When it comes to hair, ‘smart’ gets confused with ‘boring’. This is a big problem for anyone who needs to look polished but doesn’t want to look too formal or like a Sunday school teacher.
Enter the comb-over fade: the perfect mix of classic and modern barbering. Comb over fade haircuts take from traditional military haircuts but add a fresh modern twist with a sharp fade. It’s clean and professional but far from boring. Unlike a crew cut, comb-over fade haircuts have a lot of character and room for personalization, so you can make it your own.
If you want a haircut that works in a corporate setting but looks good off duty, too, this is the cut to go for. It’s the middle ground between looking presentable and looking stylish. Below is everything you need to know about comb-over fades, including what it is and how to choose the right one for your face shape.
What Is a Comb Over Fade?
The comb-over fade is a hybrid haircut that combines two different elements: the comb-over and the fade, both of which are popular in modern hair trends. Fade haircuts are known for their versatility and modernity and look polished and dynamic for both corporate and casual occasions. To fully understand this style, you need to understand each component as they work together to create the look.
The Fade
In barbering, a fade means blending different hair lengths using clippers. This creates a smooth transition from very short or even no hair at all (in the case of a skin fade) at the base of the head to longer lengths as you go up. It gives the cut a clean, sharp, and polished look and adds a modern twist to any style. Fades come in different lengths and intensities, but the goal is always to achieve a smooth graduation. There are many fade haircuts, each with its own features and variations, so you can choose the one that suits your style.
The Comb Over
While the fade focuses on the back and sides, the comb-over refers to the top hair. This is styled with a defined side part and combed over to one side. The comb-over gives a sleek and controlled look that contrasts with the fade’s edgy look.
The Combination
The comb-over fade combines these two styles, a classic and modern haircut. It’s smart and professional but not boring or too traditional. This is perfect for those who want to look polished but not lose their edge, blending timelessly with modern barbering.
Should I Get a Comb Over Fade?
When deciding if the comb-over fade is for you, the most important thing to consider is your face shape. While the comb-over fade suits most people, those with long rectangular faces should be careful. A high fade can make the face and neck look longer, which may not be the most flattering. To avoid this effect, go for a lower fade, which will create more balance and not exaggerate your face length.
Also, men with round faces may find that a comb-over fade adds height and structure to their look. The height of the top hair can lengthen a round face and give a more angular look. For those with square or oval face shapes, this haircut works well as it complements the natural lines of the face without making it look too sharp.
Another thing to remember is that the comb-over draws attention to the hairline. If you’re thinning or have a receding hairline, this style may not be for you as it will accentuate those areas rather than hide them. If you’re experiencing hair loss, it may be worth exploring other hairstyles that offer more coverage and camouflage. For example, styles with a longer fringe can give you some coverage and a more blended look.
The comb-over fade has many styles to choose from that suit different tastes.
Personal Style
Besides face shape personal style also plays a significant role in whether to go for a comb over fade. This haircut can be tailored to your personal style, whether you want to look polished and professional or relaxed and modern. The beauty of the comb over fade is its versatility. With different fade levels from low to high and the option to style the top sleek or with texture, it suits both the classic gentleman and the modern trendsetter. Specifically, the low fade comb over often with a shaved parting is a trendy option that a stylist can customize to enhance the overall look.
Think about how the comb-over fade fits into your life. For those in the corporate world, the comb-over fade gives a clean and sleek look that’s still stylish enough to transition to casual. Whether from the office to a night out or a weekend brunch, this style adapts easily.
Classic Comb Over Fade
The classic comb-over fade is a timeless haircut. Short to medium length hair on top, prominent side parting and clean mid fade on the back and sides. Versatile for different face shapes and hair textures. An updated version of the traditional Ivy League haircut, blending classic with modern.
When you ask for a classic comb-over fade at the barber, they will know the basics of the style. But it’s good to specify the height of the fade. For those with long or rectangular face shapes, ask for a lower fade to avoid elongating the face further. This small adjustment will create more balance and enhance the overall look of the haircut.
