One of the most well-liked and adaptable men’s haircuts these days is the fade, which provides a sleek, contemporary style that complements many other looks. There’s a fade haircut to fit your taste and personality, whether you’re going for a high fade for a bold, edgy vibe, a low fade for understated sophistication, or something in between. The 40 greatest men’s fade haircuts that are fashionable, flexible, and appropriate for every occasion are covered in this guide.
1. Low Fade
The low fade offers a conservative yet stylish look by gradually tapering the hair starting just above the ears. This fade gives a softer transition between longer hair on top and shorter sides. It’s ideal for both professional and casual settings, offering a balanced and low-maintenance option. The low fade works well with textured hair or curls, helping maintain volume while keeping the sides tidy.
2. High Fade
A high fade creates a striking contrast by starting the fade at the temples or even higher. The sharp transition makes the haircut stand out, adding an edgy, modern vibe to your look. This fade complements various styles, from buzz cuts to more textured looks, and works especially well for those who like a clean, dramatic appearance. It’s an excellent choice for men with thick hair, as it emphasizes the hair’s density on top.
3. Mid Fade
The mid fade strikes a perfect balance by starting midway between the low and high fades, typically around the middle of the head. This fade offers a smoother blend and is less extreme than a high fade, making it a versatile option for most face shapes. Whether you prefer long or short hair on top, the mid fade will complement your look by offering a gradual transition that is stylish yet subtle.
4. Skin Fade
The skin fade, also called a bald fade, tapers down to the skin, creating a sharp, clean look. It is one of the sharpest fade styles available, offering a crisp finish that can work well with any length of hair on top. For a more daring look, pair it with intricate patterns or designs. Skin fades are a go-to for men who prefer a highly groomed appearance and can add a sleek, polished edge to any haircut.
5. Taper Fade
A taper fade is a more gradual fade compared to other types, with the hair slowly shortening towards the edges of the hairline. This style is a classic choice, suitable for men who want a polished yet subtle look. It’s less dramatic than a skin or high fade, making it a great everyday cut that’s appropriate for professional environments. The taper fade can enhance more traditional haircuts, like side parts or comb-overs.
6. Burst Fade
The burst fade is a unique fade that tapers the hair in a circular pattern around the ear, resembling a sunburst effect. This creates a dramatic outline and works especially well when paired with a mohawk or faux hawk. The burst fade draws attention to the crown of the head and is ideal for men who want a distinctive and daring style. It’s often combined with sharp lines or designs for a more eye-catching look.
7. Drop Fade
The drop fade starts high but drops lower behind the ear, creating a curved, arc-like shape. This fade provides more definition to the sides and back of the head, enhancing the shape of your haircut. A drop fade is versatile, complementing both long and short styles on top, while the curved fade adds dimension and movement. It’s great for men who want to add a twist to the traditional fade, and it works well with curly, wavy, or textured hair.
8. Fade with Pompadour
The pompadour fade is a retro-inspired style where the top of the hair is styled voluminously, usually with a shiny finish, while the sides are faded for contrast. The fade enhances the dramatic height of the pompadour, giving it a modern touch. This cut works best for men with thicker hair, as the volume on top is key to creating the perfect pompadour. For added versatility, the fade can be high, low, or mid, depending on your personal preference.
9. Faux Hawk Fade
The faux hawk fade is a less extreme version of a traditional mohawk, with the hair on top being styled upward and tapered sides that fade down. This cut provides a bold, edgy look but is more wearable and versatile for everyday life than a full mohawk. The faux hawk fade works great for men who want a rebellious, high-impact hairstyle without committing to a full mohawk. The fade enhances the contrast between the top and sides, emphasizing the faux hawk shape.
10. Undercut Fade
An undercut fade combines the edgy, high-contrast style of an undercut with the clean finish of a fade. The sides are shaved or cut short and gradually faded, while the top remains significantly longer. This cut is perfect for men who like to keep length and style on top, such as slicked-back looks, while enjoying the ease of short sides. The undercut fade adds a contemporary twist to classic styles and offers great styling versatility.
11. Temple Fade
The temple fade, also known as a Brooklyn fade, focuses on fading the hair around the temples. This fade is more subtle and confined to a small area, creating a sharp, neat line around the hairline and blending it into the sides. The temple fade is great for men who want a clean, groomed look without the intensity of a full fade. It pairs well with curly hair or afros, enhancing the natural texture while keeping the sides defined.
12. Fade with Crew Cut
A fade paired with a crew cut is one of the most low-maintenance yet stylish combinations. The crew cut keeps the hair on top short and neat, while the fade adds a sharp, modern twist to the classic cut. This style is perfect for men who prefer minimal effort but still want a clean, polished look. The fade can be adjusted to suit your face shape, whether it’s a high, mid, or low fade.
13. High Top Fade
This iconic style, popular in the 80s and 90s, is making a comeback. The high top fade keeps the hair on top long and voluminous, typically shaped flat at the top, while the sides are faded down to the skin. This look works well for men with thick, curly hair and adds a bold, retro vibe to your appearance. The high top fade is great for those who want to embrace their natural texture while keeping the sides sharp and clean.
