Is the fade, which is the graduated haircut, considered among the forbidden Qaza’?

Cutting hair in layers (or in steps) does not fall under the forbidden qaza’, which is the shaving of parts of the head while leaving other parts. However, if this haircut is an imitation of disbelievers, then it is not permissible, due to the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”