Fade haircut is one of the most popular short haircuts for modern men. Fade haircut gives you a touch of freshness and youthfulness. And it splits into many types, forming an endless variety where every stylish man can find a finishing detail for a polished look.

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A nicely done faded haircut works well on your facial features and hair type and makes you expressive with a unique cut.

What Is A Fade Haircut?

What is a Fade Haircut? #fadehaircut
by @nata_grigorovich

Fade involves cutting the area on the sides close to the scalp, creating a shadowed length transition with smooth graduation to the thicker top. The faded portion is achieved with the help of hair clippers. Hair on the upper recession and sides is lowered to the nape of the neck. The lowered regions are left with little or no hair, while the top is lowered to your desired length.

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What Are The Types Of Fade Haircuts?

What are the Types of Fade Haircuts? #fadehaircut
by @barberking_kh

While you can customize your cut and tell your barber how to do a fade haircut based on your preferences, there are three main types to start with: low, medium, and high fades. Below, we’ll tell you the differences between each of the three, showing you their magnificent modern variations you can get at your next salon appointment.

Hipster Fade Haircut

Hipster Fade Haircut
by @nata_grigorovich

This hipster fade haircut exemplifies contemporary style, combining precise fades with a full beard.

Herson Rodriguez of Blind Barber Chicago advises, "Fades usually depend on two factors: desired overall style and the shape of one’s face." He suggests low fades for rounder faces to elongate and slim the face.

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All Around Fade

All Around Fade
by @z_ramsey

This fade is a sophisticated choice for those sporting an afro or a Dark Caesar, seeking a subtle transition around the hairline. Wade Menendez, renowned barber and educator, endorses this style, noting its shadow-like appearance that complements a range of hair textures and lengths.

Fade Cut for Silver Hair

Fade Cut for Silver Hair
by @nata_grigorovich

Embrace the sophistication of silver with a sharp fade cut, blending timeless grace with modern flair. A touch-up every two and a half weeks, as advised by Darius Davie, ensures your fade remains crisp, managing new growth before it takes away from the sleekness of the style.

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Fade with Designs

Fade with Designs
by @z_ramsey

The Fade with Designs by Zach Ramsey is an edgy statement. The intricate shaved patterns add a unique dimension to the classic fade, perfect for those looking to stand out.

Styling Tip: For maintaining the sharpness of the design, a touch-up every few weeks is recommended. This style works best on straight or wavy hair types, adding character and flair.

Fade Cut with Textured Bangs

Fade Cut with Textured Bangs
by @nata_grigorovich

Showcasing a sharp contrast, this fade cut with textured bangs is a statement of precision and style. Expert barber Darius Davie emphasizes the importance of dark corners to accentuate the mid-skin fade, giving it a pronounced and edgy look. The side design adds a unique twist to this contemporary cut.

Messy Curly Fade Cut

Messy Curly Fade Cut
by @nata_grigorovich

The messy curly fade cut brings a youthful edge to any look. The way the curls are left free-flowing on the top, adds a playful contrast to the neatly faded sides. It's a style that's both carefree and put-together.

Styling Tip: "A water-based pomade will keep those baby hairs in place, and will add nice shine on the shaved sides," says Darius Davie.

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Low Fade

Low Fade
by @z_ramsey

Low fade haircut is the most balanced and natural option. The length transition in this type of fading takes place on the back of the head, increasing the length towards the top. As a result, the sides are clean, yet not bold, which is a nice way to get a neat, well-shaped short haircut. It looks better if you have a triangular or diamond shaped head.

Mid Fade Haircut

Mid Fade Haircut
by @meha_barber

Mid fade also known as medium fade haircut, hits the area above the ears, taking more length than a low fade. Medium fade offers a middle ground between the two extremes. It can serve as a classy base for either Quiffs or Pompadours.

