A fade haircut is a popular men’s style where the hair on the sides and back gradually gets shorter and blends into the skin. The top is kept longer, creating a nice contrast. You can choose between a low fade, mid fade, or high fade, and each gives a different look. Where the fade starts changes how bold or subtle your haircut looks.
The main characteristics of low, mid, and high fades as well as which style could work best for you are covered in this tutorial. It's a useful method to make a decision prior to your next barber appointment.
What is a Low Fade Haircut?
A low fade starts just above the ears and blends up slowly. It gives a clean, neat look that’s great for work or formal settings. It’s low-maintenance and works well with many hairstyles like side parts, comb overs, and even man buns. For a polished finish and stronger hold, style it with Spike hair styling wax.
Key Features of a Low Fade Haircut
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Where it starts: Just above the ear
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Look: Subtle and professional
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Blend: Smooth and soft
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Good for: Businessmen and those who prefer a classic style
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Style options: Drop fade, burst fade, or temple fade for extra flair
What is a Mid Fade Haircut?
A mid fade haircut begins around the temples or the middle of the head. It’s a nice balance between bold and classic. It stands out more than a low fade but isn’t as dramatic as a high fade. This fade is versatile for both casual and formal looks, and pairs well with products like Baller hair styling wax for a defined, lasting style.
Key Features of a Mid Fade haircut
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Where it starts: Around the middle of the sides
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Look: Trendy and balanced
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Blend: Sharper than a low fade
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Good for: Stylish professionals or younger guys
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Style options: Try a drop, burst, or temple mid fade for a fresh twist
What is a High Fade Haircut?
A high fade starts near the top of your head. It quickly blends into shorter hair for a sharp and bold look. It brings more focus to the hair on top and is great for modern, edgy hairstyles like mohawks, quiffs, or slick backs. Use Resist styling wax to enhance the volume and hold of these bold styles.
Key Features of a High Fade Haircut
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Where it starts: High up, near the crown
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Look: Bold and striking
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Blend: Very short with visible skin
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Good for: Trendy or rebellious styles
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Style options: High drop fade, burst fade, or temp fade for extra flair
Low Fade vs Mid Fade vs High Fade: What’s the Difference?
Each fade changes the contrast on your sides and back, so think about your personal style and lifestyle before choosing.
Other Popular Types of Fade Haircuts
Want to take your fade to the next level? Here are a few modern variations:
Skin Fade
Blends the hair down to the skin at the bottom, giving a super clean and sharp finish.
Drop Fade
Instead of a straight fade line, it curves down behind the ear, creating a rounded shape at the back.
Burst Fade
Fades in a circular pattern around the ears. It works great with mohawks and mullets.
Temp Fade
Also called a temple fade, it focuses on blending the hair around the temples while leaving the rest of the sides longer.
Undercut Fade
Mixes a fade with an undercut. The sides are faded, but there's a clear separation between the short sides and the longer hair on top.
Final Thoughts
Fade haircuts are stylish, flexible, and fit almost any face shape or personal style. Whether you go with a low, mid, or high fade, you can customize it to match your vibe. Talk to your barber about the look you want, and don’t be afraid to try different types to see what fits you best. For inspiration on how to pair fades with modern styles, check out The Best Textured Crop Haircuts for Men.