Low Fade vs High Fade – What’s The Difference Between These Haircuts?

The fade is a stylish, modern and popular haircut for men who want short tapered sides to complement the longer hair on top. If you’re visiting your barber, you may need to choose between a low, mid and high fade, which will determine where the blending begins and how short your cut will be. The low fade will taper hair around the hairline for a subtle transition while the high fade starts near the corner of the forehead or the top of the sides for strong contrast. The mid fade is a balanced cut that features some skin while still being a classy look suitable for any occasion.

Check out these cool low, mid and high fade haircuts to inspire your next style.

The Difference Between A Low, Mid and High Fade

The difference between a low and high fade is low faded sides start tapering around the hairline while the mid and high fade creates a more aggressive blend for a shorter cut. The low fade is subtle, classy and more appropriate for a business professional who needs an elegant work-appropriate look, while mid and high fades are generally aggressive cuts for guys who want some attitude and flair.

If you’re experimenting with a new haircut, ask your barber for a low to mid fade to see how aggressively the sides and back transition. For a shorter cut, you can always get a mid to high fade but you certainly can’t go the other direction.

What Is A Low Fade?

The low fade is a modern haircut that starts tapering along the hairline to create an understated and versatile look with some contrast. The cut generally blends hair shorter at about an inch above the ear and very slowly transitions to the longer hair on top. To tailor the look, you can ask your barber for a skin/bald, drop or burst fade finish. The most popular men’s hairstyles to pair with a low taper fade are the comb over, quiff, crop top, classic side part, modern mullet and crew cut.

What Is A High Fade?

The high fade is a short haircut that aggressively tapers the hair on the sides and back to create a fresh and dramatic contrast. While the mid fade can be chic and versatile, this high cut can be defined as edgy, bold and sleek. The most popular hairstyles to pair with a high fade are the buzz cut, thick crew cut, faux hawk, mohawk, modern slick back and spikes.

Low Fade vs High Fade Haircuts

Brush Up with Low Fade

The brush-up with a low fade is a handsome cut for the young professional looking to stand out among his colleagues. The low fade is perfect for maintaining some length at the corners of your head, allowing for more styling versatility.

Buzz Cut with Mid Fade

The buzz cut with a mid fade is a short military-inspired haircut for men who don’t have time for the frills of a blow dryer and hair product. By keeping the top at a number two guard, you’re ensuring that your cut stays fresher for longer, saving you time and money.

Hard Comb Over with Low Drop Fade

The hard comb over is an excellent cut for the dapper gentleman among us. The low drop fade allows for a neat finish on the sides and back, while still keeping enough weight to give the hairstyle a strong structure. To achieve the sleek and suave finish, you’ll want to find a pomade with high shine and hold.

Mid Skin Fade

The mid skin fade is a sleek and stylish short haircut that tapers the sides and back into the scalp. Also known as a medium fade, this cut offers a middle ground between a low and high fade, providing some trendy contrast while still maintaining an elegant take. You can pair the medium skin fade with all the coolest and most popular men’s hairstyles to enhance your look.

High Drop Fade

The high drop fade is a multi-faceted option that gives men’s hair more dimension and intrigue. While the fade is taken high on the sides, the line begins to drop as it gets to the back to provide structure, weight, and fullness.

Low Taper Fade with Long Curly Hair

Long curly hair and a low taper fade are a match made in heaven. This dynamic duo of styling options works so well together because the taper fade allows for a clean finish around the ears and neck, which makes way for more pronounced curls and bounce on top. If you’re a fun-loving guy with a lust for life, this is the cut for you.

Low Temp Fade with Edge Up

A low temp fade is an edgy way to add subtle contrast to your final look. This kind of fade allows the hair on top to stand out with more personality. If you’re the type of man who keeps their style on-point and flawless, then try to keep your hairline straight and crisp by asking for an edge up.

High Fade with Long Top Knot

A high fade with a long top knot is a cool style for the adventurous man who needs to be focused on the journey ahead. This fade works well because it adds a short severity to the back and sides which amplifies the extreme length of the top knot. If you’re looking for contrast, this cut has it.

High Taper with Textured Spiky Hair

A high taper is a cool short haircut for guys who prefer a softer, more approachable look with a fuller finish. A tapered cut blends and transitions hair shorter without exposing the scalp so you’re left with a classy length that provides a fuller style. With textured spiky hair on top, this fashion-forward hairstyle will take your fade to the next level.

High Temp Fade with Twists

A high temp fade with twists is a popular haircut style for black men who want a fashionable and effortlessly cool look. The hair twists create stylish texture while the short temp fade on the sides and back complement the style. The high skin cut adds contrasts and the line up accentuates the hairline.

High Undercut Fade with Brush Back

The high undercut fade takes the severity of the high fade and disconnects it from the top, allowing for a dramatic point of contrast in the haircut. As you brush back the top, it’ll sit just above the fade which further emphasizes the difference in length. This style is solid for men who like to keep their looks casual and easy.

