33 Fade Haircuts For Men – From Classic to Modern Hairstyles

The fade haircut is the most popular haircut for men. This haircut provides you a stylish appearance by giving you a sharp and clean look. In this article, we will discuss more about the fade haircut, which men need to know about, including history, types, styles and much more.

History of the Fade Haircut

The fade haircut, also known as “fade,” is rooted in the military. It became more popular in the 1940s and 1950s when there was a need for a clean and low-maintenance look for soldiers. With the passage of time, it transferred from barracks to barbershops and evolved into different styles according to different tastes. Fade haircuts gained popularity in the 1980s in the hip-hop community and became the symbol of urban culture and style. Icons like Will Smith and Tupac Shakur helped the high fade to become more popular. On the other side, sports stars and entertainers continued to show how versatile it can be.

Types of Fade Haircuts

Fade haircut has many different types some of them are given below:

 Low Fade Haircut

The low fade is a type of fade haircut that has a nice gradient, starting above the ears and curving around the hairline. A faded haircut is perfect for those people who want to look more stylish. It suits different styles and is best for those who want a professional setting.

 Mid Fade Haircut

Mid-fade haircut starts a bit higher around the temples as compared to low-fade haircuts. The way it makes you look is just perfect. It’s not too bold or too soft. This haircut is liked by many people because it suits almost every face shape and hair type.

High Fade Haircut

High fade starts at or just above the temple making the difference between the top and the sides of hair. People who want to make a statement will love this prominent look. It is mostly paired with shorter hair on the top which looks amazing.

 Skin Fade Haircut

Skin fade, also known as “bald fade” involves fading hair down to skin. This style is very clean and sharp, and it provides you with a high-contrast look. This hairstyle requires more maintenance but looks attractive.

 Taper Fade Haircut

The taper fade is a more gradual fade in which hair length decreases slowly from the top to the sides and back of the hair. This haircut style is less dramatic than other styles, but it provides a smoother transition.

How to Choose the Right Fade Haircut

Choosing the right fade haircut depends on several factors:

Face Shape

Different face shapes may look good on different fades but a high fade can make a round face look taller while a low fade can make a long face look longer.

Hair Type

Which type of fade will work best on you depends upon the thickness and texture of your hair.

Lifestyle

It depends upon you how much time you are willing to spend on maintenance. Skin fade takes more touch-ups to maintain, while taper fade takes less time than skin fade.

Personal Style

Your own styling sense will help you to make a decision about the fade haircut. A high fade will give you an edgy and sharp look, while a low fade will make you more subtle.

Matching Fade Haircut Styles to Face Shapes

Oval Face: The oval face is an ideal face, that is why most of the fades look attractive on this face shape.

Round Face: A high fade adds more height to hair and makes an elongated appearance. High fades add height and create a more elongated appearance.

Square Face: Mid and high fade brings out a strong jawline. Makes you look more attractive.

Heart-Shaped Face: The low fade makes the smaller chin look better in the heart-shaped face.

Considering Hair Texture

• Straight Hair: You can use any hairstyle for straight hair, which provides you with a lot of options. It is a versatile hair type.
• Wavy Hair: Mid fade and High fade can help to control the volume and maintain the natural waves of hair.
• Curly Hair: If you have curly hair, then skin fade and high fade are best for your curly hair because they highlight the curls of your hair and make it stand out.
• Thick Hair: On thick hair, any fade will look good, but a lower fade looks amazing on thick hair.

Tools Needed for a Fade Haircut

Tools needed for the perfect fade

• Clippers: You should have a good set of clippers with guards that can be adjusted. People like brands like Wahl, Oster and Andis for clippers
• Scissors: You should have good-quality scissors for blending and trimming the top of your hair.
• Comb: A comb helps to cut the hair in an even way and also guides the scissors to cut the hair.
• Cape: A Barber cape is necessary to keep the hair away from the clothes or avoid irritation by this hair.
• Mirror: A mirror will help you to see every edge of your cutting and guide you to every angle of your head.
• Brush: A brush is used to clean the clippers or to clean the workplace.

 Recommended Clippers and Accessories For Haircut

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Fade Haircut

 Preparation

To start cutting, it is better to clean and dry your hair so that the process of cutting should not be disturbed and it becomes easier to cut the hair. Then, choose the size of the guard depends upon your choice of which type of fade you want for yourself.

Creating the Fade

Start at the Bottom: It is better to start with the lowest guard, usually a #0 or #1 and trim the hair at the nape of the neck.

Move Upward: You have to gradually increase the size of the guard as you move toward the upside blending the length smoothly.

Blend the Top: To make the transition smooth, use scissors to trim and blend the top of the hair.

Detail the Edges: To make a sharp outline around the hair use the smallest guard or no guard around the fade. It will provide a final and sharp look to the overall haircut.

Finishing Touches

Always check symmetry of your hair. So, use a mirror to confirm all sides fade. If there is any mistake, then correct it accordingly to finalize the look. The last and most important step is to brush away the loose hairs and clean the tools.

