50 Cool High Top Fade Haircuts

The high top fade is a stylish haircut for black men who want a retro style with a modern twist. If you want a cool cut, a high top fade haircut can help transform your style and make a bold statement with a fresh look.

Whether you want a skin fade with sponged curly hair or a low tapered cut with designs and a twist, these high top hairstyles are versatile, classy and ruggedly handsome choices that any skilled barber can pull off.

For inspiration, we’ll show you examples of the best high top fade haircuts. From curly to tapered styles, these high top fades will have you looking fresh and clean-cut.

What Is A High Top Fade?

A high top fade is a retro haircut where the sides and back are tapered short while featuring longer hair on top. Also known as a hi-top fade, the high top hairstyle was a popular trend for black men in the 80’s and early 90’s that marked the Golden Age of Hip Hop. With so many different styles, guys can choose the right cut to suit their desired length and look. While some men will want a classic taper for a business professional look, you can style a high top with dreads, twists, curls, braids, designs, a nappy afro or a shaved part.

High Top Fade Haircuts

High Top Taper Fade

The high top taper fade is a classic haircut style for black men who want shape and dimension to achieve a stylish look. This modern and refreshing cut should be styled with volume on top and an edgy flat top for impressive contrast against the almost bare sides.

Curly High Top Fade

If you a naturally curly hair, a high top fade can be an eye-catching way to add contrast and depth to your hairstyle. Keep the sides and back heavily faded and add a sleek line up to highlight your masculine features. For more shape, throw in a well-groomed beard.

Low High Top Fade

For a flattering cut that pairs well with a coarse afro, try a low high top fade. This iconic style uses dimension and fading to create timeless contrast but remains sharp enough for professional settings.

Short High Top Fade

Tame your natural texture by rocking a short high top fade. This style works best with an extreme fade and a modern line up for a sleek and fashionable finish that instantly draws the eye upwards.

Classic High Top Fade

While a classic high top fade can be tricky to maintain without regular barber visits, it’s a youthful style that will turn any guy into a heartthrob. You can keep your fade light for a wearable look, but a sexy shaved line with a high fade is bound to turn heads.

High Top Curls Fade

Guys with slightly longer curls can create breathtaking contrast with a daring fade across the back and sides. To avoid a one-dimensional style, ask your barker for a sharp line up and slightly graduated length as you move toward the back of the head.

Round High Top with Taper Fade and Beard

The round high top is a fashionable style on its own, but you can dial things up with lines and angles by incorporating a strong taper fade and beard. Make sure to keep your hair longer on top and embrace your creative side with a rugged beard and edgy shaved designs.

Sponged High Top Fade and Goatee

A sponged high top allows guys to create a relaxed and trendy style using a loc sponge. For a dramatic finish, twist the curls upwards into a bold high top. To showcase your masculine side, pull this look together with a subtle low fade and a sexy line up.

High Top Braids Undercut

Men with strong features and an enviable bone structure can fashion their locks into a high top with braids. This creates incredible volume on top and gives you the freedom to experiment with a high fade and light stubble for a manly appearance that speaks to your cultural roots.

Short Twists High Top Fade

If you want to channel your inner 90s kid, experiment with short twists, blonde tips and a pronounced fade. This style gives you the perfect mixture of sharp lines and natural texture. Throw in a sexy beard and a slim mustache for a refined finish.

Nappy Sponge Twist High Top

You can try out this refreshing style if you want to take advantage of natural volume and killer cheekbones. Nappy curls give you immense lift at the crown and on top, while the delicate low fade offers dimension and contrast. For a hint of boyish charm, add rugged facial hair to the mix.

High Flat Top with Skin Fade and Beard

For a more edgy high top cut for guys, take the plunge with a skin fade and beard. A high fade will give you exceptional contrast between the flat top and a long beard. But don’t be afraid to play around with shaved designs to express your unique style and fiery personality.

Low Flat Top with Skin Fade

A low flat top and a blended skin fade can help keep your style sleek and stylish. The effortless taper between the lengths of the top and sides will give you a suave appearance that pairs wonderfully with medium-length stubble and a daring line up.

High Top Taper with Twists

A high top taper with twists is an excellent option for men who want to rock their afro-textured hair in a low-maintenance way without sacrificing style. Keep the tapering light for a professional and refined feel or go all-out with a high fade for ravishing contrast.

