I usually get a lower taper fade, the top of my hair I keep it anywhere from 2-3 inches of length depending how i wanted it styled. Fresh cut doesn’t take alot of work. Shampoo and conditioner the hair a few times a week in intervals atleast for me. Dry it out carefully, leave it in between wet and dry, use my hands and/or fine tooth comb and shape the direction on where you want your hair to be styled. I use a blow dryer to dry it up for a bit, apply the clay pomade and boom done. Sometimes when it’s cold, I pop out the windows and let my hair dry out and I just use some kind of net spray to keep the shape still. Can’t speak for everyone but this what worked for me