High Fade Haircut

High Fade Haircut
by @z_ramsey

High fade haircut involves cutting most of the hair on the sides and back close to the skin, creating a tight finish. You can pair it with a super short haircut, modern crew cut, medium afro, and even longer styles like elongated undercuts, it also cheaper to maintain. The sides of your hair are lowered to your scalp, and the top can be as long as you want it.

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Skin Fade

Skin Fade
by @z_ramsey

Also known as the bald fade, the skin fade is a variation of the high fade. What makes the bald fade cut different from the high fade is that this option can take place at any point you want.

Temple Fade

Temple Fade
by @meha_barber

Temple fade comes as a clear, well-structured, and outlined finish at the temple area that gives a very sharp and neat look for the haircut. Today, every man who loves to keep things defined can go for the look.

Scissor Fade

Scissor Fade
by @tombaxter_hair

As the name suggests, scissor fade haircut is done using scissors instead of clippers, which implies a softer, more customized look. To achieve it, barbers run their scissors around the nape, using taper scissors through the length to get as close to the skin as possible.

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Drop Fade Haircut

Drop Fade Haircut
by @dbarber203_

A drop fade a cool update for your regular haircut. There’s no need to go deep in the details about its structure, as this cut speaks for itself: it drops behind the ear, forming an arc from the temples to the nape. The best thing is, you can combine it with other fades. You can have a high, medium or low drop fade.

Fade Haircut + Taper

Fade Haircut + Taper
by @z_ramsey

Taper fade haircut is a combination of tapered hair and faded cut. It’s a short fade haircut. Fading of hair on the sides and back won’t be as low as other fades.

The scalp will be a bit invisible and the top will be lowered. It’s one of the classiest fades to rock to any occasion.

Fade Haircut + Undercut

Fade Haircut + Undercut
by @hayden_cassidy

Since the classic version of the undercut features short sides and long top, modern barbers decided to add more character to the lower portion.

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Side Part Fade

Side Part Fade
by @meha_barber

Side-parted hairstyles are pretty easy to achieve, such styles are enough to make a man look sophisticated. As for side part fade hairstyles, they’re better versions of the good-old look. Not only does this low taper fade add some precision and clean finish but it also turns a simple hairstyle into something brand new.

Some wax or lightweight pomade will help you get the most of the style.

Fade Haircut + Hard Part

Fade Haircut + Hard Part
by @z_ramsey

Hard part fade is a sharp and edgy response to the overwhelming side-parted hairstyle that has a greater visual impact and a more detailed look. Here, the distinctively separated top and sides look contrastive, yet harmonic. How? The blurred transition of the skin fade adds the needed neatness to the whole look.

Fade Haircut Into Mohawk

Fade Haircut Into Mohawk
by @z_ramsey

Curly hair fade is a stylish and practical solution for those trying to tame their unruly natural texture. The cleanly faded sides are what make the curly fade transform into a Mohawk, giving a hip look to the wearer.

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Faux Hawk Fade

Faux Hawk Fade
by @meha_barber

Although a faux hawk fade is less drastic than a Mohawk, it still looks striking and unique. If you want to put the top in the spotlight, nothing will work better than a high fade. And if well-balanced graduation is what you seek, medium or low skin fade will do.

Pompadour With Fade

Pompadour With Fade
by @tombaxter_hair

This pompadour fade is a fresh new take on the classic version that makes the retro style fit the current men’s image. By the way, if your hair isn’t long enough to form a pomp, you can go for a slick back fade look. Just brush your well-gelled top toward the back!

Fade Haircut + Curly Undercut

Fade Haircut + Curly Undercut
by @z_ramsey

You can put a signature to your hairstyle by pairing the fade with a shaved design. To add more individuality to the look, you can play around with the top and wave or curl your hair, enhancing the contrast. And to make it right, don’t forget about the accentuating fade!

