Which tool is primarily used for fading techniques in barbering?

The primary tool used for fading techniques in barbering is the clipper. Clippers are designed to cut hair at different lengths and can be adjusted to create a seamless blend between shorter and longer lengths, which is essential for achieving the fade effect. Fading requires precision and control over hair length, and clippers are specifically built to handle that requirement through various guard sizes. They cut hair quickly and efficiently, allowing barbers to create sharp lines and smooth transitions between different lengths, which are hallmarks of a well-executed fade.

Other tools, such as scissors, can also be used in barbering but are less common for fading because they do not provide the same ease of creating uniform and gradual transitions. A comb is typically used to lift and guide hair as it is cut but is not a cutting tool itself. A razor may be used for detailing or texturizing but is not the primary instrument for fading techniques. Therefore, clippers are the definitive tool for creating fades in barbering.