“A high skin fade is kind of like a man’s way of showing some cleavage, some skin,” told Kirk Riley, hair-dresser and barbershop owner in an interview with GQ.

As the brains behind the Queens-based mecca of everything hair and grooming-related, Otis & Finn, Kirk knows what he is talking about.

With over half a decade’s worth of experience under his belt, the multitalented barber handled hundreds of customers eager to add just a bit of oomph to their looks.

High skin fades are a special type of drop fade, and as such, their appeal is undeniable.

While drop fade refers to a cut that involves an easily-noticeable gradient tapered to your headline, high fade stands calls for cleanly-shaved, well-structured sides.

Although both options are highly coveted, it’s good to lay down the groundwork and figure out which cut suits the frame of your face best before you head to a barber and subject yourself to some vigorous trimming.

Hence this article. Everyone could benefit from opting for a drop fade – just look at the pictures if you don’t believe me –but there’s no one size fits all.

The texture of your hair, the shape of your head, the colour of your skin, your tattoos and, of course, your facial hair (or lack thereof) will each play a crucial factor in the decision-making process.

The drop fade garnered unexpected popularity in the past few years because it allows its wearers to freshen up their hair cut, to add a touch of originality – without getting noticed too much for it at work.

Look at it this way: a drop fade helps you draw all attention to your best features – without drastically altering your appearance.

David Beckham, Jamie Foxx, and Zayn Malik are just a few celebrities who swear by this look, and it’s easy to see why.

The drop fade hits the sweet spot between the ‘true and tested’ and the ‘bold and unusual,’ allowing its wearers to express just the right amount of individuality without coming across as too bold or extravagant.