For men who want to feel good and have a sharp image, the high fade haircut is the perfect solution. This modern style has become famous in the world of men’s hair. With gradients on the sides and sometimes shaved, these haircuts offer a cleaner, more dynamic look. The styling touch from skilled barbers and stylists ensures a distinctive, sophisticated appearance.

Whether you prefer low fades, skin fades, taper fades, scissor fades, or drop fades, the high fade can be customized to suit your taste and personality. Adding elements like a pompadour, curly locks, or a low cut can enhance your hairstyle. These styles not only look fashionable but also give a new lease of life to your haircut.

The Guide to high fade haircuts provides great inspiration for achieving the perfect cuts. From my personal experience, a high fade with a classic touch always feels fresh and striking, making it a favorite among men looking for a stylish and contemporary haircut.

What Is A High Fade Haircut?

Basics of the high fade haircut start with its element of a sharper, more modern look. The term “high fade” refers to the back and sides of the head, where blending occurs between different lengths of hair. The fade graduates from the neck up to the ears, creating a smooth transition from the shortest hair to the longer hair on top. This faded appearance is known for its high position, blending the lengths higher than a low fade.

The graduation around the temples gives a high fade its striking and sometimes aggressive look. Celebrities like David Beckham, Michael B. Jordan, and Ryan Reynolds are A-list advocates of this style. The softer taper fade offers a more gradual transition for those preferring a subtler version.

Best High Fade Haircuts

Haircut Name	Specific Qualities
High Fade Buzz Cut	Textured crop top, versatile, trendy, subtle transition, inspired by Peaky Blinders.
High Fade With Braids	Subtle, high-end look, tapered sides, sleek, polished appearance.
High Taper Fade Haircut	Sleek, polished look, suitable for various face shapes, timeless and elegant.
Pompadour With High Fade	Sharp, bold, with beard, textured top, skin fade down to scalp.
Top Knot High Fade	Sharp contrast, long top, versatile styling, elongates face, fashionable.
High Fade With Quiff	Professional, sharpens features, hard part, flattering for round/oval faces.
High Skin Fade	Modern, bold, edgy look, sleek finish, versatile for various styles.
Afro With High Fade	Military roots, low-maintenance, timeless look, short sides, modern and traditional blend.
Classic High Fade Haircut	High fade, slicked or textured top, trendy hard part, modern twist on classic.
Clean Crew Cut With High Fade	Dramatic fade, clean-shaven sides, sharp and polished, military-inspired, modern variations.
High Fade with Mohawk	Combines classic afro with high fade, sharp lines, versatile, celebrity-inspired.
High Skin Fade Comb-Over	Classic, voluminous front, modern fade, iconic style, requires styling tools.
Textured Crop With High Fade	Classic-modern fusion, slicked back top, versatile for work or casual.
High Fade Comb-Over	Classic military-inspired, crisp finish, versatile, traditional yet stylish.
Trendy High Fade with Long Top	Bold, modern, high fade with top knot, unique and trendy style.
Slick Back High Fade	Bold, modern, distinct Mohawk strip, adjustable to face shape.
High Fade Undercut	Bold, braided, edgy look, high top undercut, seamlessly blended gradient.
High And Tight Fade	Bold contrast, sharp fade, clean look, modern twist on classic buzz cut.
Curly High Fade	Blends thick curls with shaved sides, stylish, clean, sharp gradient, unique look.
High Fade With Part	Adds height and texture, modern, smooth wave, volume at the front.

High And Tight Fade

The classic military cut known as the high and tight fade is both fashionable and practical. This low grade haircut features very short sides and back with slightly longer hair on top. Originating from military roots, this style has evolved into one of the most popular hairstyles in men’s cuts. Different from traditional military hairstyles, it has found a place in civilian life too.

Inspired by the crew cut and ivy league, it remains a timeless choice, especially favored by the marine corps and drill instructors. This high fade haircut is known for being low-maintenance, requiring minimal styling and only needing to be touched up occasionally as it starts growing out. It’s a perfect match for modern menswear garments and seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary looks.

High Fade Comb-Over

The High Fade Comb-Over is a bolder take on a classic hairstyle. This style features a high fade that starts high up on the head, with the sides and back neatly shaven and blended. The long hair on top is slicked or texturized and styled to one side, creating a modern twist on the comb-over. A hard part adds a trendy finish to this cut, and using pomade helps maintain the look.

A trimmed beard can complete the style, making you the talk of the office. The high gradient fade creates a subtly striking contrast with the longer hair on top, perfect for a modern yet classic appearance.

High Skin Fade Comb-Over

The High Skin Fade Comb-Over is a modern and stylish hairstyle that features a dramatic gradient from a high point on the sides to a clean shave. This high skin fade starts with a zero blade for a harsh, precise cut that tapers smoothly into the comb-over on top.

This tight style is reminiscent of military cuts but has evolved with many variations for a more contemporary look. The short sides and high fade create a striking contrast with the longer hair on top, giving a sharp and polished appearance.

