex.
Posted by Bosrican | December 19, 2007
@ Bosman: Yes, and you’re both a couple of lame-o’s. Everyone at Guanabee should have bangs. Cindy knows what’s up.
Posted by ...dijo Alex | December 19, 2007
@Borsican: I’ve missed you! I thought we were talking about the hair up there. Manscaping is entirely another thing. But I do want to see pictures of Mauser with a Fade. It’d be a lucky charm!
BTW: Liking the crappy ice and slush out here in Boston? It makes for such great walking.
@Joe: Yes. At 26, you’d have a pretty decent start. Find someone who’ll take more than 15 minutes to cut your hair and have a discussion on what you’re looking for, and s/he can tell you what they are or will be doing with your greñas. The hour on the chair is pretty awesome. And restful. And booze-filled, if you go to the right place. Beware though, it takes some experimenting and growing your hair out to find what you’re looking for.
Posted by pocho_guey_al_norte | December 20, 2007