What’s not to love about a fade haircut? Between its stylishly tapered appearance and its ability to inject your look with a sleek sophistication, the fade is undoubtedly one of the best cuts around today. It’s also a versatile look to rock and can be tailored to suit your style.
As the fade focuses on the sides of your head, you’re free to choose any look you want up top. You can also select from a range of different fade cuts, including those that are low. Perfect for gents who like their hair to have a slight edge, these hairstyles are understated but utterly sleek. So, if you want a minimal look with maximum style, look no further than these top low fade haircuts for men.
Mid Fade vs Low Fade
The mid fade and the low fade are both excellent additions to your haircut and will be a great way to add structure and create a contrast. However, there are noticeable differences between the two. The low fade tapers lower on the head, focusing on the bottom inch of the hair. It is an understated and subtle fade which makes it incredibly versatile and it can be easily adapted to suit your preference. In contrast, the mid fade starts higher on the head. It is tapered and ends between the temple and the ears. This is an excellent look for creating structure and can make the hair on the top of the head appear fuller and thicker. You can work with your barber to find the look that will be best suited to your hair texture and preference.
Low Fade vs High Fade
The difference between the low fade and the high fade is more noticeable. The low fade is a subtle fade that works well with all hair textures and tapers lower on the head, creating a subtle contrast with the hair on top of the head. The high fade provides a close shave on the sides and back of the head. This results in more contrast between the top of the head and the back and sides and will give your hair structure. This is a look that demands attention and is a great way to express yourself or try out fresh, modern hairstyles. Both fades can be styled in several ways.
Low Fade Haircuts
1. Low Fade Blowout
If you’re not afraid to try something a little out of the ordinary, a low fade blowout can make an incredibly cool hairstyle option. The unique look works brilliantly thanks to its short sides, which quickly graduate from barely-there to a big burst of hair on top. If you have a broad or round face, this elongating hairstyle may also be just what you need to slim the appearance of your face in style.
2. Low Fade Crew Cut
Like the buzz cut, a classic crew cut can also benefit greatly from the addition of a low fade. The tapered shave will quickly add a more contemporary and on-trend look to the traditional cut. It’ll also help to add shape and style to the look, giving it a fashionable boost. Thanks to its subtlety, the fade won’t alter the sharp and professional appearance of your crew cut, meaning that the look is still perfect for the office as well as after hours.
3. Low Fade Quiff
Want a look that’s modern, stylish, and sure to get you noticed? A low fade quiff is just what you need. Thanks to its balance between the short sides and high top, the hairstyle looks awesome. Opting for a low fade over a regular or high fade is also an excellent choice for gents with oval-shaped or long faces. As a high quiff can elongate the face, it’s ideal to keep the sides a little longer to avoid over-slimming the appearance of your head.
4. Low Fade Comb Over
The classic comb over is cool once again thanks to a wave of new and updated designs. So, while the super slick comb over that was once used to disguise bald spots may be gone, there are plenty more modern and stylish versions to try. In particular, a low fade comb over makes for a seriously smart choice, especially when partnered with a full top. The combination creates a look that’s rooted in tradition but appears contemporary.
5. Low Fade Faux Hawk
One of the best ways to wear a low fade is to partner it with a faux hawk. A faux hawk, which is short for “faux mohawk”, is a less dramatic take on the classic hairstyle. Although the style still features hair worn spiked up in a strip from the front to the back of the head, it doesn’t have disconnected, shaved sides. Instead, tapered cuts, such as a fade are used to create the shape of a mohawk without its bold appearance.
6. Low Fade Buzz Cut
While the buzz cut is a highly practical haircut, it’s not the most exciting of styles. So, if you are interested in rocking the super short cut but want to spice it up, why not add a low fade? A small taper is a great way to add style and a point of difference to a buzz cut without taking away its signature aesthetic. Opting for a short fade also means that you’ll reveal just the right amount of skin to appear purposely sleek instead of bald.
7. Low Fade Messy Hair
If you like the look of disheveled hair but haven’t quite mastered its perfect appearance, don’t worry. A messy hair look can look just as stylish as a structured one when worn in the right way. All you need to do to keep your disheveled style from appearing like an unkempt bedhead is to add a low fade. This easy addition will add a sense of tidiness to your hairstyle by keeping its sides short and sharp.
8. Low Fade Slicked Back
The low fade looks great with both short and medium lengths of hair on top. If you do opt for a medium length, you should consider a slicked back hairstyle to complete your look. The style, which is sophisticated without appearing overly serious, partners perfectly with a subtle yet sleek small fade. You can also consider adding a beard style to your look to help balance out the longer length on top.
