Low Fade vs Mid Fade vs High Fade: Discover The Differences
Fade is trendy men’s hairstyle where hair on sides and back gradually gets shorter until it meets skin, making smooth change that shows off longer hair on top. Telling your barber you want low fade haircut, mid fade haircut, or high fade haircut can completely change your look, with each one giving you different appearance. Based on where the shortening starts, these options can make your haircut look daring and cool or neat and work-appropriate.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you should know about low fade vs mid fade vs high fade styles, explaining the main features and showing great examples that will help you figure out which cut matches your taste and character. We want to make choosing the right fade style for your next hair appointment simple.
What Is A Low Fade?
The low fade is an elegant haircut that begins near the ear and slowly changes into longer hair, giving you a subtle and modest appearance that works great for working men. This classic low fade haircut, which needs little upkeep, shortens sides and back to create gentle contrast and goes well with most common men’s hairstyles, giving you neat, well-groomed result. Your barber will use trimmer to make fade line, clippers and guards to make hair shorter gradually, and razor to make sure it blends smoothly into the skin.
When compared to high or mid fades, low fades are traditional, subtle cuts that bring some current style while keeping elegance and flexibility, making them perfect for men who like a fairly modest approach. Match a low fade with a side part, comb over, short crop, mullet or man bun to try out this attractive, classic style.
Defining Characteristics of A Low Fade
- Where: The low fade begins just above the ear.
- Look: This low cut creates less contrast and offers modern gentlemen a sophisticated, professional look.
- Transition: Gradual and Soft
- Customization: Choose a drop, burst or temp low fade to tailor your style.
- Ideal For: Business Professionals and Clean-Cut Guys
What Is A Mid Fade?
The mid fade is a stylish, well-balanced haircut where the shortening begins around the temples or the middle part of the head’s sides, mixing boldness and elegance for men who like a more adventurous look. It gives you a nice middle ground between a high and low fade, and works well for both business and casual situations.
Using clippers, your barber will sharply change your medium fade into the skin, showing some scalp for a modern, up-to-date feel. The extra contrast looks smooth and fresh, making people notice the hairstyle.
Defining Characteristics of A Mid Fade
- Where: The mid fade starts around the temples or brow, halfway between the ears and the top of the head.
- Look: This medium cut provides noticeable contrast and can be ruggedly attractive for guys who want to balance between stylish edge and timeless charm.
- Transition: Aggressive without being overly dramatic
- Customization: A drop, burst or temp mid fade can be a sexy, bold combination that adds a fresh dimension to the cut.
- Ideal For: Business Professional Gentleman or Young, Trendy Guys
What Is A High Fade?
The high fade is a bold, current haircut that begins above the temples and makes the sides and back shorter quickly for strong contrast, highlighting the longer hair on top. It gives you a fresh, sleek cut for men wanting to make a strong statement and stand out with a trendier, sharp appearance. The high fade haircut changes faster than the low or mid fade and tapers into the skin, getting attention for its accuracy and eye-catching look.
Skilled barbers will mark a high fade line, shave everything below and then use clippers with guards to quickly taper the hair up. This captivating, youthful look works great with the newest haircut trends, including the textured crew cut, high and tight, comb over, quiff, pompadour, slick back, mohawk and afro.
Defining Characteristics of A High Fade
- Where: The high fade starts near the top of the head and swiftly graduates shorter for an edgy vibe.
- Look: This higher-faded cut offers striking contrast and generally pairs well with short men’s haircuts that require a sharp finish on the sides and back.
- Transition: Extremely aggressive with noticeable skin exposure
- Customization: A high burst, drop or temp fade can be a trendy choice that uniquely customizes any style, infusing a fun, playful element.
- Ideal For: Rebellious and/or Trendy, Young Men
Low Fade vs Mid Fade vs High Fade
The difference between a low fade, mid fade and high fade is where the blending begins for each haircut on the head’s sides, greatly changing the shortness, contrast and styling. Low fades begin just above the ear for a more gentle look, while high fades start much closer to the top for a quicker change. Mid fades are balanced and taper around the temples, a middle choice between the low and high options. Ask your barber about the perfect faded cut to match your hairstyle and wanted appearance.
Different Types of Fade Haircuts
Types of fade haircuts are stylish, modern options for men that can bring different aspect to your sides and back, helping your style stand out.
- Skin Fade – short cut that slowly blends hair down to skin at bottom, making sharp, fresh appearance on sides and back.
- Drop Fade – trendy cut that drops at back of head instead of keeping straight line, giving you cool, unique finish.
- Burst Fade – modern style that curves around ear, creating half-circle cut on sides and back that goes well with latest mullet and mohawk styles.
- Temp Fade – sleek haircut that focuses on tapering hair around temples, blending front of sides down to ears while keeping back longer.
- Undercut Fade – appealing haircut that combines a disconnected cut with fade on sides, emphasizing contrast by not smoothly transitioning into longer hair on top.
The low v fade haircut is another popular variation that creates a V-shaped pattern at the neckline, adding a unique twist to the traditional low fade style. You can check all fade haircuts on our Pinterest.
