Improve your image without being complicated. Sometimes, all you need is the right haircut. Enter the high fade, a modern style that can be slotted into any short haircut and instantly clean up your look.
Fades are everywhere in men’s hair. These graduated trims have become a staple for men worldwide, used by barbers and stylists to freshen up classic cuts. There are many types of fades—low fades, skin fades, taper fades, scissor fades, drop fades, etc—but the high fade is the most dramatic of them all.
Looking for a new modern style? Read on as we break down the what, who, and how of the high fade. From who it suits to the different variations to consider, here’s everything you need to know about one of the coolest cuts in barbering.
What Is a High Fade?
Before we get started, let’s get the basics out of the way. A fade is not a haircut on its own. It’s an element that can be added to any haircut to clean up your appearance. The term “fade” refers to the hair on the back and sides of the head.
In simple terms, a fade is the blending of hair of different lengths. It goes from the shortest hair at the neck and ears to longer hair further up, creating a gradient from the back and sides to the top. The name comes from the faded appearance of this technique.
So, what does the “high” part mean? This refers to how high up the head the blending of lengths starts. A low fade starts around or just above the temples. A high fade starts much higher up the head and is more dramatic. Celebrities like David Beckham, Michael B. Jordan, and Ryan Reynolds are among the A-list fans of this style. If you want something softer, try a taper fade instead.
Will a High Fade Suit Me?
A high fade won’t suit everyone, so how do you know if it’s for you? The first step is to determine your face shape. There are five main shapes to consider: round, square, rectangle, heart, and oval. To find your face shape, look in a mirror with your head straight on and see which shape best describes your features.
High-fade styles have short backs and sides and often some length or volume on top, which can sometimes lengthen the head. If you already have a long rectangular face, a high fade may not be the best for you. In that case, you may want to try a variation that has the top shorter as well.
For everyone else, the high fade should work fine, depending on the style you pair it with. Those with wider faces, round or heart-shaped, will benefit from the short sides and some height on top. Pompadours and quiffs work well with this face shape.
If you have an oval face, you’re in luck! You can pretty much choose any high fade and hairstyle combination (within reason), and it will look good on you.
High Fade Styles
You can pair a high fade with almost any short haircut, but some cuts look especially good with this style. If you need some inspiration and a little guidance, try these high-fade styles.
Pompadour With High Fade
The pompadour with high fade is a classic mid-century haircut that’s had a major comeback over the last 10 years. This comeback can be attributed partly to the rise of fades, which have updated this retro style, making it relevant for today’s fashionistas.
What Is a Pompadour?
For those who don’t know, a pompadour is a tall haircut that uses a blow dryer and pomade to style the hair up and away from the face, creating volume at the front of the head. Elvis Presley and David Beckham wore this look, and so did your granddad! The traditional pompadour has longer hair on the sides, which is combed back to a point at the back, giving it a sleek and suave look.
But adding a high fade to the pompadour gives it a cleaner, more modern look. The high fade not only enhances the overall look but also creates a striking contrast between the volume on top and the short sides. This combo is stylish and versatile.
Maintenance and Styling Tips
To maintain this style, you’ll need to get regular trims to keep the fade fresh and sharp. I recommend going to your barber every 3-4 weeks to keep the fade defined. Also, make sure to communicate with your barber about the height of the fade and the volume on top, as this will make a big difference to the overall look.
Beyond regular trims, mastering your blow-drying and combing skills is key. I find using a good pomade or styling cream makes a big difference in getting the hold and shine you want. When blow-drying, focus on lifting the hair at the roots to get maximum volume. A round brush can be helpful in shaping the front of the pompadour and directing the hair where you want it to go.
Personal Touches
One of the things I love about the pompadour with high fade is its versatility. You can easily style it for different occasions. For a more casual look, use a lighter product with a softer finish and let the hair have some movement. For formal events, use a stronger hold product to get that sleek look.
Also, try different textures to add a twist to your pompadour. For example, a slight wave or curl on top can give you a more relaxed, beachy look that is perfect for summer. A slicked-back pompadour can be great for professional settings to achieve a refined and sophisticated look.
High And Tight With a High Fade
Everyone knows that many menswear classic garments have their roots in the military, and their hairstyles are no different. Many classic men’s cuts originated in the forces, and high and tight are two examples. This traditional military haircut has made its way into civilian life, but unlike the crew cut or the Ivy League, it still has the boldness of a Marine Corps drill instructor. Whether that’s good or bad is subjective, but what’s not up for debate is that this is a timeless classic of a haircut that looks even better with a high fade.
