Fade Away Cuts

A Barbershop Built on Steady Hands and Real Conversation

Fade Away Cuts is the kind of Albuquerque barbershop where you walk in during a lunch break and walk out feeling like your whole day just got a little easier. Owner Dominique Edmonds has spent nearly two decades behind the chair, and it shows in the calm, unhurried way she runs her shop. It's a cool space to get a clean, confident haircut from someone who genuinely loves the craft.

From a Small Town to a Career in Albuquerque Barbering

Dominique isn't originally from Albuquerque: she grew up in Soccorro, where work was hard to come by, and like a lot of people looking to build a better life, she made the move to the city. She actually commuted back and forth for six years before settling in Albuquerque full time in 2013 with her two kids in tow. That kind of dedication before the shop even opened tells you a lot about her work ethic.

Her path into the industry started around 2007, when she began cosmetology school, but that wasn't originally her plan. She'd wanted to focus on barbering and men's cuts from the start, but her path eventually shifted toward cosmetology. She earned her license, and got a job at a barbershop right out of school because that environment simply felt right to her.

Years of Experience Behind Every Fade

Dominique's resume reads like a real education in the trade. She spent two years at Great Clips early on, which she credits as a great place to learn the ropes, build a client base, and get paid hourly while she found her footing. From there, she landed at a barbershop run by a family connection, where she stayed for a full decade. That's where her skills really came together. She eventually went back to school specifically for her barbering license, sharpening the technical side of a craft she'd already been living day to day.

In 2021, right as the world was getting back to normal, Dominique decided it was time to open her own place. Fade Away Cuts was hers alone to build for the first four years, and she's since brought on a barber named Gabe Gambino to fill a second chair. It's a small, tight knit team, and the shop has a genuine, easygoing energy because of it.

Razor Fades, Classic Cuts, and Everything In Between

Dominique gives all kinds of cuts - she's especially known for razor fades, taking the sides down to the skin for that super smooth finish while blending seamlessly into however much length you want on top. She does a lot of razor cuts for long hair, and she's equally comfortable with scissors as she is with clippers, a rare combination that lets her handle tapers, flat tops, classic barbershop cuts, and modern styles with the same confidence.

Fade Away Cuts isn't just a men's shop either: Dominique and Gabe both work on women's cuts too, including A-line bobs and choppy, textured styles that use razor work to add movement and edge. While more of her regulars tend to be men and kids who come in often for cleanup cuts, she genuinely enjoys the women's clientele and the different techniques those cuts call for.

A Family Friendly Shop With Room for Every Style

Walk into Fade Away Cuts and you'll notice it's built for everyone, and the shop has a warm, welcoming feel that puts people at ease. Whether you want to chat the whole time or just sit back and relax, Dominique lets the visit be whatever you need it to be that day.

She's also quick to point out that no two clients are alike, and that's part of what keeps the work interesting for her. She's learned to see every unusual request or bold style as a creative challenge rather than something out of the ordinary. That mindset, treating each cut as its own small art project, is a big part of why her regulars trust her with more than just a routine trim.

What to Expect When You Sit in Her Chair

If you're a first time visitor, expect a relaxed, low pressure environment. A lot of people stop in on their lunch break or as a way to reset from a busy day, and you don't have to worry about the outcome. Dominique's approach is built on consistency and care, so you know you're leaving with a clean, sharp cut every time.

Even loyal regulars who've gotten the same haircut for years occasionally decide to switch things up, and Dominique welcomes it, even if it means taking a little extra time to adjust her usual rhythm. She genuinely enjoys those moments because they push her creatively and almost always end with a client who's thrilled with something new.

Looking Ahead at Fade Away Cuts

Dominique's plans for the future are refreshingly grounded: she'd like to bring on a couple more barbers as the shop grows, but she has no interest in turning Fade Away Cuts into something flashy or exclusive. She wants it to stay exactly what it is now, a comfortable, no pressure place where people can get a great haircut and enjoy a little conversation along the way.

At the end of the day, what matters most to her is simple: Dominique wants every client to walk out feeling better about their day and good about the choices they've made, whether that's a fresh fade or a totally new look. If you're looking for an Albuquerque barbershop where the vibe is as good as the cut, Fade Away Cuts is definitely worth a visit!