Long Afro High Top with Mid Bald Fade

To draw attention to any volume on top, consider pairing a long afro with a dapper line up and an edgy mid bald fade. The striking transition between voluminous locks and a complete shave looks effortlessly eye-catching and modern. Just remember to keep up with regular barber visits to maintain a sleek and meticulously shaped finish.

High Top Dreads with Undercut and Shaved Part

Adventurous guys who aren’t afraid to rock dreads should pair this natural style with an undercut and shaved part. A sharp, shaved line will create a striking separation between your high top and dreads. For a style that looks instantly put together, incorporate a blended beard for a handsome touch.

High Top with Low Drop Fade and Twists

If you have an impressive afro but want to add dimension and shape to your style, try a low drop fade and stylish twists. A line up and a sleek shaved design can instantly lift this look, but it’s the fashionable drop fade that will have all eyes on you.

High Top Fade with Part

The high top fade with a part adds another dimension to an already trendy hairstyle. When you have a longer high top, combining a fade on the sides and a part in the hair just brings more attention to the different elements of the cut.

Thick High Top with Fade and Design

When you want to channel your inner daredevil, a thick high top with a daring fade and edgy shaved designs is perfect. You’ll need length on the top and medium volume at the back to create contrast for your shaved lines. Feel free to etch tribal patterns, angular shapes and words of wisdom into your hair.

High Top Curly Fade

Sporting a high top with curly bedhead hair is a playful and youthful look that never fails to impress. The fade adds contrast to the flowing waves on top while the sleek line up gives the cut structure and angularity. Don’t be afraid to rock a daring high or bald fade if you’re a risk-taker.

Short Dreaded Twist with High Skin Fade

A short dreaded twist is an excellent way to tame natural hair into submission without losing volume or lift. You’ll need a decent amount of hair wax and patience to achieve this sexy style, but the contrast between the fade, line up and youthful spikes on top is worth waiting for.

Afro High Top Fade

An afro high top fade is a fashionable and irresistible style that you can easily jazz up with color and contrast. Purple and blue dyes pop beautifully against deep black roots, but you can easily create dimension with a charming line up, low fade and angular beard for the ultimate bad boy feel.

Tall Afro with High Fade

This modern and refreshing hairstyle is a sexy option for men who want to highlight their natural volume without losing any edge. The addition of a high or bald fade creates a contemporary and modern feel that pairs equally well with a clean shave or a Viking beard.

Highlighted High Top Dreads Fade

For a pop of color and tons of contrast, a highlighted high top with chic dreads is the way to go. For an effortlessly undone look, rock a low fade with dreads draped over the forehead. Complete the look with a bohemian goatee or a stylish beard to complement your facial features.

High Top Fade with Blowout

Pairing your high top fade with a volumizing blowout creates an incredibly bouncy and modern style that always looks attractive. To create more dimension, ask your barber for a lineup and a gentle fade between your temples and beard for a rugged look that leans retro.

Short High Top Fade with Shape Up

A short high top fade incorporates sharp angles and a sleek shape up for a practical but trendy style that is ideal for fashion-forward guys. You can keep things subtle with a charming low fade or create dimension and interest with a bald or high fade.

Short Sponged High Top Fade

A sponged high top fade is a fresh and modern style that you can dial up with a shaved part and an extreme fade for the ultimate wow factor. This dapper style is naturally flattering and the shaved design through the beard or around the temple are ideal for guys who love to stand out.

High Top Skin Fade with Curly Hair

Curly hair isn’t always easy to manage, but its natural volume and texture can look sensational with a groomed high top. Contrast the bouncy volume on top with a smooth skin fade that sweeps around the back of the head for a dapper appearance that looks undeniably slick.

High Top Mohawk Undercut

A high top mohawk is an edgy style that helps you channel your inner punk rocker with bold shaved sides and unreal volume on top. Ask your barber to add a well-groomed beard to your look for shaping around the face that will highlight your jawline and cheekbones.

High Top Fade with Side Part

For an intimidating style that puts your high top center stage, incorporate a fade with a strong side part into your look. Slightly choppier coils lend this look a rugged feel, while a flat top gives the cut a polished appearance. Shave a hard side part and a line up into the hair for a dramatic finish.