Styling Your Classic Comb Over Fade
To style at home, you will need a comb and some pomade. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to styling the classic mid-fade comb over fade, a versatile haircut for different face shapes and with features like long fringe or deep side part:
Prep: Start with clean, damp hair. Towel dry your hair to remove excess moisture so the product can adhere better.
Product Application: Rub a small amount of pomade between your palms to warm it up. This will help to distribute the product evenly through your hair.
Comb the Hair: Use a fine tooth comb and apply the pomade from the roots to the ends. Make sure the product is evenly distributed, and focus on the top section of your hair.
Part the Hair: Comb the hair over to one side. Depending on your preference, this can be deeper or more subtle. Just make sure it looks clean and sharp.
Style the Hair: Once the part is done, style the top hair in place. You can comb it neatly for a sleek look or tousle it for a more relaxed look.
Final Touches: If needed, use your fingers to tweak and refine the shape. Make sure everything is symmetrical and clean.
Maintenance
To keep your classic comb-over fade looking fresh, you will need to visit your barber every 3-4 weeks to maintain the fade and the length of the top. When styling, remember to adjust the amount of product according to your hair type; those with thicker hair will need more product, and those with finer hair will need less.
Hard Parting Comb Over Fade
The hard parting comb-over fade, often seen in mid-fade haircuts, takes the classic comb-over fade to a more defined and edgy level. This version has a sharply defined side part created by cutting into the hair with unguarded clippers. This will enhance the side part and make it a feature of the style, resulting in a bolder, more modern look.
How to Ask for the Hard Parting Comb Over Fade?
To get this style, communicate clearly with your barber. Ask for a classic comb-over fade with a hard parting. For a better fade haircut view, check out different styles and recommendations to find the one that looks good and trendy. If you’re not sure of the style, bring a picture with you. This will help your barber to understand what you want and you’ll get what you asked for.
Styling the Hard Parting Comb Over Fade
Once the haircut is done, styling becomes key to maintaining the look. Here’s a simple guide to keep your hard parting comb over fade sharp:
Prep the Hair: Start with clean, slightly damp hair. The towel dries to remove excess moisture so the product can adhere better.
Apply Pomade: Take a small amount of pomade, warm it up in your hands, and then apply it evenly to your hair, focusing on the top section.
Define the Hard Part: Use a comb to define the hard part. You may need to adjust the part slightly to make sure it sits right. The defined line should be visible, and there should be a clear contrast between the two sides.
Style the Top: Comb the top section to the side, keep it neat and in place. You can style it flat for a sleek look or add some volume for a more relaxed look.
Tidy the Edges: Use a trimmer or clippers to clean up any stray hairs around the edges and keep everything sharp.
Maintenance
The hard part will grow out quickly, so regular maintenance is key. Visit your barber every 2-3 weeks to have the hard part redefined and to maintain the fade. You can maintain the style in between visits by using your pomade and comb daily to keep the hair neat and tidy.
Slick Comb Over Fade
The slick comb-over fade is a more refined take on the classic comb-over fade. This version has slightly longer hair on top, so you have more versatility in styling while still looking clean and groomed. It’s good for those with straight hair as it will enhance the sleekness of the overall look.
How to Ask for the Slick Comb Over Fade?
When you visit your barber, ask for a classic comb-over fade with a medium length on top. This length gives you enough room to style while still getting that polished finish. If you have a specific style in mind, bring a picture with you so your barber can understand how much length you want and how you plan to style it.
Styling the Slick Comb Over Fade
To get the slick comb over fade, you need the right products and techniques to get the finish right. Follow these steps:
Start with Clean Hair: Start with freshly washed hair. This is the basis for styling. Towel dry your hair to remove excess moisture and leave it slightly damp.
Choose the Right Product: For this style, use a high-shine product like gel or hair polish. These products are key to getting the slick look of this hairstyle.
Apply Product: Take a lot of your product and warm it up in your hands. Apply it evenly to your hair. Focus on the top section so it holds well.
Define the Side Part: Use a fine tooth comb to create a sharp side part. Work the product through your hair as you go, and shape it into place. The side part should be visible, adding to the overall polished look.
Style the Top: Once your part is defined, comb the hair on the top back and to the side. You can style it flat for a sleek look or add some volume at the front for a modern touch.