Curly High Fade

If you have curly hair and want a modern look, a Curly High Fade might be the perfect hairstyle for you. This fade blends your thick curls with shaved sides and a sharp gradient to create a clean, stylish finish. Adding a fringe can make the haircut even more unique, especially if you ask your stylist at Barbershop to play with color for a striking result.

With this majestic look, your curly hair stays full of personality while the back and sides stay neat, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to stand out.

High Fade Buzz Cut

For a bold and striking look, the High Fade Buzz Cut is a great choice. This style creates a stark contrast between the shorter sides and the longer top, making a strong statement. With a classic buzz cut that’s been given a modern twist, your barber will use clippers at a specific grade to achieve the perfect fade.

Whether you have afro hair with a wave or straight hair, this cut is all about sharpening your style while keeping things simple and clean. The results speak for themselves, blending the old with the new to give you a distinctive look that stands out.

Textured Crop With High Fade

The Textured Crop With High Fade is a popular choice for men and women of Asian heritage due to its stylish appeal and sophistication. This haircut features a textured crop top with clean lines, making it both versatile and perfect for a trendy look. Whether you have straight hair or a natural wave, this style creates a dramatic effect. Variations like the textured crop high burst fade add dimension and texture, while the textured crop high taper fade offers a subtle transition between longer and shorter lengths.

The textured crop high drop fade provides a seamless gradient effect, giving it a modern and edgy appeal reminiscent of Tommy Shelby from the 2010s style trends seen in Peaky Blinders. This style, complete with flat caps and pocket watches, has seen a revival thanks to the popular UK series.

The undercut variation adds a refined touch, and many barbers recommend bringing a photo for the best results. This low-maintenance style can be easily managed with a styling product to achieve a tousled look.

Clean Crew Cut With High Fade

The Crew Cut With High Fade is a classic choice that merges the timeless appeal of traditional hairstyles with a contemporary edge. Its roots in the military make it a sensible and sharp option, perfect for any setting—from the office to the bar. With a short back and sides, this stock haircut offers a crisp finish around the temples and back of the head, providing a close shave that stays stylish.

Whether you’re visiting the barbershop for a hi-top fade or sticking to a more almost-military style, this hairdo remains a strong, versatile option for men who value both tradition and style in their look.

High Fade With Braids

The High Fade With Braids is a bold choice that lets your personality shine through. This style combines a high fade with braided hair, creating a sharply contoured look that dramatically enhances the appearance of your sides. Whether you prefer twists, dreads, or individual braids, this hairstyle adds a unique edge, perfect for guys and ladies who want to rock a fresh, punk rock vibe.

The high top undercut fade complements the longer section on top, with a seamless gradient that blends perfectly. The best part is that it’s versatile enough for every day without needing to worry about complex styling.

High Taper Fade Haircut

The High Taper Fade is a favorite style among men due to its subtle and high-end look. This classic cut features a larger fade area that starts higher up on the side and extends to the bottom of the neck. The tapering creates a full gradient from the crown to the temple line, offering a combined look of sophistication and modernity.

A clean shave enhances the sharpness of this style, making it perfect for those seeking a sleek and polished appearance.

Afro With High Fade

The Afro With High Fade is a popular choice among men looking to revive classic afro hairstyles with a modern twist. This trend combines natural hair with sharply tapered sides and clean lines to create a look full of character and drama. The high fade provides endless options for shaped and sculpted styles, making it easy to maintain a fresh and polished look.

Celebrities like Marcus Rashford, the Weekend, Khalid, and Odell Beckham Jr. serve as great inspiration for this flattering option, which pairs well with neck tattoos and earrings. Whether you prefer a simple or more intricate style, the afro fade offers a stylish and easy-to-grow out option.

High Fade With Quiff

The High Fade With Quiff is a standout choice for those who love a style that adds both height and texture. This haircut is similar to the pompadour, but with a focus on brushing the hair back to create volume and a smooth wave at the front. The sides and back are tapered into a high fade, giving the Quiff cut a clean, modern look.

To get this look just right, bring a photo to your barber and pay attention to every detail. With the right guidance, it’s easier to avoid any duplicate mistakes and ensure the style is tailored perfectly for you.

High Fade With Part

The High Fade With Part is a top choice for the businessman who wants to keep a professional yet fashionable style. This haircut is especially flattering for those with a round-shaped face or oval-shaped face, as the part helps to sharpen your features. The hard part creates a distinct line that accentuates the hairline, giving your look a crispness that is perfect for highlighting angles and enhancing your bone structure.

Inspired by celebrities like Ortiz and Jamie Foxx, this style offers a uniform frame around the face, making it a versatile choice for any setting.

High Fade Undercut

The High Fade Undercut is perfect if you want to elevate your style with a modern, edgy look that helps you stand out in a crowd. This hairstyle combines the sharpness of a high fade with the boldness of an undercut, creating a popular trend among men. The gradient on the sides and back of the head adds a sleek finish, especially when paired with long hair on top.