Low Bald Fade with Line Up

Low bald fades are a great option for men who like to keep their hair short and manageable, but not so high that they look like they just enlisted into the military. It also keeps more weight at the corners of the head which would fade nicely into a longer length on top. Ask for a line up to keep your hairline extra crisp.

Mid Low Bald Fade with Thick Crew Cut

To improve upon the thick crew cut, ask your barber for a mid low bald fade. Tightening the sides allows the crew cut to look fuller and healthier without the need for an assortment of hair products or a blow dryer. If you’re the kind of guy who keeps their look rugged and simple, then you’ll want to ask for this cut.

Low Fade with Short Hair

The low fade is perfect when paired with short hair because no matter how long or short the top is, the tighter fade will give the illusion of height and versatility. This combo is best for guys who like to keep their look easy but fashionable.

Low Fade with Side Swept Hair

Pairing a low fade with side-swept hair is a timeless style for guys who want to emphasize their volume and natural waves. The lower fade offers contrast that’s both compelling and stylish, while giving the hair on top more room to grow and move.

Thick Wavy Fringe with High Taper Fade

A thick wavy fringe is an ingenious way for me with difficult hair textures to stay on point and fashionable. Ask your barber or stylist to add texture to the top to help loosen your locks and add natural separation. Finish it off with a high taper fade to shorten the back and sides without getting severely short.

Low Skin Fade with Caesar Cut

A low skin fade is a classy haircut that highlights the traditional short Caesar cut, creating a timeless and masculine look. This short hairstyle is suitable for the old-fashioned gentleman who prefers a sharp, low-maintenance style. Use some pomade for a textured finish and extra personality.

Mid Bald Fade with Short Choppy Fringe

The mid bald fade is a stunning companion to the short choppy fringe that provides balance to this trendy look. Textured and messy, the fringe can be enhanced with a strong matte hair product. This look is great if you want an edgy look for date night.

Mohawk with Low Drop Fade

A mohawk is a punk haircut perfect for the nonconformist of the group. The top and back are left full of volume and body, while the low drop fade subtly adds the iconic mohawk shape. Gel and texturizing pomade will be your go-to styling products for this look.

Short Hair with High Taper Fade

Sporting short hair with a high taper fade is a great option for athletes and active men. The length on top is manageable and won’t interfere with your face and the high taper fade keeps your face symmetrical and cool. Get yourself to the barbershop, guys, this one is a must-try.

Short Hair with Mid Skin Fade and Beard

Getting a mid skin fade with short hair on top is an amazing next step if you want to go a touch shorter for the summer months. Taking the sides down to the skin won’t only keep your head cool, but it’ll extend the life of your haircut by about two weeks when compared to a taper. Make sure to trim your beard to balance out your face.

Short Sides with Longer Top and Beard

Keeping longer hair on top and shorter hair on the sides is an excellent balance for men who want a straightforward style. No fuss, it is what it is. If you want to amplify the look, try investing in a matte clay product to add texture to the top.

Short Thick Hair with Low Drop Fade

Getting a low drop fade with short thick hair can be a masculine and stylish look that can feature contrast and texture. By keeping the top dense, your hair will appear fuller and the low cut will taper enough off to keep your neckline looking fresh. Whether you’re a skater or a marketing genius, this look is perfect for you.

Slick Back with Mid Skin Fade

The slick back with a skin fade is a classy look for modern gentlemen who want a traditional style with a unique twist. Leave the top a few inches long so there’s enough weight to slick back with pomade and ask for a mid skin fade to sharpen up the sides and make your face look slimmer.

Short Brush Up with High Skin Fade

The short brush up is a fun look that exudes maturity and ease. Amp up this cut by asking your barber for a high skin fade, which will add height to the spikes. By emphasizing the fringe in the front and keeping more hair in the back, you’ll leave the chair with a fully balanced look.

Spiky Hair with High Bald Fade

The idea of spiky hair may feel like a cut that’s better left alone, but we’re here to say that it’s worth updating with a high bald fade to keep it manly and on-trend. If you’re a man who lives on the edge, then this cut is an amazing next step if you want to go a touch shorter for the summer months.

Textured Crop with High Skin Fade

The textured crop is a youthful cut that exudes charm and intrigue, and when paired with a high skin fade, creates a mature look for young men. To finish off this look, you’ll want to get a good pomade to add texture and separation.

Thick Afro with High Fade

The thick afro with a high fade can be a lifesaver for Black men who are trying to experiment with different lengths. This look, for example, is a shorter version that boasts texture and volume without getting too kinky or heavy.

Thick Crop with Low Taper Fade

The thick crop is a trending, fluffy hairstyle that is all the rage among the younger generation. This high-volume look invests in texturizing products to boost texture and body, while also implementing a low taper fade to help keep this look from getting unkempt.

Thick Wavy Hair with Classic Low Taper

For guys with thick, wavy hair, it can be difficult to nail down a hairstyle that doesn’t look too poofy or fluffy. While the classic low taper will maintain some length, the short sides and back can offer contrast and versatility, making your morning styling routine easier.