Finishing Touches: Once you’ve styled, take a minute to tidy up any stray sections. Make sure the edges are clean; this adds to the overall sharpness of the style.
Quiff Comb Over Fade
The quiff comb over fade is a combination of two styles: the stylish quiff and the polished comb over fade. This version has longer hair on top styled up into a quiff, and the back and sides faded for a modern and sharp look. It’s good for those with wide or round faces, as the added height will elongate the face and give a balanced profile.
How to Ask for the Quiff Comb Over Fade?
When you visit your barber, ask for a comb over fade and make sure to tell him you need enough length on top to style a quiff. The barber will usually leave the hair on top longer – around 2-4 inches – and blend the fade on the back and sides for a seamless transition. If you have a reference picture, bring it with you.
To style the quiff comb over fade at home, follow these steps. For a detailed skin fade tutorial that covers hair styling techniques, follow this:
Prepare Your Hair: Start with damp hair. It’s easier to style a quiff when the hair is slightly wet, as this allows for better manipulation.
Blow Dry with a Brush: Use a blow dryer on medium heat and lift the sections at the front while brushing upwards and back. This will add volume and set the base for your quiff. Make sure to point the airflow upwards for extra lift.
Add Product: Once your hair is dry, apply a pomade or styling cream. For a quiff, a medium to strong hold product is best so it will last all day. Work the product through your hair, focus on the top section, and leave the sides relatively product-free for a natural finish.
Shape the Quiff: After you’ve applied the product, use a comb to shape your quiff. Have the front section styled up and slightly back. That’s the height you’re after. You can adjust the volume to your liking – higher for more drama or lower for a more subtle look.
Finishing Touches: Once you’re happy with the shape you can finish with a light spritz of hairspray to set everything in place if you’ll be out for a long time.
Maintenance
The quiff comb-over fade needs to be maintained regularly to keep the style looking fresh. Visit your barber every 3-4 weeks for a trim to keep the fade sharp and the top length in check. If you have longer hair, consider using a deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep your hair healthy and manageable.
Disconnected Comb Over Fade
The disconnected comb-over fade is a modern and edgy take on the classic comb-over; it’s a striking contrast between the hair on top and the sides. This haircut adds visual interest and is a great way to express yourself. That’s why it’s a favorite among trendsetters.
How to Ask for the Disconnected Comb Over Fade?
To get this look, you’ll need to have enough hair on top. Aim for medium to long length – around 4-6 inches – before you go to the barber. Once you’re ready, here’s how to ask for it:
Describe Your Look: When you get to the barber, ask for a disconnected undercut with a side part and high fade. The key here is the “disconnection,” so make sure to tell the barber you want the top to be way longer than the sides.
Fade: You can go for a subtle fade or a more aggressive skin fade. A skin fade will give an even more contrast and emphasize the length on top.
Reference Images: If you have a style in mind, bring reference images. This will help your barber understand what you’re after so that you can leave with a haircut you love.
Styling the Disconnected Comb Over Fade
Once you have the haircut:
Use the Right Products: For this style, you’ll want a product that has hold but is not too stiff. A light pomade, cream, or styling mousse works well for a relaxed yet controlled look.
Comb It: Start with dry or slightly damp hair. Use a comb to create your parting – this will be on the side aligned with your natural hair growth.
Style the Top: Work a small amount of product through the top hair. You can comb it back for a sleek finish or style it loose to keep the relaxed vibe. The key is to keep the volume and texture on top and the sides neat.
Final Touch: If you want extra hold, finish with a light spritz of hairspray. This will keep your style in place all day, especially if you’re going out for an event or have a long day ahead.
Disconnected Maintenance
To keep your disconnected comb over fade fresh, you’ll need to maintain it regularly. Here’s how:
Barber Visits: Go to your barber every 3-4 weeks. This will keep the fade sharp and the sides neat.
Length Management: If you want to keep the length on top and the sides short, talk to your barber. They can help you figure out how to manage the top length without losing the disconnected look.
Product Storage: Always keep your styling products organized and easily accessible. This makes it easier to grab what you need when you’re in a rush.