14. Comb Over Fade
A comb over fade combines a classic side part with the modern fade. The hair is combed to one side, with the part being defined, while the sides are gradually faded. This style is perfect for men who want a sophisticated, timeless look with a contemporary edge. The fade adds contrast, making the comb-over more dynamic and stylish. It works well for most hair types, especially straight or wavy hair.
15. Buzz Cut Fade
The buzz cut fade is one of the most low-maintenance styles, perfect for men who want a sharp, masculine look with minimal effort. The hair on top is cut short, typically buzzed evenly, while the sides are faded down. This style gives a clean, military-inspired appearance that’s versatile and easy to maintain. The fade adds a modern twist to the classic buzz cut, offering a more refined finish.
16. Fade with Quiff
A quiff fade pairs a voluminous, styled quiff with a sharp fade on the sides. The quiff is styled upward and backward, creating a sense of height and movement, while the fade provides a clean, contemporary contrast. This look works well for men who want a polished, stylish haircut that’s perfect for both casual and formal settings. The fade can be adjusted based on your preference, making it a versatile and dynamic option.
17. Curly Fade
For men with curly or wavy hair, the curly fade enhances the natural texture while keeping the sides neat and sharp. The hair on top is left longer to showcase the curls, while the fade provides a clean, defined outline. This style works well for men who want to embrace their curls while maintaining a modern, tidy look. The contrast between the voluminous curls and the sharp fade creates a stylish and unique appearance.
18. Afro Fade
An afro fade combines the volume and texture of an afro with a clean, sharp fade on the sides. This style enhances the natural fullness of the afro while keeping the edges defined, making it a bold and stylish option for men with thick, curly hair. The fade can vary in height, from a low taper to a high skin fade, adding versatility to the overall look. This is a great option for those who want to embrace their natural curls while maintaining a sleek, polished appearance.
19. Fade with Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks with a fade is a dynamic combination that balances the long, textured locks on top with a sharp, clean fade on the sides. This style allows for a dramatic contrast between the top and the sides, giving dreadlocks a modern and edgy look. The fade can be low, mid, or high depending on your personal preference, and it pairs particularly well with shorter dreads for a more structured appearance.
20. French Crop Fade
The French crop is a short, textured style with a blunt fringe in the front. When paired with a fade, it creates a clean, contemporary look with a strong, edgy finish. The fade adds a modern touch to the classic crop, making it a popular choice for men who want a stylish, low-maintenance haircut. This cut is perfect for those with straight or slightly wavy hair, and the textured fringe adds a playful yet sharp element to the overall look.
21. Fade with Slicked Back Hair
For a sleek, polished look, pair a fade with slicked-back hair. This style involves fading the sides down while keeping the top long enough to be slicked back with product, creating a sophisticated and timeless appearance. The fade provides contrast, ensuring the slicked-back hair stands out, while maintaining a clean edge. This haircut is ideal for formal settings or for men who want a well-groomed, sharp look that’s easy to maintain.
22. Mohawk Fade
The mohawk fade is a bold and rebellious style, featuring a long strip of hair down the center of the head, while the sides are faded. The fade enhances the mohawk by drawing attention to the top, giving a striking contrast between the long, spiked center and the shaved sides. This haircut is perfect for those who want to make a statement, offering a modern take on the classic punk style. The mohawk fade can be worn short or long, depending on your desired level of impact.
23. Shadow Fade
The shadow fade is a subtler version of the skin fade, where the hair doesn’t go down to the skin but instead gradually shortens to a very low length. The shadow fade provides a smooth, gradual transition and works well with most hairstyles, from textured crops to longer styles on top. This fade is ideal for men who want a clean and polished look without the dramatic contrast of a skin fade. It’s a great option for those who prefer a more natural-looking fade.
24. Ivy League Fade
The Ivy League haircut, also known as the Harvard clip, is a classic, sophisticated cut where the top is left slightly longer than a crew cut and the sides are neatly tapered. Adding a fade to the Ivy League haircut modernizes this timeless style, offering a clean, professional look that’s perfect for both work and casual settings. The fade can be high, mid, or low, depending on how much contrast you prefer, and the longer top allows for some styling versatility.
25. Fade with Hard Part
A hard part is a defined, razor-sharp line shaved into the hair, creating a distinct separation between the top and the sides. When paired with a fade, the hard part adds a sleek, precise edge to the haircut. The fade enhances the sharpness of the hard part, making it a bold and stylish choice. This look works well with comb-overs, quiffs, or any hairstyle where you want a defined, structured appearance.
26. High Fade with Twists
For men with naturally curly or textured hair, pairing a high fade with twists on top is a bold, stylish look. The high fade creates a sharp, clean contrast with the textured twists, giving the haircut a modern, edgy finish. This style works particularly well for men who want to keep their natural hair texture while maintaining a polished, neat appearance. The twists add volume and texture, while the fade keeps the overall look sharp and defined.