Detailed Steps for Each Type of Fade

 Low Fade Haircut

• Start with a #1 Guard: Using this guard, trim around the base side of the head and ears.
• Switch to a #2 Guard: Use this guard an inch above the hair where you used the first trim.
• Blend with a #3 Guard: Blends the hairs gradually to the crown part.
• Use Scissors: To get a uniform look trim the top of the hair.

Mid Fade Haircut

• Begin with a #1 Guard: Cut the hair from the bottom to the temple.
• Transition to a #2 Guard: Trim the hair inches above the first trim.
• Blend with a #3 Guard: Blend the hairs smoothly to the crown.
• Use Scissors: Style the top of your hair as your preference you want. It depends upon your styling sense.

High Fade Haircut

• Start with a #0 Guard: Using #0 guard trim the hair from the base to the temple of hair.
• Move to a #1 Guard: Continuing trimming using guard #1 just inches above the previous trim.
• Blend with a #2 Guard: Blend smoothly to the crown of the hair.
• Scissors for the Top: To get a high fade to look better, ensure that the top hair is blended and cut off smoothly.

Skin Fade Haircut

• Shave the Base: Use a razor or #0 guard to shave the hair down to the skin.
• Use a #1 Guard: Trim above the shaved area, blending upwards.
• Blend with a #2 Guard: Continue blending up to the crown.
• Top Trim: Use scissors to style the top.

 Taper Fade Haircut

• Start with a #2 Guard: Trim using the #2 guard at the base of the head
• Switch to a #3 Guard: Blend the hair upward just above the previous trim was done.
• Use Scissors: Blend and trim the top of the hair using the scissors
• Detail with a Comb: Smooth transition and clean lines must be done to make a good look.

Maintenance and Styling Tips for a Fade Haircut

 Maintenance

Regular Trims

To maintain your sharp fade, you have to visit a barber every 2-3 weeks to trim the messy hair and keep the fade clear.

Home Touch-Ups

It is not necessary to visit a barber every week if you are confident in clippers or you don’t have time to visit a barber. You can trim the hair by yourself.

Skincare

If you have a skin fade haircut, then you have to maintain the skincare routine to avoid the irritations caused by these fades.

Styling For Haircut

• Products: To style the top of hair with fades you can use products like pomade, gel or wax. You must choose the product that suits your hairstyle.
• Tools: Tools needed for styling the hair can be combed or brushed but if you want to get a more textured look you can use your fingers.
• Experiment: The best thing to do in styling is experiment. You should not be afraid of trying different styles on the top of your hair, such as pompadour, quiff, or slicked-back look.

 Product Recommendations For Haircut

Fade Haircut Trends and Inspirations

Fade haircuts change with time, and new trends emerge regularly in different areas and in different people. Here are some types of fade haircuts that are popular:

• Burst Fade: This fade goes around the ears and makes them look like bursts. It is mostly paired with mohawks or faux hawks.
• Drop Fade: In drop fade, fade goes down behind the ears and makes a curve. Drop fade looks amazing with the long hair on the top.
• Temple Fade: Temple fade, also known as “Brooklyn fade”, focuses on the fades around the temple of hair.
• Fade with Designs: Designs like lines or adding patterns into the fades give a unique and creative touch to the fade haircut.

 Influential Figures and Their Fade Haircut Styles

 Benefits of a Fade Haircut

• Versatility: Fade haircuts provide versatility because they suit different hair types, lengths and customized styles.
• Clean Look: The sharp, clean lines of a fade provide a polished and put-together appearance.
• Low Maintenance: While some fades require regular touchups, they generally don’t need a lot of daily styling.
• Timeless Appeal: The fade has been popular for decades and continues to be a trendy choice.

FAQs

How Often Should I Get a Fade Haircut?

To maintain the sharp fade, it is best to trim your hair every 2-3 weeks. By trimming every 2-3 weeks your fade will remain neat and transition smooth. It prevents the haircut from looking overgrown.

Can I Get a Fade Haircut at Home?

Yes, you can get a fad haircut at home by yourself using the right tools and methods. You will need some tools like a good clipper with different guards, a comb and a mirror to see the back of your head. You should follow the step-by-step guide or watch the video to learn to get a faded haircut at home. It will take a few tries, but it will not be too difficult.

 What’s the Difference Between a Fade and a Taper?

• Taper: Taper is a type of haircut that shortens the hair from top to bottom slowly and it has a smooth and gradual transition.

• Fade: A fade blends the hair down to the skin, creating a more noticeable change in length. Fades can start high, mid, or low on the head for different looks.

Which Fade is Best for Curly Hair?

For curly hair, mid and high fades are best. These fades make natural curls more prominent and the haircut looks neat and stylish. These fades help to manage the volume of the hair.

Are Fade Haircuts Suitable for All Ages?

Yes, fade haircuts are suitable for all ages. These fades can be customized according to every person’s style, making them best for both young and older people. If you want a modern or classic look, then these faded haircuts will work for you and provide you with your desired look.