9. Low Fade with Short Textured Hair
A low fade is a great option for injecting a stylish touch into a short haircut. The fade, which gradually reduces the length of the hair from around the temples to the ears, naturally draws the eyes up, adding shape and focus to your look. As such, adding texture to the top of your hair is an ideal way to further enhance your style and utilize its benefits.
10. Low Fade Pompadour
Although the pompadour is already stylish and sophisticated, the addition of a low fade and hard part can make it even more so. So, if you’re looking for a hairstyle that’ll stand out and appear suave, this combination is the perfect option. Whether you’re heading to the office, the bar, or out on a date, this hairstyle will work to enhance your appearance for an impressive result.
11. Low Fade With Textured Waves
Not all low fade haircuts look best when worn neat and polished. Many appear their best when rocked with an attitude and a youthful feel. As such, pairing a short taper with wild and textured waves can create a great appearance. Edgy without being out of control, this stylish combination is completely on-trend and a perfect hairstyle.
12. Low Fade With Short Curls
Want to show off your natural curls while keeping them under control? A short haircut with a low fade is the ideal option for doing so. Not only will the cut allow you to make the most of the texture on top of your head, but it’ll also help keep your appearance in check with a short length and smart shape. It may be a simple hairstyle, but your curls will make it successful.
13. Low Fade French Crop
The French crop is a versatile hairstyle that can be worn by different hair types and textures. It is defined by the short hair at the back and sides and a slight fringe. If you like the idea of the classic French crop hairstyle but want it to feel more modern, then pairing it with a low fade is a great choice. The low fade is not dramatic and gradually tapers, focusing on the bottom inch of the hair. This can help to frame your face. If you have naturally textured hair, it can create interesting proportions and contrast. Your fade will also make the hair easier to style.
14. Low Fade Afro
Embracing your natural hair and wearing it with an afro is a great choice. There are many ways to style your Afro hairstyle, including keeping it at varying lengths and pairing it with a fade for an edgy and cool appearance. A low fade, which tapers down the sides and lower on the head, can create interesting proportions and highlight your curls. The combination makes for a masculine look that is neat and stylish. It can also add structure and will draw attention to your features. This fade is versatile, and you can experiment with long or short hair on top. Try pairing your low fade and afro with facial hair for a look that feels balanced.
15. Low Fade With Wavy Hair
The appeal of a low fade, when paired with naturally wavy hair, is that it helps to create an interesting contrast between the sides of your head and the hair on top. This can also add to the fullness and volume of your hair. A low fade is subtle and understated and can give your haircut an edge. It can also make it appear neater and more polished. In addition, it can be a way to tame your curls, making them more manageable and reducing style time.
16. Low Drop Fade
The drop fade will give your haircut an edgy and modern finish. It is a noticeable fade, dropping low and behind the ear to create an arc-shaped appearance. It is excellent for drawing attention to the hair on the top of the head and can create the illusion of fuller, thicker hair at the crown. The drop fade can be added to hair of all textures and can be adapted to suit your preference. This includes opting for a subtler approach to the fade by combining it with a low fade. The low fade will create a more graduated finish and result in less sharpness, while still giving you a look that is fresh and modern.
17. Low Taper Fade
The low fade is one of the most versatile fade haircuts. It is more subtle in appearance, focusing on the bottom inch of the hair, tapering down the sides, with the hair on top of the head kept longer. The fade looks great with all hair textures and can be adapted to suit your preference. This includes opting for a low taper fade, a gradual fade that typically begins from the middle section of the head. It is excellent for adding structure to your haircut and will create a contrast with the hair on top and the back and sides.
18. Low Skin Fade
The fade haircut is ideal for adding structure to your haircut and can be tailored to suit your personality and style. For those who want a subtle approach to a skin fade, this could be the ideal way to do it. The skin fade is defined by the hair on the sides fading down to the skin. The contrast between the hair on top of the head is more visible, making this a more dramatic fade. However, starting it low on the head, around the bottom inch of the hair, will make it look more natural. The low skin fade can be paired with a classic haircut for a sophisticated finish, or something fresh and modern if you want to make a statement.
19. Low Taper Fade With Curly Hair
The low fade is a versatile fade and a great addition to all haircuts and hair textures. The low taper fade gradually shortens the hair on the sides of the head, keeping the top longer and creating a subtle contrast. This is ideal for giving the hair structure and can create an effortlessly cool and masculine finish. With curly hair, a fade can remove some of the weight and bulk from the hair, making it easier to style. The curls also have a softer appearance, which can be complemented by the sharpness of the fade.
20. Low Temp Fade
The temp fade or temple fade tapers around the temples and is great for drawing attention to the hairline. You can pair this with a low fade, which is lower than most fades and will focus on the last inch of the hair. The combination of these two looks will give your hair structure. It will also let you express yourself and highlight your facial features. The temp fade does require some maintenance, with regular visits to the barber for touch-ups. However, the result is a cool and masculine haircut that looks great with all hair textures.