High and Tight Explained
High and tight is a style with very short hair on the sides and back and a slightly longer top. The high fade helps this style by creating a smooth transition from the longer top to the short sides, resulting in a clean and sharp look. This combo adds a modern twist to the classic high and tight and highlights the structure of the haircut, perfect for those who like a no-frills style.
Maintenance and Styling
One of the best things about high and tight with high fade is that it’s low maintenance, with little to no daily styling required. This makes it perfect for busy people or those who like a simple grooming routine. But regular maintenance is still needed to keep the fade fresh and defined. I recommend visiting your barber every 2-3 weeks for touch-ups to prevent the fade from growing out and losing its shape.
While high and tight requires minimal styling, a light product can add texture and definition to the top hair. A matte pomade or styling cream can give you just enough hold without looking too styled. I find a little product goes a long way in enhancing the natural look of the haircut and keeping it neat.
Also, high and tight can be paired with facial hair for a rugged look. A well-groomed beard or stubble can complement the sharpness of the haircut and add depth to your overall look. This combo is perfect for those who want to balance the clean lines of the haircut with a bit of ruggedness.
Crew Cut With High Fade
Crew cut is as classic as it gets. With roots in the military, this style has evolved over the years to be a staple haircut for men. Walk into any barbershop, ask for a short back and sides, and you’ll probably walk out with a crew cut. It’s simple and versatile, perfect for those who like a low-maintenance grooming routine.
Timeless with a Twist
You can’t improve on a classic, but adding a high fade to this traditional style gives it a modern twist. The high fade adds contrast to the crew cut, making it look clean and fresh. It’s perfect for those who want a sensible cut that’s still stylish without being too formal.
The high fade elevates the crew cut and creates a smooth transition from the longer top to the short sides. This haircut looks good in both casual and formal settings, making it perfect for men who want a versatile one.
Styling and Maintenance
To style a crew cut with a high fade, use wax, clay, or pomade. These products can add texture and definition to the top hair, allowing you to style it to your liking.
Regular trips to the barber are a must to keep the back and sides in check. I recommend visiting every 3-4 weeks to maintain the fade and keep the overall shape of the haircut sharp. This will not only keep your hairstyle fresh but also allow you to make adjustments based on your preferences or trends.
Textured Crop With High Fade
In our opinion, Tommy Shelby has a lot to answer for. Some of the more questionable style trends of the 2010s—think flat caps and pocket watches—seem better suited for the early 20th century. But Peaky Blinders made them look cool, so what can you do? One trend we’re glad to see back is the textured crop.
This short, choppy style was popularized by Tommy Shelby and his gang in the UK series. He often wore his textured crop with an undercut, but if you want something more refined and modern, a high fade is a great option. The high fade adds a modern twist to the textured crop, creating a nice contrast that looks good overall.
Customizing Your Cut
The textured crop can be cut to varying lengths and textures, so it’s best to bring a picture of what you want to the barber. This will help you and the barber be on the same page and minimize the surprises when you look in the mirror at the end of the appointment. I found that showing a few different angles of the style you want can be helpful, as the barber can see how you want the cut to fit your face.
Low Maintenance Styling
As for styling, the textured crop with high fade is low maintenance. Just work your preferred styling product through the hair to get that effortless tousled look. I recommend using a lightweight matte pomade or a texturizing cream; these products will hold without weighing the hair down. For a more relaxed look, you can use your fingers to tousle the hair for a natural, lived-in look.
If you want a more polished look, you can use a comb to style the front of the crop. Direct it to one side for a more refined look. This versatility allows you to style it according to the occasion, whether you’re going out for a casual or formal event.
Personal Touches
One of the things I love about the textured crop with high fade is its versatility for different face shapes and personal styles. For example, if you have a round face, keeping the top a bit longer can elongate your features, while those with square faces might prefer a more structured crop that accentuates the angles.
Also, the textured crop pairs well with facial hair, creating a balanced look. A well-groomed beard or stubble can add depth and character to your overall look and make the haircut look sharper. This combination is perfect for those who want to look clean and rugged.
Afro With High Fade
The trend of growing out natural hair and reviving afro styles is not showing any signs of slowing down—and why should it? Afros can be a lot of work to maintain, but the look is full of character and individuality. When paired with a high fade, the tapered sides add clean lines and drama to the top, creating a nice contrast that looks good overall.
