What is skin fade vs zero fade?

Here's a breakdown of the difference between a skin fade and a zero fade:

Both a skin fade and a zero fade are types of fades where the hair tapers down to the skin, but the degree of skin exposure and the starting point of the fade differ.

• Skin Fade: A skin fade blends the hair down to the skin. How high the fade starts on the head is customizable. It's a general term, and barbers can adjust the starting point of the fade based on client preference. Some skin fades begin high on the head, while others may start lower.

• Zero Fade: A zero fade also tapers down to the skin, but it specifies that the shortest part of the hair is cut to a "#0" guard length (or sometimes with no guard at all using trimmers or a shaver), effectively being very close to the skin but potentially leaving the tiniest bit of stubble. This creates a sharper contrast and a more noticeable transition to the skin than some skin fades.