You’ve likely heard someone in your life, whether it’s your best friend, gym buddy, or barber, talk about fade haircuts, but have you ever tried one for yourself? Fade haircuts have stood the test of time (they date back to the 1940s) and are now considered a new “classic” in the world of men’s grooming. Ahead, we’re sharing everything there is to know about fade haircuts, so you can decide whether this is the look for you. Discover what they are, how long they last, and 15 fade haircut ideas that can get you inspired for your next barber appointment.
What Is a Men’s Fade Haircut?
A fade haircut gradually “fades” from shorter at the sides to longer at the top of your head. To achieve a fade haircut, a barber will use clippers to create the fade hairstyle variation of your choosing. There are quite a few options, some of which we’ll dig into further down.
How Long Does a Fade Last?
A fade can last anywhere from one to three weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows and which type of fade hairstyle you’ve chosen. A tight fade haircut like a skin fade, for example, where the hair on the sides is shaved down to the skin completely, will need to be maintained every week or two to keep it looking its best. A more low-maintenance option like a low fade, however, can last up to three weeks between barber appointments.
Which Fade Haircut Is Best?
The fade is versatile and available in a range of lengths and shapes that play well with any hair type and texture. Certain fade haircuts can be more high-maintenance than others, so be sure to talk with your barber about which look is best for your lifestyle.
Looking for fade haircut ideas to try? Keep scrolling for 15 of the most popular looks to choose from.
15 Fade Haircut Ideas To Try Now
Good hair day by @hatzianestis_cutz.
Taper Fade
One of the most on-trend cuts of the past decade is the taper fade. To get the look, ask your barber to taper down the hair on the sides and back of your head while leaving the hair longer at the top. The result is a subtle gradient that can work with any hair type or texture.
Good hair day by @hair_by_luis.
Taper Fade With Texture
When it comes to how long you should wear your hair with a taper fade, the choices are nearly endless. Keep the top short or leave it long to play with texture and movement. If you do choose to leave some length, emphasize it with a texturizing paste, like the Redken Pliable Paste. This formula stays flexible so you can rearrange and tousle your hair until you’re happy with the results.
Good hair day by @barberbirdman.
Low Fade
Hoping to subtly edge into a fade? Start subtle with a low fade haircut. For this look, your barber will trim the hair just above the ears very short, blending it with longer hair at the middle of your scalp. It’s a simple, easy transition into a fade—one that freshens up your look without creating a lot of drama. To style this cut on the daily, use a texturizing pomade to shape the longer strands atop your head. We recommend the Shu Uemura Art of Hair Ishi Sculpt Hair Pomade for long-lasting hold and a demi-matte finish.
Good hair day by @borys_lee.
High Fade
If you choose a high fade, expect a haircut significantly shorter on the sides than the kind you may be used to. For this look, your barber will fade out your strands around eye level. Once you have the cut, try slicking it back for a sleek look. Use a dollop of Shu Uemura Art of Hair’s Umou Hold Hair Cream to smooth the hair and create a controlled style with natural-looking shine.
Good hair day by @theloftfifthavenuegents.
Mid Fade
The mid fade is the literal middle point between a high and low fade. As such, you’ll get the best of both worlds with this look: plenty of hair to run your fingers through but all the flair of a trendy cut.
Good hair day by @hairbyjemina.
Mid Fade With Curls
Balance and help tame heavy ringlets while showing off your natural texture with a mid-fade haircut. To help shape your curls, try the Redken Sculpting Curl Gel, which allows you to define your texture without weighing your hair down.
Good hair day by @taylorcutz1.
Skin Fade
Because the hair around the back and sides is almost all shaved away, this look is sometimes referred to as the bald fade. It’s also a look that takes regular maintenance—keep that in mind before scheduling an appointment to get your own.
Good hair day by @da_boda.
Curly Skin Fade
Allow your curls to take center stage with this skin fade haircut. Not to mention: Leaving the hair at the top of your head long while adding faded edges can make natural curls easier to manage.
For an easy way to style your curly fade, apply a dime-sized amount of light-hold gel like Matrix A Curl Can Dream Light Hold Gel throughout your hair. Then, let your hair air dry or blow-dry it with a diffuser.
Good hair day by @barberbirdman.
Drop Fade
To add some edge to your aesthetic, try a drop fade. The fade line drops gradually as it goes behind the ear, creating a look that draws attention to the hair at the top of your head. For an optimal finish, you’ll want a lot of volume. To pump it up, try Redken’s Stay High Mousse, which thickens, volumizes, and bodifies the look of your hair.
Good hair day by @nicos.cu.
Hard Part Fade
Ask your barber for a hard part fade if you want a cut that’s effortlessly neat and sophisticated. Your barber will create a sharp line on one side of your head that separates the top and bottom of your hair. This cut looks best on hydrated hair that has a bit of shine. When styling at home, use a few drops of Kérastase’s Elixir Ultime Original Hair Oil to smooth your hair and add shine. The oil is also a heat protectant, making it perfect if you blow-dry your hair.
Good hair day by @silvapeluquero.
Crop Fade
This look combines the style and length of a cropped Caesar haircut with the uniform shape of a high fade.
Good hair day by @the_texture_junkie.
Pompadour Fade
Classics like the ‘50s-inspired pompadour never go out of style, but adding a soft low fade to the polished look gives it a modern edge. Note: You’ll need at least two to three inches of hair at the top of your head and a high-hold gel, like Matrix’s Styling Controller Gel, to create a pompadour hairstyle.
Good hair day by @salonatmosphhair.
Mullet With Low Fade
The mullet may not immediately come to mind when you think of modern-day hair trends, but the classic ‘80s ‘do has made its way back into barber shops around the world. If you’re bold enough to try a mullet, pair it with a low fade to give it shape and style.
Good hair day by @barberbirdman.
High And Tight Taper Fade
A high and tight taper fade is a dapper variation of the fade that works from the boardroom to the military.
Good hair day by @_il_terrazzo_.
Undercut Fade
If you have a thicker hair texture, an undercut fade can eliminate excess bulk while letting your remaining strands stand out. This cut eliminates all hair around the sides and nape of your neck, leaving a soft gradient that gradually connects to the hair at the top of your head. To shape that hair, use the Matrix Over Achiever 3-in-1, a styler that spreads like a cream, texturizes like a paste, and holds like a wax.
Next Up: How To Grow a Beard and Choose the Best Style
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Header photo credits (left to right): @_il_terrazzo_ and @barberbirdman
