What tool is primarily used to create fades in hairstyling?

Clippers are primarily used to create fades in hairstyling due to their ability to deliver precise and consistent hair lengths. They come with various attachments or guards that allow the barber or stylist to easily blend different lengths of hair, achieving a seamless transition from shorter to longer hair. The motorized cutting action of clippers enables professionals to work efficiently and effectively, providing a clean and polished look that is characteristic of a well-executed fade.

While scissors, combs, and razors have their own distinct purposes in hairstyling, they are not as effective as clippers for achieving the smooth gradient necessary for a proper fade. Scissors are mainly used for cutting hair and layering, a comb assists in sectioning and positioning hair, and a razor is often used for texturizing or creating softer edges rather than for the fundamental fading technique. Thus, clippers are essential tools in the barber's arsenal specifically for creating fades.