As fade haircuts are becoming more popular, there are so many variations and styles to choose from. From the manageable to the slightly more elaborate, it’s pretty likely that most of us have had a fade at one point or another without even knowing it. There are a few different types of fade to choose from depending on the look you want. The differences between some of them are subtle but worth looking out for. With this guide, you’ll know your mid fade from your skin fade in no time.
Taper Fade
This is one of the most popular modern haircuts as it is subtle and low maintenance. It is the simplest of fades as it is just a gradual tapering of the hair down to the neck. But subtle doesn’t have to mean boring. This classic look can be adapted for any man. Keep it longer for a more understated look, or taper right down to a grade 0 for a bolder look.
Skin Fade
The skin fade, also known as the bald fade or high fade, is when the hair at the sides is shaved right down to 0. This cut works better on men with thicker hair as there should be a distinction between the top and the shaved sides. If you are thinning on top, remember the shorter your hair is the thicker it looks.
Mid Fade Haircut
This fade starts halfway up the head using clippers. It’s a less gradual fade than the taper, but softer than the skin fade; perfect for men who want a modern look. This fade is a good base hair cut if you want to change up your style with a quiff, or pompadour. If you have thicker curly hair you can afford to have some length on top. But for finer, straighter hair, as with the skin fade, it’s best to keep your style shorter and neater.
Low Fade Haircuts
This fade is very similar to the mid fade, except it starts lower down the head. It is a fade for men who want a more rough and rugged look as the hair will have more texture at the sides. So if you want clean cut stick with the mid fade. The low fade is a great cut if you want to keep your hair longer on top as the hair on the back and sides will be kept thicker. It is also the best fade for those of you with a longer beard as it is easier to blend into your facial hair.
Temp Fade
The temp fade was made popular in the 90s by actor Will Smith, who also rocked the famous hi top fade. Also known as the Brooklyn fade, it has recently made a comeback and is popular with men with afro or tight curly hair. The Ruffians art team recommend this as a good look for receding hairlines as the hair is kept short around the receding areas. It starts off as a mid or low fade, and then the hair is faded around the temples, using clippers to create sharp lines. It takes a skilled barber to do this look well so it’s not one you want to try to do yourself.
Scissor Fade
If you don’t want to commit to a shaved fade haircut you may want to try the scissor fade. It is a similar look created using scissors instead of clippers. Your hair stays longer at the sides but still keeps the tapered faded effect.
Now you know everything there is to know about men’s faded haircuts you can take your pick and experiment with the different hairstyles. Whether you’re feeling like Elvis or just want something simple, there’s a faded cut for you.