21. Low Bald Fade
The bald fade is one of the most noticeable fades and is ideal for the man who wants to stand out from the crowd. The hair is kept longer on the top of the head, with the back and sides shaved off, creating contrast and letting you play with proportions. You can opt for a subtler approach to the bald fade by starting lower on the head. This results in less contrast while still giving your haircut structure. You can style it in various ways, including a sleek brushed-back hairstyle for a retro and classic finish. Or creating volume at the front of the head for a modern and expressive look.
22. Low Fade With Curly Fringe
Curly hair is an excellent texture and can be styled in various ways, including a low fade. A low fade is a subtle and understated approach to faded hairstyles because it starts lower on the head. The hair will gradually fade from around the bottom inch. It is a great way to create a contrast with your curls and make the hair look neat and structured. It can highlight your curl pattern, making it the focus of your look. This will also make the hair look fuller and thicker on top, which can be incredibly flattering. A fade can remove weight and bulk from the hair, making it easier to style and care for your curls.
23. Low Top Fade
If you want to create an interesting combination with your fade, opt for a low-top fade. The low fade is more subtle than many other fades because it creates less contrast as it fades lower on the head. This is an excellent addition to any hairstyle, including something edgy like the flat top. There are many versions of the flat top, from the 80s approach with a clearly defined flat cut on the top of the head to the more modern and wearable versions. Regardless of the version of the flat top, you select, the contrast between the volume and fullness on the top of the head when paired with a subtle fade is a winning combination.
24. Low Fade With Beard
The low fade can be adapted to suit your preference and complement your hair texture. It also looks great when paired with facial hair. The low fade and a beard will create a more subtle and understated finish by creating a balance. The low fade starts lower on the head, around the bottom inch, and creates less contrast with the hair on the top. This makes it an ideal look for all occasions and is low-maintenance and effortlessly cool.
25. Low Fade Haircut for Black Men
There are many pros to the low fade haircut, including giving structure to your hair. The hair is kept longer on the top, with the backs and sides gradually tapering. This is ideal for removing some of the bulk from afro-textured hair and can make it easier to style. It is also good for creating volume, making the hair on the top of the head appear fuller and thicker. There are several ways to rock this look, from a short afro to dreads. The low fade will give your hairstyle a modern update and a slight edge, making it look fresh and modern.
Low Fade Haircut FAQs
What is a low fade?
A low fade is a technique for cutting a short back and sides, where the length of the hair gets shorter lower down the sides. The fade runs through roughly the bottom inch of the hair before evening out to the one length. The top of the style can be anything you like, from an undercut or Edgar to a crew cut or pompadour.
What do I tell my barber for a low fade?
Then ask for a low fade on the sides, rather than a scissor cut or taper. If you can, take along some reference pictures of styles you like, so you can show your stylist exactly what you have in mind. Pinterest is the perfect way to create a board of styles you like, and you can quickly scroll through before the clippers touch your head.
How long does a low fade haircut last?
A low fade will need touching up every three to four weeks. Keep in mind that the shorter you go, for example, a bald fade, you’ll need to maintain the style more regularly.
Q: What is a low fade haircut?
A: A low fade haircut is a popular men’s hairstyle that features a gradual taper from the longer hair on top to shorter hair on the sides and back of the head. The fade starts near the temples and gradually fades down to the nape of the neck, creating a clean and stylish look.
Q: How do I ask my barber for a low fade haircut?
A: To ask for a low fade haircut, simply ask your barber to leave the hair on top of your head longer, while gradually tapering the length of the hair on the sides and back of your head. You can also specify how low you want the fade to start.
Q: What hair types are best for a low fade haircut?
A: A low fade haircut can work well on all hair types, including straight, wavy, and curly hair. However, it may require different techniques and styling products depending on your hair type.
Q: How often do I need to get a low fade haircut?
A: The frequency of your low fade haircut depends on how fast your hair grows and how quickly the fade grows out. Generally, it is recommended to get a low fade haircut every two to four weeks to maintain the style and keep it looking fresh.
Q: What are some popular styles to pair with a low fade haircut?
A: Some popular styles to pair with a low fade haircut include a textured crop, a slicked-back undercut, a side-parted pompadour, or a messy fringe. You can also experiment with different hair lengths, parting styles, and hair products to create a unique and personalized look.
Q: Can I style my low fade haircut in different ways?
You can style it with a textured or slicked-back look, or leave it messy and tousled for a more casual vibe. You can also experiment with different hair products such as pomade, gel, or wax to achieve your desired look.