Kinky High Top Low Fade with Line Up

This stylish haircut showcases the natural volume and texture found in afro hair. Rocking this cut with a subtle low fade and a line up creates a sharply defined style with attractive angles. To contrast your playful kinky coils, pair this cut with a dapper beard that seamlessly blends into your fade.

Medium High Top with Temp Fade

A medium high top allows you to work with exciting volume and texture without the maintenance that comes with longer styles. For a trendy and professional feel, choose a low temp fade that blends into the back. If you want to make a statement, a bald or high fade will instantly attract attention.

80s High Top with Shaved Sides and Parts

For a real blast from the past, pair a voluminous high top with completely shaved sides and a hard part that extends to the back of the head. For a true 80s appearance, fluff up your afro with a comb to create extra roundness at the top.

High Volume Flat Top Fade

A high volume flat top is a sophisticated and elegant choice that is ideal for guys wanting to minimize styling time. Just remember to add a high temp fade and keep up with regular trips to the barber to maintain your slick style.

Textured Curls with High Top Taper

A high top taper with textured curls is a youthful style that’s perfect for young guys seeking a laid-back look. You can lightly style looser coils with styling products if you’re struggling with frizz.

Classic Tall High Top Taper Fade

A tall high top makes a strong statement on natural hair that always looks handsome with a striking taper fade. A low taper is a versatile option for working men, but you can add flair to your style with a high fade or shaved design.

Short High Top Dreads with Fade

If you’re in the early stages of growing dreads, keeping your cut short and adding an eye-catching fade is a stylish choice. Keep things simple with light dimension or go all-out with an edgy shape up and shaved lines.

Short Rounded Top

A short rounded top is a simple and clean-cut style that makes textured hair easier to manage. Elevate your look with refined tapering around the sides or keep the length longer for a youthful and old-school feel that offers subtle contrast.

Thick Blonde High Top Fade

A thick blonde afro is a cool and contemporary option for guys who want a fresh and eye-catching style. This look works best with lots of volume on the top as it creates dazzling contrast when paired with a high fade and connected beard.

Flat Top with Drop Fade

Guys with straighter locks can use pomades and wax to form their hair into a striking flat top style. For an edgier feel with glorious dimension, ask your barber for a drop fade that adds depth near the crown and contrast around the temples.

Thick Sponged High Top and Beard

If you’re blessed with natural volume and texture, use a loc sponge to mold your hair into tight coils. When paired with a line up, blended beard and a high fade, this style will boost your masculinity.

Cool High Top Low Bald Fade with Hair Design

A stylish high top with a low bald fade and designs on the sides can take your style to the next level with a modern and edgy look. For a cool and confident cut with sharp contrast, connect a deep hard part with an eyebrow shave to show you’re not to be messed with.

Short High Top Fade Braids

A short high top fade with braids is a playful and classic cut for black guys who want to experiment with protective styles. The shorter braids are easy to manage and can be pulled into buns and left loose around the front for a refreshing bohemian feel.

High Top Dreads

Men with shorter dreads can use a high top to draw attention to their natural texture without committing to long locks. A high fade is an excellent option for creating contrast, but you can stick with a shape up and a handsome low fade if you’d prefer a timeless heartthrob look.

Twisted High Top Fade

The twisted high top fade is a flattering cut from the 80s that is back with a bang. You can style your twists directly upward and in one direction for a cohesive and neat appearance, or pull strands out for an edgy and rugged feel.

Afro High Top Fade

If you’re working with serious volume, an afro high top fade can be a trendy way to add instant dimension to your look. You can taper the back of your afro to create a makeshift mohawk or rely on a graduated fade and shaved lines to add interest to your appearance.

High Top Taper with Design

Pairing a high top taper with a unique shaved design is the easiest way to inject your haircut with personality. A large and thick swirl design that curves around to the back of the skull is an attractive option. But don’t be afraid to play around with jagged lines or symbols for a more daring design.

Very Short High Top with Mid Skin Fade

A very short high top with a mid-skin fade strikes the perfect balance between practicality and edginess. You can easily maintain your style with regular trips to the barber and bring out your wild side with intricate shaved designs or colored dyes.