22 March,2026 11:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Dhara Vora Sabhnani
Musician Zayn Malik rocks a mean fade. PIC/GETTY IMAGES
March temperatures are already hitting a record high, and maintaining your hair in this humidity is the biggest challenge. The solution - a fade cut. Be it with a short crop on top, bleached platinum, or even with a bun.
One of the most popular cuts in the city according to local barbershops, the fade even has musician John Mayer's stamp of approval. At his recent concert in the city, Mayer gave a shoutout to Mumbai men, who he feels have the best fade cuts, "Men, your haircuts are fantastic. I have never seen more care, talent and skill put into the fade. I want to run my hand through all of your hair."
At his recent concert in the city, John Mayer gave a shoutout to Mumbai men, who he feels have the best fade cuts: "Men, your haircuts are fantastic... I want to run my hand through all of your hair." Pic/Getty Images
And most men don't spend more than Rs 200 at the local barbershop, which also serves as a de-stress hub to get the news of the neighbourhood. Very much like Ice Cube's 2002 movie, Barbershop.
Mulund resident Jay Solanki, 23, has just completed his MBA from ICFAI Business School, Pune, and one of the things he missed most about aamchi Mumbai was his local barbershop.
Hairstylist Shubham Bhatiya gives a fade to his client Jay Solanki
"Every three months, I would come home, and get a cut first thing. I tried local barbershops in Pune but they didn't really work," says Solanki, who frequents Thane's Samrat Hair Parlour for his fade cuts. "I have been sporting a fade for five years now as it is so easy to maintain. I didn't even know it was called a fade at first, but I haven't gotten another cut since. I'm glad it's still trending," he adds.
His hairstylist, Shubham Bhatiya, 39, has been cutting hair since the age of 18. Bhatiya has diplomas and certificates in hairstyling and cutting, but his first lessons came from spending summer holidays at his uncle's barbershop in Dungarpur, Rajasthan.
After honing his experience at salon chains in the city, Bhatiya joined Samrat, started by his father Geharilalji Bhatiya in 1991. "It's my father's legacy. And mujhe bhi mazza aata hai sabki stories sunn ne ko. My goal is not money, but to make people look good and to give them a good experience. When a guy walks on the road, people should notice he has a good cut," says Bhatiya.
Most men, however, don't cut their hair for style, but need - unless it's for festivals or birthdays - he says. But GenZ is regular with cuts. Fades remain the most common cuts men go for, he says, "ever since David Villa, David Beckham and Ronaldo made them popular more than a decade ago."
For 2026 summer, he says taper fades, mullet fades are trending in Mumbai. Most people don't think about what cut will suit the Indian hair type or their face shape. Luckily, it works because, "It is easy to maintain and you just need a little wax, no expensive products to style. So many Mumbaikars use two wheelers, a fade will look good even when you take off the helmet."
Malad resident Siddharth Bhatia has been sporting a fade for a decade now. "Back when I first got it, I didn't know what it was called. I finally overheard someone call it a fade and got one. I still sport one, as I do not know what else to ask for. But I like how it looks, especially after I let my hair grow out a bit. It helps me look sharper," says the 30-year-old graphic designer.
Siddharth Bhatia
Bhatia is also a football fan, and he says back when he used to play, every second person playing football at the turf had the same cut, as did pro players. "Even manga and comics depict similar hairstyles. It helps keep sweat and hair away from the face," he says.
Bhatia goes to Kohinoor, near Orlem Church, "a barbershop my dad goes to too".
"Everyone in the area goes to Kohinoor and they like to talk about what's happening in the neighbourhood" - from redevelopment, to what happened at church, or who had the best rain dance and DJ in their society for Holi, he adds.
"It's not just about the value for money; the experience is grounded and more authentic. Big chains can be overwhelming, and there's a pressure to dress well. I like the ease of the local shop," says Bhatia.
Ad film director Brian Saldanha says having short hair and a military style fade comes naturally to him as he has grown up playing a lot of sports. "I also had to keep my hair short growing up as my mum was a teacher in the same school I studied in."
Brian Saldanha
"As a teenager, my coaches benched me for not having a disciplined haircut," says the 32-year-old. A fade with different lengths on top was a natural progression for Saldanha, who was looking for a cool cut post school. "I stick to fade because it's easy to maintain, groom and look after. I had a phase for long hair. But that didn't last long with Mumbai's humidity."
Saldanha has a fixed barber:
Rohit Anand salon in Chembur. When his regular is shut, he visits other small barbershops close to his home. "I get my hair cut the same way every time. You will spend less than Rs 500 at any local barbershop for a shave and a haircut, and a champi thrown in too."
Mid Fade: A versatile option that starts at the middle of the sides
Low Taper Fade: Keeps sides subtle, blending just above the ears and neck for a balanced look
Drop Fade: The fade dips behind the ear, maintaining a dark area to contrast with longer, curly hair
Styling: Use a diffuser on low heat to minimize frizz and add volume. For curly hair, apply curl-enhancing cream & gel to define locks. Mousse and sea salt to add volume
Maintenance: Regularly trim the sides to keep the fade sharp and prevent it from looking unkempt as curls grow out
Avani Yashwin
By Avani Yashwin, Founder, Happy In The Head
>> âOval face: Most fades work but mid fade has a perfect balance
>> âRound face: Sides tight + volume on top
>> âHeart or diamond face: Low fade or drop fade avoids the forehead looking wider and softens the chin
>> âSquare face: High fade or skin fade highlights jawline and maximises contrast
>> âLong rectangular face: Low-maintenance low fade with no unnecessary height on top
