TARIQ HOWES, BABYLISS PRO AMBASSADOR,
SHOWS THE SIX STEPS TO THE MEDIUM FADE WITH WAVES
Using your clippers, take the hair down to a Number 2 with the grain following the growth pattern from the crown, then moving forward.
Make your zero guideline with the clipper first, then follow up and clean remaining hair up with the trimmer. Do this to avoid making a hard line with the trimmer.
Make your barrier line with the Number 1 guard, about a finger width above the zero line to control how high you take the fade, then work back down towards the zero line with the 0.5 guard dropping it closer to a zero as we get closer to the guideline.
With the Number 2 guard, start working out the barrier line you created with the Number 1 guard, working over it being careful not to follow the curvature of the head.
Use the Number 1.5 guard and Number 1 guard (open), working closer to the barrier line to finish removing the line and completing the fade. I like to use my 0.5 to pick out and refine the fade, also removing any shaded areas left.
Finish off the cut by outlining the shape starting with the sides from the recession area down to the temple area, then working back to create a nice arch, then moving on to the front/fringe area - starting in the middle then work your way to the sides to connect the shape up. Finish off with a razor to make the shape up look even sharper.