The Afro’s Versatility
One of the best things about an afro with a high fade is its versatility. You can keep the afro shaped and sculpted for a polished look or let it grow out for a more natural, voluminous look. This versatility allows you to express your personal style, whether you want a more refined or carefree look.
For inspiration, check out celebrities like Marcus Rashford, The Weeknd, Khalid, and Odell Beckham Jr. Each of them has put their own twist on the afro with high fade, showing how this style can be adapted to different personalities and fashion sense. For example, The Weeknd has a more sculpted afro, while Khalid has a fuller, more natural look.
Maintenance and Care
Maintaining an afro can be some work, but the results are worth it. Regular trims are a must to keep the shape looking fresh and prevent split ends. I recommend visiting a barber who specializes in textured hair to make sure the fade and afro are blended smoothly. This will help maintain the clean lines of the fade and let the afro grow on top.
In terms of hair care, using moisturizing products is key to keeping your hair healthy and shiny. Look for leave-in conditioners, oils, and creams for textured hair. These products can help define your curls and reduce frizz so your afro looks its best.
Personal Touches
What I love about the afro with high fade is the personal expression. You can try different lengths and shapes to see what works for you. For example, some people prefer a rounder afro, while others might opt for an angular shape that fits their face structure.
You can also add some accessories to make your look unique. Headbands, hair clips, or even temporary hair color can make a statement. This way, you can switch up your style and keep it fresh depending on your mood or the occasion.
Buzz Cut With High Fade
In the old days, when a barber took the clippers to your head, they would give you the same grade all over, and you’d have a uniform look. But with the introduction of the fade, that’s changed. Now, old and new combine beautifully in the buzz cut with a high fade, sharpening up the classic look by creating a nice contrast between the top and sides.
The Modern Buzz Cut
The buzz cut with high fade is a modern take on the classic. By keeping the hair a bit longer on top and tapering the sides with high fade, you get a clean and sleek look that’s stylish and low-maintenance. This combination adds dimension to the haircut and gives you options to style it.
For the best results, aim for the length on top to be slightly longer than the sides. This will give you a more dynamic look, and you can style it in different ways. If you have straight hair, you can just run your fingers through it for a casual look. If you have afro hair, add a wave or curl to make the style more unique. The texture can add depth and character to your buzz cut.
Maintenance and Care
One of the best things about the buzz cut with high fade is the low maintenance. Minimal styling is required, and this is perfect for those who lead busy lives or prefer a simple grooming routine. However, regular visits to the barber are necessary to keep the fade sharp and the top defined. I recommend trimming every 3-4 weeks to maintain the contrast and shape of the haircut.
In terms of hair care, using good shampoo and conditioner is key to keeping your scalp healthy, especially if you have textured hair. Moisturizing products can also prevent dryness and keep your hair and scalp healthy.
Dreads/Twists/Braids With High Fade
Dreads, braids, and twists are some of the most individual hairstyles you can get, allowing for a unique expression of personal style and culture. When you add a high fade to these styles, you amplify individuality. The sharply contoured sides will make the style of the top pop and create a nice contrast that draws attention to dreads, twists, or braids.
Emphasizing Individuality
The beauty of combining a high fade with dreads, twists, or braids is its versatility. The fade gives you a clean and sleek look and allows the textured styles on top to be the focal point. This combination will highlight the artistry of your hairstyle and is perfect for those who want to show off their creativity.
Styling Options
You have many styling options, and you can style them in many ways. Here are a few:
Stacked Styles: You can stack the hair on top for volume. This adds height and drama and is a bold statement.
Tied Styles: Tying the hair back into a bun or ponytail will give you a sleek and polished look. This is great for keeping the hair out of your face while still showing the fade.
Braided Styles: Braiding the hair will add texture and intricacy to your look. You can choose classic braids, cornrows, or even a combination of different braid styles to create a pattern.
Letting It Hang: For a more relaxed look, consider letting the hair hang over an undercut like A$AP Rocky’s. This will give you a laid-back yet stylish look that is perfect for casual outings or music festivals.
Maintenance and Care
Maintaining dreads, twists, or braids requires some work, but the results are worth it. Regular maintenance is necessary to keep the style fresh and neat. For dreads, this may involve re-twisting or palm rolling to keep the shape. For braids and twists, re-braiding or re-twisting will prevent frizz and keep the style defined.
When it comes to hair care use moisturizing products to keep your hair and scalp healthy. Look for leave-in conditioners, oils, and creams for textured hair. These will keep your hair moisturized and reduce breakage, so your style will be healthy and vibrant.