27. Fade with Braids
Faded sides paired with braids on top offer a striking, contemporary style. The braids can be styled in various patterns, while the fade provides a clean contrast that highlights the braids. This combination is perfect for men who want to showcase intricate braided designs without the heaviness of long hair on the sides. The fade adds sharpness and definition to the overall look, making it an excellent choice for men with longer hair who want something unique and eye-catching.
28. Taper Fade with Waves
This style combines the smooth, gradual taper fade with the natural texture of waves. The waves on top give a stylish, textured look, while the taper fade keeps the sides clean and sharp. This haircut is especially popular among men with naturally wavy or curly hair, as it allows them to embrace their natural texture while maintaining a tidy, polished appearance. The taper fade adds a modern touch to the classic waves.
29. High Fade with Afro Twist
For a fresh, modern look, a high fade paired with afro twists is a stylish option. The high fade creates a sharp, clean contrast with the voluminous afro twists on top, giving a bold yet refined finish. This style is perfect for men with naturally curly or textured hair who want to keep their natural volume while maintaining a neat, groomed appearance on the sides. The fade adds definition, making the twists stand out.
30. Fade with Flat Top
The flat top fade is an iconic style, characterized by a high, flat-topped haircut with faded sides. This look was particularly popular in the 80s and 90s and has made a comeback as a retro-inspired, high-impact style. The fade enhances the contrast between the flat top and the shorter sides, making the overall look clean, bold, and distinct. It’s an excellent choice for men with thick, coarse hair who want to embrace a structured, geometric hairstyle.
31. Fade with Sponge Twists
Sponge twists paired with a fade is a stylish look for men with textured hair. The top is styled with sponge twists, giving the hair a coiled, textured appearance, while the fade keeps the sides clean and sharp. This style adds volume and texture on top while maintaining a polished finish. The sponge twists are easy to maintain, making this a great choice for men who want a modern, textured look without much upkeep.
32. Fade with Caesar Cut
The Caesar cut is a classic, short style with a horizontal fringe across the front. Adding a fade to this cut gives it a modern, updated look. The fade provides a clean, sharp finish, while the short, textured top adds a timeless appeal. This style is ideal for men who want a low-maintenance, practical haircut with a modern twist. It works especially well for men with straight or slightly wavy hair.
33. Spiky Hair Fade
A spiky hair fade combines textured, spiked hair on top with clean, faded sides. The spiky hair adds a playful, edgy element to the look, while the fade provides a sharp contrast that keeps the style polished and modern. This haircut is perfect for men who want a youthful, dynamic look that’s easy to style. The spikes can be styled with a bit of product for added texture and definition.
34. Fade with Slicked Side Part
This style is a combination of a classic side part with slicked-back hair and a modern fade. The hair is parted to one side and slicked back for a polished, sophisticated look, while the fade adds a clean, contemporary edge. This is an ideal haircut for formal occasions or for men who prefer a well-groomed, professional appearance. The fade can be high, mid, or low, depending on the desired level of contrast.
35. Fade with Side Swept Hair
A side-swept hairstyle paired with a fade is a versatile and stylish look. The hair on top is kept longer and swept to one side, while the fade creates a clean, sharp contrast on the sides. This style is ideal for men who want a polished, refined look with a touch of modern flair. The fade adds a contemporary edge, making the side-swept hair stand out even more.
36. Disconnected Fade
The disconnected fade creates a sharp, dramatic contrast between the long hair on top and the faded sides, with no gradual blend. This creates a distinct “disconnect” between the two lengths, offering a bold, eye-catching style. This look works best for men who want a high-impact, edgy hairstyle. It pairs well with undercuts, pompadours, or slicked-back looks.
37. Fade with Beard
A fade combined with a well-groomed beard offers a stylish, masculine look. The fade creates a clean contrast on the sides, while the beard adds balance and depth to the overall appearance. This combination is perfect for men who want a sharp, polished look with a touch of ruggedness. The fade can be blended into the beard for a seamless transition, creating a cohesive, well-groomed finish.
38. Fade with Fringe
Pairing a fade with a fringe creates a dynamic, textured look. The fringe adds a playful element to the style, while the fade keeps the sides clean and sharp. This haircut works well for men who want to add movement and texture to their hair without sacrificing a polished finish. The fade can be adjusted to suit your face shape, offering a versatile and stylish option.
39. Fade with Shaggy Hair
A fade with shaggy hair on top is a modern, textured look that combines messy, unstructured hair with clean, faded sides. This style is perfect for men who prefer a laid-back, casual appearance but still want to keep the sides neat and groomed. The fade provides contrast, ensuring the shaggy hair on top stands out. It’s a great choice for men with wavy or textured hair.
40. Fade with Textured Crop
A textured crop paired with a fade is a stylish, contemporary look. The top is kept short and textured, with the sides gradually faded for a clean, modern finish. This haircut is perfect for men who want a low-maintenance, fashionable style that works in both professional and casual settings. The fade adds sharpness, while the textured crop gives the haircut a dynamic, playful appearance.