FAQ

Q: Is The Fading Theory open during the COVID19 pandemic?

A: The Fading Theory Barber Shop is open. Please see our COVID19 policies on each of our appointment pages. Our policies are continually updated, so contact us with any questions.

Q: Where are The Fading Theory shops located?

A: Our Pasadena Maryland location is at 2441 Mountain Rd suite D Pasadena, Maryland 21122. We are in the Mountain rd Shopping Center and only 16 minutes from Arundel Mills Mall. Click For Direction

Our Aberdeen Maryland location is at 32 N. Parke St, Aberdeen, Maryland 21001. We are directly beside Comcast and almost directly across from Festival park. We are just two buildings from city hall.  Click For Directions

Q: Do you accept credit cards, and if so, which ones?

A: The Fading Theory Barber Shop gladly accepts American Express, Master Card, Visa, and Discover; however, there may be fees associated with paying with a credit/debit card or any other form of electronic payment.

Q: Do you accept Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or other types of NFC payments?

A: The Fading Theory Barber Shop Pasadena accepts NFC (near-field communication) payments from Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, as well as others; however, there may fees associated with using these options. At this time our Aberdeen location no longer accepts NFC payments, however we will start accepting those payments again in mid 2024.

Q: Do you have cashapp?

A: Yes, our cashapp is $thefadingtheory. Text our appointment line at 410-652-2595 with your name and the service you would like, (adult fade, kid regular, etc.) as well as the day you are trying to secure. We will reply with any available times and the cost of the services. Next, send your payment via cashapp and we will text a confirmation of your booked appointment to you. Your appointment has not been booked, until we send a confirmation text to you. You may also text that same text line to cancel, or reschedule any scheduled appointments. Be mindful that failing to reschedule, or cancel an appointment a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time, no showing for an appointment, or arriving 10 minutes, or more late will result in forfeiture of any payments and cancellation of any services.

Q: Do you cut white and black peoples hair?

A: There is no such thing as “white people hair, or black people hair.” Please do not continue to promote that narrative. There is, however, straight hair, curly hair, and combinations of both. The Fading Theory Barber Shop cuts straight, curly, and combination hair.

Q: How do you pronounce the name of your CEO Mr. Walker?

A: You pronounce the name of our Chief Executive Officer Sibou Walker like (see-boo).

Q: Sibou doesn’t say much sometimes, but other times he does. Does he like me lol?

A: Sibou is a Cancer survivor and suffers from painful chemotherapy side affects. He is in pain 75% of the time daily. Sometimes the pain is manageable which allows his normal personality to shine. At other times the pain can be a 15 on a 1-10 scale. Have no fear that he doesn’t like you, because he does. Doctors feel the pain will subside in time. Thank you for understanding and your support.

Q: How long will a haircut, or other service take?

A: At The Fading Theory we do not churn and burn, as we are not fast food lol. All services are completed as soon as possible while keeping with our high standards of cleanliness and sanitation. Service times are listed when you select a service during the appointment process so that you have an idea of what to expect. All staff are focused on providing a quality visit, with quality services. If you are blessed to have our CEO Mr. Walker provide your services, those services at times may be longer than routine as he is a Cancer survivor and suffers from the chemotherapy side affects, so services may take a bit longer at times..

Q: Do you have a mobile phone app?

A: Yes, we are the first Barber Shop in Maryland to have its own dedicated mobile phone app, we have had it for years. You may download our app free on our home page or search The Fading Theory in your app store.

Q: Can product, gear and supplies purchased online be picked up rather than mailed?

A: As of November 2023 we no longer sell any product on our website, however we will soon offer products on our social media pages with shipping, or in store pickup options. You may call either location to check the availability of a product you are looking for.

Q: Do you know of any schools that I can contact for more information on learning how to become a barber?

A: The Fading Theory Barber Shop recommends Avara’s Academy of Hair. Avara’s

Q: Can you recommend any products for my hair?

A: Sure we can! Here at The Fading Theory we have our own line of hair-care products and would be glad to help you select one that works for your hair and, or beard.

Q: Do you take appointments as well as walk-ins?

A: The Fading Theory Barber Shop services clients by appointment and walk-in, however appointments will ALWAYS have priority over any walk-in service.  We are proud to be one of the few barber shops in Maryland that followed the appointment only state policy when it was initiated, as well as all other covid19 guidelines provided by the state. Be mindful that you forfeit ANY payments, or payment made for any services should you no show, or arrive 10 minutes or more late, or not reschedule a minimum of 30 minutes prior to that appointment, or not cancel an appointment a minimum of 30 minutes prior to that appointment. You may not be disruptive, harassing, vulgar, or threatening, etc., or you will be asked to leave and banned from returning to our facilities, as well as forfeiting any payments made for any service.

Q: I tried to make an appointment one day, but the online service would not let me. What happened?

A: If you do not see an available date or time on our schedule, please select another date and time. You cannot make an appointment that takes longer to complete than the time we have remaining in the day, or prior to the next appointment. If you are unable to make any appointments for any days, or times there may be an issue with your account status, so please contact us for more information.

Q: How do I cancel, or change an appointment?

