Clipper fade debate: zero gapped vs leaving a slight blend

I tried zero gapping my clippers on a client last week cause I wanted that super clean line up. It gave a real sharp look but the dude had some weird cowlick right on his temple and it left a bald patch I had to fix with shears. Now im wondering if zero gapping is even worth the risk on most heads. Feels like leaving a tiny bit of guard gives you more room to mess up and fix things. What do you guys do for your fades?

2 comments

2 Comments

lewis.charlie1mo ago

Zero gapping is fine for straight hair but man, cowlicks will expose you every time. What kind of hair type do you usually see walking through your door? If you're dealing with coarse or curly textures mostly, seems like leaving a little guard space would save you a ton of headache.

troyp371mo ago

Feel for you man, that cowlick situation is the worst. Honestly @lewis.charlie you're spot on about texture mattering a ton, curly or coarse hair will just laugh at a zero gap. I keep a tiny bit of blade space now too, just gives me that extra second to catch problems before they get too real.