Which type of haircut is commonly referred to as a "fade"?

A "fade" haircut is characterized by a gradual transition from short to long hair, typically around the sides and back of the head. This technique involves gradually blending the hair from a shorter length at the bottom to a longer length at the top, creating a seamless look. The skillful blending is key to achieving the fade effect, which can vary in how high or low it starts on the head.

In contrast, the other types of haircuts listed do not provide this gradual transition. A blunt cut gives a straight edge at the end of the hair, usually at shoulder length, creating a clear line without the variation in length that defines a fade. A layered haircut involves cutting the hair at different lengths, which adds volume and texture but also does not achieve the specific short-to-long transition of a fade. A pixie cut is a very short hairstyle that generally does not incorporate the blending technique associated with fades.

Thus, understanding the unique characteristics of each haircut type helps clarify why the gradual transition from short to long hair is what defines a fade.