Best Medium Fade Haircut for Men: The Ultimate Guide
Looking for a clean, modern hairstyle that works for almost every face shape and hair type? The medium fade haircut is one of the most popular men’s haircuts — and for good reason. This style strikes the perfect balance between a low fade and a high fade, giving you a versatile, stylish look that suits both casual and professional settings.
Whether you’re going for a textured crop, pompadour, or even curly top, a mid fade haircut enhances your look with sharp edges and smooth blending.
🔍 What Is a Medium Fade Haircut?
A medium fade, also known as a mid fade, is a type of fade haircut where the tapering starts midway between the top of the ear and the temple. The hair gradually shortens down the sides and back, often fading into the skin or a very short length.
🔑 Key Characteristics:
- Starts at the midpoint of the head.
- Gradually fades into shorter hair or bald skin.
- Offers a balanced contrast—less dramatic than a high fade, more noticeable than a low fade.
- Pairs well with any hairstyle on top, from short crops to long curls.
🔥 Top 5 Medium Fade Haircut Styles (Trending Now)
1. Medium Skin Fade
A high-contrast style where the fade goes all the way down to the skin. Works great with:
2. Medium Taper Fade
A more subtle fade that doesn’t go all the way to the skin. Perfect for:
- Business professionals
- Clean-cut, conservative looks
3. Medium Drop Fade
This variation dips lower behind the ears, following the natural curve of your head. Ideal for:
- Wavy or curly hair
- Adding depth to the fade
4. Medium Fade with Curly Hair
Keeps curls or coils defined on top while the sides stay sharp and clean. Best for:
- Natural hair textures
- Afro or textured styles
5. Medium Fade with Pompadour or Quiff
High volume on top combined with a clean mid fade on the sides. Popular among:
- Trendsetters
- Men with thick or straight hair
🧼 How to Maintain a Medium Fade Haircut
- ✂️ Trim every 2–3 weeks to keep the fade sharp.
- 🧴 Use styling products like pomade, matte clay, or curl cream depending on your hair type.
- 🔥 Clean up your neckline and sideburns between barber visits.
- 💨 Use a blow dryer and round brush for volume styles like pompadours or quiffs.
🎯 Who Should Get a Medium Fade?
The medium fade haircut is suitable for:
- All face shapes (oval, round, square, etc.)
- Most hair types (straight, wavy, curly, coily)
- Men who want a low-maintenance, high-style look
- Those needing a haircut that works for both work and weekends
🧠 Medium Fade Haircut FAQ
Is a medium fade professional?
Yes, a medium fade is clean and sharp, making it ideal for work and formal settings when paired with a neat top.
What’s the difference between a medium fade and low fade?
Low fade starts just above the ears.
Medium fade starts around the middle of the sides, offering more contrast.
Can a medium fade work with long hair on top?
Absolutely. It pairs well with longer styles like pompadours, quiffs, and curly tops.
Is a skin fade the same as a medium fade?
Not exactly. A skin fade refers to how close the fade goes (down to the skin). A medium fade refers to where the fade starts on the head. You can have a medium skin fade.
Read: Best 40 Shag Haircuts For Every Length and Hair Type
📌 Final Thoughts
The medium fade haircut is the perfect blend of modern style and timeless appeal. Whether you want something sharp for the office or cool for the weekend, this cut gives you the flexibility to express your style.
👉 Pro tip: Save reference photos and show your barber exactly what you want. You can get all images from our Pinterest @haircutvibe.
