What Is a Fade Haircut? Everything You Need to Know (2025 Guide)

Fade haircuts have become one of the most iconic and versatile men’s hairstyles of all time. Whether you’re going for a clean professional look or something more edgy and modern, there’s a type of fade that fits the bill.

But if you’ve ever asked yourself, “What exactly is a fade?”—you’re not alone.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about fade haircuts—from the basics of what they are to the different types like low, mid, high, and skin fades. You’ll also learn how to choose the right fade for your face shape, how to ask your barber for one, and how to maintain it.

If you're thinking about trying a fade or just want to understand what makes it so popular, start here.

In this article we're going to discuss all things about fade haircuts for men. We're also going to show the best fade hairstyle you can try as man. Let's dive in and decode this timeless hairstyle.

A lot has changed over the years when it comes to the way men style their hair – there have been phases where longer hair was all the rage, eras when everyone was raving about spikes, some hairstyles have been in vogue fairly consistently, some have come and gone.

If you really look at the general trends over the decades, you would see that one particular hairstyle has been around from the 1940s, and in a lot of professional circles – from the military, to musicians, and sports personalities. And this is the fade hairstyle.

What Is a Fade Haircut?

A fade haircut is a men’s hairstyle where the hair on the sides and back gradually tapers down in length—usually from longer hair on top to very short or even skin-level at the bottom.

The "fade" refers to how smoothly the hair length transitions, giving it a clean, blended look.

There are several types of fades based on how high the taper starts and how short it goes, including:

• Low Fade – Starts just above the ears
• Mid Fade – Begins around the temple area
• High Fade – Starts high near the crown
• Skin Fade – Fades all the way to bare skin

Fades can be customized to suit almost any hairstyle, face shape, or personal style—making them a go-to choice for barbers and men around the world.

Related: Need some fade haircuts inspiration? Check out our new guide here

Types of Fade Haircuts

There are many ways to fade hair, but most styles fall into a few core categories. Each type of fade offers a different look based on how high the taper begins and how sharp the contrast is between the top and the sides.

Here are the most popular types of fade haircuts for men:

1. Low Fade

The fade starts just above the ears and curves around the head. It’s subtle, clean, and works well for professional or conservative looks.

2. Mid Fade

This fade begins around the temple area and offers more contrast between the sides and top. It balances edge and sophistication—great for everyday style.

3. High Fade

Starts high near the crown, creating a bold, dramatic look. Pairs best with short, sharp hairstyles on top like a buzz cut, crew cut, or textured quiff.

4. Skin Fade (Bald Fade)

This fade tapers all the way down to the skin. Can be low, mid, or high, but always has a crisp, clean-shaven finish at the bottom. Very sharp and modern.

5. Drop Fade

Instead of following a straight line around the head, the fade "drops" behind the ears, creating a curved shape. It’s a stylish twist on the classic fade.

6. Burst Fade

Fades out in a semicircle around the ear, leaving more length in the back. Commonly seen with mohawks or curly hair styles.

7. Taper Fade

Often confused with a full fade, a taper fade focuses just on the sideburns and neckline. Clean and subtle—perfect for guys who want a polished look without drastic change.

Related: Best Taper Fade Haircuts For Men

History and Popularity of the Fade Haircut

The fade haircut traces its roots back to the military styles of the 1940s and 1950s, where clean, precise grooming was the norm. Barbers would blend hair down to the skin with a gradual taper — creating what we now call the “fade.”

By the 1980s, the fade exploded in popularity through hip-hop culture and Black barbershops in the US. Artists like Big Daddy Kane and Will Smith made the high-top fade iconic, turning a military cut into a style statement.

Today, the fade is a global phenomenon.

It’s no longer limited to one look — fades are everywhere, from clean business cuts to edgy street styles. You’ll find them on celebrities, athletes, and influencers alike.

Why the hype?

Because the fade is versatile. It works on straight, wavy, or curly hair. It pairs well with any haircut on top — from a buzz cut to a pompadour. And it adds a fresh, modern touch to just about any style.

Expert Quote

“These days, any kind of guy can have a fade. It's more accepted now in the professional workforce… it really is a universal cut.” — Mr. Bee, head barber at Frank’s Chop Shop, via GQ

Why get the fade hairstyle for men?

There are a bunch of reasons why you should get this hairstyle. First, getting a fade hairstyle offers a combination of style, practicality, and versatility. It is an excellent choice for anyone looking to update their look while maintaining an edge that feels current and confident.

Whether you're new to haircuts or looking to change things up, a fade can provide a fresh, stylish option. Here are a few things that a good fade haircut can guarantee. 

If you’re new to this style, make sure to check out our complete low fade tutorial to master the basics step by step.

This style goes with a variety of textures and styles.

Fade haircuts can complement a wide variety of textures, and you can use it to complement your natural hair. So, it does not alter your individual style of hair. It is a versatile form that can bring out the beauty of your texture.

Those with really curly hair often complain about the difficulty of maintaining their hair or styling it. A fade can actually make your life so much easier if you have curly hair. All you need to do is keep your curls moisturized, and the fade makes it look organized by itself.

Fade haircut can also accentuate your facial features.

Get the right kind of fade haircut, and it will draw attention to the best aspects of your face. It can accentuate the angles of your face, make your face look longer or shorter depending on how you style it, and it can make your face look sharper or rounder. It is just a matter of getting the details right.

If you pick the right kind of fade haircut, you would not have to worry about maintaining it.

There are a lot of hairstyles that use the fade to minimize the effort required for styling. In fact, if you have a particularly busy lifestyle, getting a fade might make for an easy way out of time-consuming hairstyling sessions.

The shorter sides often don’t need much attention, making them a practical choice for busy lifestyles. And even if you go for a maintenance for the shorter sides, all you have to do is get a trim. Something as simple as that will put your hair to order.

