15 Different Types of Fades for Men Explained and Illustrated

With a diversity of haircuts for men, you have to be very specific about the features of your desired look, otherwise, the outcome can be quite negative. But that doesn’t mean you should be versed in it like a pro. A basic understanding of different types of fades is enough to get confident in what hairstyle you need.

Why a fade cut? Because it elevates your look from simple to ultra-cool and tasteful! Here are 15 stylish faded haircuts for your inspiration.

1. Low Fade

If you aim for something stylish yet professional, go for a low fade haircut, featuring a longer top and gradually tapered temples and nape. Keep an inch of skin above the natural hairline behind the ears and at the back of your head, adding some edginess to the appearance.

2. Mid Fade

For a more defined contrast, make your fade higher, starting at the middle of the temples, somewhere around the eyebrows. Trim the sides closer to the head and gradually transition towards longer strands at the crown. Stylists often pair mid fades with short textured haircuts, but you can go for something more classic, a French crop, for example.

@gfpeluqueros

3. High Fade

Modern and edgy, a high fade is known for its sharp and dramatic aesthetic, achieved by tapering the hair closer to the crown of your head. The haircut is quite easy to maintain as it looks good, both freshly trimmed and grown out, so there’s no need to visit a barbershop often.

@street_barbershop03

4. Low Taper Fade

Unlike fade styles, a taper fade only has temples and the nape slightly faded to the hairline, with the rest of the hair subtly trimmed and textured. If you prefer low-maintenance haircuts, definitely try the low taper fade, as it requires even fewer trims than a low fade.

@estil_boig

5. Mid Taper Fade

With a skin fade that starts an inch above the ears and around them and a gradually tapered neckline and temples, you’ll get an ultimately stylish appearance. Leave the hair at the crown longer and slightly tousled to accentuate the contrast in length, as well as your hair’s thickness and density.

@rensblends

6. High Taper Fade

According to Zohna stylists, “high taper fade is the ‘it’ haircut for people with short hair looking to clean up the edges and look sharp.” Whether your hair is naturally straight, wavy, or coily, you can embrace the stylish yet bold aesthetic of this gradually faded cut. Just don’t forget about the importance of regular haircut upkeep to enjoy its fresh look.

@zohnabeauty

7. Drop Fade

Like a mid fade haircut, the drop fade typically starts at the brows but then, goes lower toward the nape, creating a curved, arc-like shape. As longer top provides many styling options, you can work them on to balance your appearance. For example, a textured fringe may cover a big forehead or harmonize a square face shape.

@barbeariadofael_

8. Skin Fade

If you are ready to try something bold and more distinctive, ask to cut your hair on the sides and at the back to a minimal length. Leave a subtle amount at the very top of your head and gradually trim it for a seamlessly faded style.

@nunez.the.barber

9. Bald Fade

For this ultra-clean look, ask for a very high skin fade, which gradually blends with the hair left on the highest point of your head. The result you get is bold and highly contrasting, so be ready to stand out. A bald fade is best to combine with a buzz or crew cut, but you can pair it with longer styles for a stylish slicked-back look.

@hairnowny

10. Burst Fade

For something more interesting and creative, opt for a burst fade – a type of faded haircut with a rounded taper around the ears. If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, a burst fade will also accentuate your curls, making them the focal point of your look.

@starz2sharp

11. Temple Fade

This haircut strikes a perfect balance between boldness and elegance, making it work for any occasion. Closely cropped sides, effortlessly blended with skin, will help you capture the essence of temple fade and accentuate its signature seamless graduation. In terms of styling, you can opt for something neat and sophisticated or bring a spiky texture with matte hair pomade or clay.

@sonoilpar

12. Undercut Fade

Full of contrasts, an undercut fade is a perfect choice for men wishing to stand out and showcase their fascinating personality. A shaved undercut requires more regular maintenance, but the result is worth all the effort. Tell your stylist you’d like an undercut with a longer top and fade on the sides to be able to style your hair differently every time.

@sarah_styles19

13. Shadow Fade

This haircut will perfectly suit men with thin hair looking for stylish changes. Go for very short hair, gradually blending it with a slightly longer area around the temples. Then, seamlessly transition into the longer top to create a shadow-like effect.

@rachel.mac.hair

14. Curly Fade

As challenging a curly hair styling routine could be, as cool and stylish the result you can achieve, provided you know what to do with your curls. Fortunately, there is an easy solution to get your curly locks defined and more manageable – a taper fade. Depending on how dramatic you want the contrast between a curly top and shaved temples, you can experiment with high, mid or low fades.

@davila.art1

15. Afro Taper

Fade haircuts are extremely popular among black guys, as while looking cool and attractive, they also allow shaping natural curls and maintaining them easier. Depending on what type of fade you choose, you can also spice it up with an undercut design. Such a style will definitely look eye-catching and unique!

@mano_peu_

Save the look you want to recreate to make it easier for your stylist to follow your preferences and embody your ideal style.

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