For a more pompadour-like effect, use a good styling cream to shape your hair. This combination not only adds flair but also gives you endless ideas to play with.

Pompadour With High Fade

When talking about men’s haircuts, the pompadour with a high fade stands out as a classic yet modern choice. This signature style involves tapering the sides short while keeping the hair on top longer and brushed up and back. This mid-century haircut has seen a resurgence over the past decade, thanks to the increased prevalence of fades, bringing this throwback look up to date.

For those uninitiated in this lofty style, it requires a blowdryer and pomade to create volume at the front of the head. Icons like Elvis and Beckham, as well as perhaps your grandad, sported this style. Traditionally, the sides would also be kept longer and combed back to a point, but adding a high fade gives it a cleaner, modern edge. Regular maintenance trims keep the fade looking fresh, and good blow-drying and combing skills are essential.

Classic High Fade Haircut

For a subtle yet sexy look, try the Classic High Fade Haircut. This style features a pompadour that sits high on the forehead with a zero fade on the sides. Using a wide-toothed comb, start by brushing your hair back and applying some gel or spray for a strong hold. The hair is then combed into place, achieving a sleek and polished finish.

This style can also be tousled for a more casual and relaxed vibe. It’s suitable for a variety of face shapes including square, oval, and heart-shaped faces. The high fade creates a balanced and well-proportioned look that enhances facial features, making it a timeless and elegant choice.

High Skin Fade

The high skin fade is a style that grabs attention with its professional finish. In the photo, you can see how this cut features a skin fade paired with a long, well-groomed beard. To add some flair, you can spike the textured top using hair wax.

This cut is graded or faded down to the scalp, giving you the freedom to experiment with the hair above. The combination of a well-groomed beard and a high skin fade creates a polished look that’s both modern and classic.

High Fade with Mohawk

For those looking for a bold style, the Edgy High Fade Mohawk is a standout choice. This haircut features a high fade on the sides with a distinct strip of longer hair in the centre. The Mohawk is often styled upwards, giving a sharp, modern look that’s perfect for the new-generation. This type of Mohawk not only looks best but also adds character to your hairstyle.

The shape of the Mohawk can be adjusted to blend well with your face, making it a versatile option.

Slick Back High Fade

The Polished High Fade Slick Back combines a high fade on the sides with hair on top that’s slicked back for a classic yet modern look. This hairstyle offers a fusion of classic and stylish elements, creating a polished appearance with an edge. The high fade keeps the sides short, while the hair on top is left with plenty of length to be slicked back.

This timeless cut works well for both straight and wavy hair, making it an excellent choice for the busy modern man. The smooth transitions from the high fade to the slicked back top make it perfect for both the office and a night out.

Trendy High Fade with Long Top

The Trendy High Fade with Long Top is a versatile style that features a high fade on the sides with hair on top left longer. This contrast creates a sharp definition between the faded sides and the long top. The hair on top can be styled in various ways, from messy and textured to a sleek look, making it a favorite among hipsters and those who enjoy a fashionable edge.

This style is incredibly flattering and can help to elongate the face and emphasize chiseled and masculine features.

Top Knot High Fade

The Bold Top Knot High Fade is a variation of the top knot with an undercut and high fade on the sides, offering an ultra-modern look. This hairstyle is a daring combination that blends the audacity of the top knot with the sharpness of the sides.

The sides are often shaved to the skin and rising high, while the hair on top is gathered and tied at the crown. This distinctive style is a popular choice for guys of all ages looking for something unique and trendy.

FAQ’s

Who suits a high fade?

A high fade haircut is perfect for men who want a standout look and are willing to commit to regular upkeep. This hairstyle really suits those who prefer a sharp and clean appearance. High fades offer a bold, modern style that makes a strong impression. From my experience, keeping up with this look means you’re dedicated to looking sharp and trendy.

How do I choose a fade?

When picking the perfect fade, think about your hair type and length. For thick, curly hair, a high fade can be the best option. But if your hair is thin and straight, a low fade might be a better choice. The length of your hair matters too. For short hair, a short fade works well. In my experience, considering these factors ensures you get the style that suits you best.

What is the best fade number?

When deciding on the best fade number, consider how short you want your fade to be. For a very short look, ask your barber to use #1 or #2 sized clippers on the back and sides. The #1 clipper leaves your hair at 0.125 in (3.2 mm) long, while the #2 leaves it at 0.25 in (6.4 mm). If you prefer a bit longer length on the sides and back, you might go for a #4 at 0.5 in (13 mm) or a #5 at 0.625 in (15.9 mm). In my experience, choosing the right clipper size can make a big difference in achieving the perfect high fade look.

How do I ask for a high fade?

To get the perfect high fade, start by telling your barber that you want a high fade. Be clear about how short or gradual you want the fade to be on the back and sides. This will help the barber understand where the fade line should begin and what tools they need to use to achieve the right graduation. By specifying these details, you ensure the fade turns out just as you envision it.