Related: 15 Low- Maintenance Haircuts for Men

Fade hairstyle is at once timeless and modern.

If you are the kind of person who likes a versatile hairstyle that looks elegant and charming, but also really sleek and modern, this is a hairstyle that we would very highly recommend to you.

While trends come and go, fade haircuts have stood the test of time. They remain a classic choice that can be updated with modern twists, ensuring a look that feels fresh but is still rooted in tradition.

There is no end to the number of ways you can customize this hairstyle.

Few hairstyles can work this well with other hairstyles. Not only does the fade render itself extremely well to such customizations, it can actually accentuate these details better. Ever seen a fade with a quiff? Or one with a pompadour? Fades can create an avenue for people to really notice your hair without being too loud.

How to decide on the right type of fade hairstyle

Most people would list out a number of factors that you have to keep in mind when it comes to picking the right kind of fade hairstyle for yourself, and we know it can be tricky to navigate all of those.

But we will let you in on a secret – if you really get down to it, there are only two major factors that you have to consider. Take care of these two, and you are sorted. So let us get it down to exact things you have to consider before picking a fade haircut for yourself.

The shape of your face

This is perhaps the most important factor to keep in mind when you are picking a fade haircut for yourself. Well, you have to keep this in mind for any hairstyle, but the fade is a particularly powerful hairstyle that can make you look really different, depending on how you style it.

So, first things first – make note of the shape of your face, and how you would want to accentuate a certain part of it. For instance, if you want to give yourself a sharper, more tapered look towards your jawline, we would advise you to get more volume at the top of your hair, and angle that volume on either side to give your face that kind of sharpness.

The profession you are in

This is also really important when it comes to choosing the right kind of hairstyle for yourself, and there isn’t one – but two aspects to this, which a lot of people end up overlooking.

First, what kind of profession are you in? Is it the more formal, official kind where you have to present yourself in a certain way, and you do not have much of a space to play around with your hairstyle? Then, there’s one category of hairstyle that you can go for, but you cannot be too experimental with this.

The second aspect has to do with the kind of time you would have after your engagement with your profession to really style your hair. There are certain styles that require more dedicated maintenance than the others, so you would have to be really careful about the kind of styles you pick.

Styles like a pompadour, or anything with a textured top would require a lot more time than a shorter quiff or its likes, so make sure you keep these aspects in mind when picking your style.

Related: Best professional hairstyle you can try

How to Ask Your Barber for a Fade

Walking into a barbershop and saying “I want a fade” isn’t enough — there are multiple types of fades, and barbers need details to get it right. Check out this GQ guide on how to get a perfect haircuts. 

Here’s how to ask for a fade haircut the right way:

1. Know the type of fade you want

Start by specifying how high you want the fade to start:

• High fade: Starts above the temples
• Mid fade: Starts at or just above the ears
• Low fade: Begins just above the neckline

2. Decide how short you want the fade to go

Mention if you want it to fade to the skin (skin/bald fade) or leave a bit of stubble (shadow fade). If unsure, ask the barber to show clipper lengths.

3. Be clear about the top

Let your barber know what style you want on top — a crop, quiff, pompadour, slick back, etc. The fade should blend naturally into the top style.

4. Show a photo

Pictures help more than words. Pull up a reference image of the fade you like. It ensures zero miscommunication.

5. Ask about maintenance

Fades grow out quickly. If you want it sharp all the time, ask how often to come back for a touch-up (usually every 2–3 weeks).

Fade Maintenance & Styling Tips

A great fade looks sharp — but only if you maintain it well. Here's how to keep your fade looking fresh between barbershop visits:

1. Get Regular Touch-Ups

Fades grow out fast. To keep it crisp, schedule a touch-up every 2–3 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows and how sharp you want it to look.

2. Use the Right Styling Products

Your fade should blend smoothly into the top — so your top hairstyle needs to be on point.

• Matte clay or pomade for a natural finish
• Strong-hold gel or wax for high-volume styles
• Sea salt spray for texture and movement

3. Keep the Edges Clean

Use a trimmer or razor to clean up the neckline and sideburns in between cuts. It keeps the overall style tidy even as the fade grows out.

4. Moisturize Your Scalp

Short fades expose more skin. Use a light moisturizer or non-greasy hair oil to prevent dryness and flakiness — especially if you go for a skin fade.

5. Choose the Right Shampoo

Avoid harsh shampoos that dry out the scalp. Use a sulfate-free shampoo to keep both your scalp and hair healthy.

FAQ: Fade Haircuts for Men

Q1. What exactly is a fade haircut?

A fade haircut is a style where the hair gradually shortens in length from the top down to the sides and neckline. The transition is smooth and creates a clean, blended look.

Q2. Are there different types of fade haircuts?

Yes. Popular types include:

• Low fade (starts just above the ears)

• Mid fade (starts around the temple)

• High fade (starts at or above the temples)

• Skin fade (fades down to the skin)

• Drop fade (curves around the head’s natural shape)

Q3. Who should get a fade haircut?

Fades work well for most face shapes and hair types. They’re especially great for men who want a clean, stylish, low-maintenance look.

Q4. How often should I get my fade touched up?

Every 2–3 weeks is ideal. This keeps the blend sharp and avoids awkward grow-out phases.

Q5. Can I combine a fade with other hairstyles?

Absolutely. Fades pair well with pompadours, quiffs, buzz cuts, comb-overs, curls, and even man buns. The fade just enhances the overall style.

Q6. Is a fade the same as a taper?

No. A taper is more subtle and keeps more length, especially around the neckline and ears. A fade is usually shorter and more dramatic in contrast.

Related: Ready for visual ideas? Check out our Best Short Fade Haircuts for Men