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High Top Fade Haircut

High Top Fade Haircut
by @z_ramsey

The high top fade haircut looks extremely fly and non-boring while keeping the hair perfectly tamed. Needless to say, you will need to see your barber regularly to keep up with the look. But, it’s worth that.

Quiff Fade

Quiff Fade
by @tombaxter_hair

And that’s how you can change the common picture of the quiff, showing it from an even edgier perspective. The good news is, the faded sides will not only emphasize your messy textured top but also build the contrast that will make your hair look thicker visually.

Fade Haircut + Buzz

Fade Haircut + Buzz
by @alan_beak

At first sight, it’s just a short fade haircut. But if you look a little bit closer, you will notice the smooth graduation, outlined details, and stylishly leveled front. This cut is pretty simple in terms of structure, so you can even try getting it yourself with some tutorials on how to cut your own hair for men.

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Long Top Short Sides

Long Top Short Sides #fadehaircut #haircuts
by @z_ramsey

The best thing about long-top-short-sides hairstyles is that they can be different despite the common pattern of longer top and tight sides. You can play around with the texture on the top as well as adjust its direction. To recreate it, apply some firm mousse to the top and shape it in the way you prefer.

Faded Crop Haircut

Faded Crop Haircut
by @alan_beak

The modern variation of Caesar haircut offers a lot of room for creativity and unique looks. Paired with a fade, you can not only give your cut an outlined finish but also keep yourself comfortable with your hair. This idea features a soft fringe that aligns all facial features and tousled finish that gives a carefree feel to the whole look.

Fade Haircut + Comb Over

Fade Haircut + Comb Over
by @alan_beak

If you happen to travel in time and would like to blend with society, a comb-over haircut will do the trick, whether you’re going to the past or to the future. Such a precise and sophisticated silhouette is so versatile that it can adapt to any image and match any outfits possible. If you want to rock a rather classic version, you can ask for tapered sides.

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Fade Haircut With Shaved Line

Fade Haircut With Shaved Line
by @meha_barber

Every haircut needs an exclamation point that will define your character and show what kind of man you are. And here’s one of the thousand ideas of how you can put your signature to your haircut with the help of a shaved tattoo. As it turns out, a simple line is enough to create a great visual impact and bring all attention to the top.

Spiky Faded Haircut

Spiky Faded Haircut #fadehaircut #haircuts
by @anthonythebarber916

In this picture, you can see how the tight sides slowly graduate to textured top, finishing the look with a sense of neatness. In fact, it’s a wonderful idea for men who always need to look immaculate and still want to show their daring nature.

A Fade Haircut The Latest Unisex Haircut To Define Your Style

What Do I Tell My Barber For A Fade?

What Do I Tell My Barber For a Fade? #fadehaircut
by @nata_grigorovich

Fades are common haircuts among men, so all you need to tell your barber is the type of fade you want. Do you want your sides and back very low or bald? Explain exactly what you want to your barber, or, go with a picture of what you want to explain better how you want the top to appear.

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How To Do A Fade Cut Yourself

How to Do a Fade Cut Yourself #fadehaircut
by @barberking_kh

If you’re used to trimming your hair yourself, then it will be easy to give yourself a nice fade cut. Fades come out better when properly planned. This means you have to get your hair ready for it, depending on the type you’re choosing. You’ll need a mirror to cover all the angles, a brush/comb to help you comb/brush your hair as you trim with a clipper/scissors. It’s always advised you talk it slowly so as not to ruin your hair. Brushing while you trim help you know the exact length of your hair.

What Is The Best Fade Haircut?

What is the Best Fade Haircut? #fadehaircut
by @barberking_kh

The best fade haircut is that particular fade that makes your face stand out from the crowd while making a statement. Different fades are better on different shapes of head. Identify your shape of head and the style that will match your head and your face. There are different fade haircuts for men to choose from.

REFERENCES:
  • An expert guide to men s fade haircuts, including which type of fade will suit your face shape and how to keep your fade hairstyle looking sharp. Source

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