A: To cancel, or change an appointment you may do any of the following. Call the location that you are scheduled with and speak with your barber personally. Leave a voice mail at the location you are scheduled with about the changes you would like, or text your barber on their cell phone with the needed changes. Be mindful of our company appointment policy and guidelines when attempting to make any changes to appointments, so you will not have to forfeit any payments that have been made.

Q: Are there any places nearby to grab a bite to eat or get a coffee?

A: There are several places within walking distance to grab a bite to eat, or drink at both of our Maryland locations. So that we may keep our facilities clean and tidy for you please consume all food/drinks prior to arriving at our shops.

Q: It is my child’s first hair cut. What can we expect?

A: Here at The Fading Theory Barber Shop we understand that first or early haircuts can sometimes be scary for the child, so we will not cut children’s hair, that are younger than 12 years old, unless they are just getting a regular (all even) haircut; however, they will not receive a shape up with that service. We try to work through the child’s haircut experience as best we can, but their ability to remain calm and still during the process can sometimes prevent the service from proceeding. Fades, style cuts, etc. will NOT be done on children under 12 years old.. Toddlers or infants will NOT receive haircuts at The Fading Theory in general, but you may check with any barber to see if they will perform that service on your child.

Q: Do you offer gift cards?

A: Yes, both of our Maryland locations offer gift cards that can be used at either location or at both locations. Gift cards range from $15 to $100 and can be reloaded or thrown away when the funds have been depleted. Gift cards are not replaceable if lost or stolen, so treat them like cash.

Q: How can I be sure that the place and person I currently use is licensed, legit, and legally permitted to work on me or my loved ones?

A: Well, we all know when something doesn’t look or feel right, so take a look around the facility inside and out, as well as the people working there. Formal training and higher education “usually” will lead professionals to act and carry themselves a certain way. All shops, barbers and cosmetologist must display their shop license. however, you may also try to confirm that ANY barber shop, or salon in Maryland is licensed and legally permitted to service clients by searching the following links State Barber Shops, or State Cosmetologists

Q: What are some things that I should look out for as a customer when entering a barber shop? You know, things that should be red flags to me and my loved ones?

A: Common sense is king! “Some” things that should give you pause when going to a shop are”

  1. Not following Maryland policy for COVID19.
  2. Staff bad mouthing other barbershops and other barbers..
  3. Any signs of illegal activity in the facility that is not being addressed.
  4. Lack of valid barber licenses with each barber’s picture attached to it at each workstation.
  5. Any apprentice barber working alone and not being supervised by a Master Barber, or is cutting hair and is operating as if a fully licensed barber.
  6. Lack of a valid shop license posted in the shop.
  7. Lack of the state barber boards rules and regulations being displayed in the shop.
  8. Foul and inappropriate behavior, language, or activities that are not being addressed by staff.
  9. Staff wearing pants hanging so low that it show their under garments, or buttocks.
  10. Unprofessional staff, employees, or contractors that are not being addressed and corrected.
  11. Upon entering the facility there is no greeting from staff.
  12. Any use of disparaging terms, such as the “N” word or using the “B” word to describe people by employees, staff, or contractors that is not being addressed and corrected.
  13. Any person not using a new razor blade on each client.
  14. A facility that shows no thought of maintaining a high level of cleanliness, etc.
  15. Any pets living in or roaming the facility.
  16. Any signs of a person, or people living in the shop.
  17. The barber NOT cleaning their clippers, work area, hands, and floor after EACH haircut. Sweeping hair in a corner for later clean-up is not permitted in Maryland.
  18. Barbers and staff that are more interested in putting down specific shops and barbers rather than letting their shop and services speak for themselves.
  19. Any shop, or barber with an anything goes mentality.
  20. Any shop allowing any form of smoking in the facility.

Q: Which social media accounts do you have?

A: The Fading Theory Barber Shops’ ONLY social media accounts are listed here. Click any media badge at the bottom of any page to be taken there. We have ONLY one web site and you are on it. We will be closing all social media accounts in the near future as those environments are too toxic and encourage bad behavior. We do not want to be part of any such things.

  1. Twitter: @thefadingtheory
  2. TikTok: thefadingtheory
  3. Instagram: thefadingtheory
  4. Facebook: The Fading Theory Barber Shop
  5. Yelp: The Fading Theory Barber Shop (We will be getting rid of this as Yelp continues to pick and choose which reviews to post.)
  6. Youtube: The Fading Theory Barber Shop
  7. Twitch: thefadingtheory

Q: I know how to cut hair, but I do not have a license. Can I cut hair in your shop?

A: For the health and safety of our clients as well as upholding our image and operating within the law, The Fading Theory Barber Shop only permits licensed barbers, apprentices, and cosmetologists to service clients. For more information about obtaining a barber’s license please click this Maryland government link How to become a licensed barber

The Fading Theory Barber Shop is different than other shops.

We operate and adhere to a professional barber shop experience and environment.

We are proud to be an ADOS owned, safe and family friendly entity for you, your children and other loved ones.

Have no fears of an inappropriate atmosphere, drug use, or the degradation of our people in our shops. We do not permit such things. We appreciate you, and we want to earn your business for many years to come.