absolutely not! i fade up to the 5 (3,4,5) and do not have any issues. of course the overall cut must be right as well....i suggest very slowly trimming with a razor comb....just a bit at a time otherwise you risk screwing up the blend.....it is also very important to have a perfect color match and maybe a bit of product...if i get a chance to search for it i will post a pic. i remember taking a pic or 2 while i was tweaking....if i remember correctly i also needed to use some black malva....i would post a pic from right now but i currently have my sides faded as follows 2, 4, 3...seems odd with the 4 in the middle but it works and the piece is left long and pulled back into a pony tail.....besides its time to de/re which i just havent had time for