High Top Fade Haircuts for Men: Best Hair Styles for Thick and Curly Hair

High top fade haircuts have been a popular trend for several years, but not everyone is convinced that it is the right style for them. As a professional journalist, it is important to acknowledge the issue that some men face when deciding whether or not to try a high top fade. This is where my expertise comes in, as I have researched and analyzed the benefits and drawbacks of this stylish haircut.

While the high top fade can certainly make a statement, some challenges and frustrations may come with it. For example, not everyone has the right hair texture or length to achieve the desired look. Additionally, some men may be hesitant to try a new and bold fade haircut, fearing that it may not suit their personal style or professional image. As a result, many men may be missing out on a trendy and sophisticated look that could enhance their overall appearance.

Fortunately, there are solutions for those who are interested in trying a high top fade but are unsure how to go about it. Anyone can confidently rock this stylish haircut with the right guidance and expertise. In my upcoming blog post, I will provide helpful tips and advice on achieving the perfect high top fade and showcase some of the best styles and trends in the industry.

Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your look and stand out from the crowd with a high top fade. Stay tuned for my comprehensive guide on achieving this iconic and trendy haircut.

What is a high top fade?

A high top fade is a men’s haircut where the hair on the sides and back is cut short with a fade technique, while the hair on top is left long. This creates a disconnected look and a high contrast between the sides and the top. It is a popular hairstyle among the Afro-American community and has been sported by famous men such as Will Smith, Odell Beckham Jr., and Usher. The haircut works best with curly, kinky, and coily hair, as it requires extra volume and texture.

There are different variations of the high top fade, including the flat top, high top dreads, and curly high top fades. Additionally, various fade types, such as low fade, mid fade, high fade, skin fade, bald fade, and drop fade, can be chosen for the sides. The key to a high top fade is the height of the hair on top, which can be styled in different ways, including nappy afro, dreadlocks, and sponge twists.

Benefits of the High Top Fade Haircut

A high top fade haircut offers several benefits, making it a popular choice among men.

• Firstly, it features a sharp contrast between the shorter sides and the longer top, providing a trendy and sophisticated look.
• Secondly, it is easy to maintain, making it ideal for those who prefer low-maintenance hairstyles.
• Thirdly, it works best with curly, kinky, and coily hair, adding extra volume and texture. Finally, it can be tailored to suit any face shape, making it a versatile haircut that can suit different kinds of hair.

Best high top fade haircuts for men

1. Curly High Top Fade

The curly high top fade is a popular hairstyle among men with curly, kinky, or coily hair. This style features longer hair on top and gradually tapers down the sides and back. To achieve this look, start by washing and conditioning your hair, then use a comb to section off the hair on top. Use clippers to gradually taper the sides and back, leaving the hair on top long.

Style the hair on top using a curling iron or diffuser to enhance natural curls. To maintain the style, schedule regular trims and use products designed for curly hair. This adaptable hairstyle can be worn in various settings, from the office to a night out.

2. High Top Fade Dreads

The high top fade with dreads is a popular hairstyle rooted in the African-American community. It was a go-to look for many artists in the hip-hop scene in the 1980s and 1990s. The high top fade is a haircut in which the hair on the sides is cut quite short with the fade cutting technique, and the top is left very long. Adding dreads to this style adds a unique and modern touch to the classic high top fade.

The style has evolved over time, with multiple variations of the style, including twisted high tops and dreads styled into short strands. This hairstyle is a chic alternative for black men who want to look stylish and modern. It continues to be a sought-after haircut among African-Americans, and its cultural significance and impact on fashion cannot be overstated.

3. High Top Fade + Long on Top

If you’re looking to rock a high top fade with long hair on top, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a quick guide to help you achieve this style:

Ideal Hair Length

To rock this style, your hair needs to be long enough to shape the top and add some height in contrast to the fade on the sides. The exact length of the top can vary according to the style you opt for, but generally, the longer, the better.

Achieving the Perfect Fade

To achieve the perfect fade, you’ll need to visit a barber who is experienced in this style. You can choose from different fade types, such as low fade, mid fade, high fade, skin fade, bald fade, and drop fade for the sides. Your barber will determine a guideline with a hair clipper according to the fade type you want and then shave your sides gradually and back for the fade effect. This creates a smooth transition on the sides.

Tips for Maintaining the Look

You’ll need to keep the top of your hair styled and shaped to maintain the look. You can consider different hairstyles such as nappy afro, dreadlocks, sponge twists, or any other style that suits you. You’ll also need to trim the sides and back to maintain the fade regularly.

A good shampoo and conditioner will keep your hair healthy and looking great. And if you want to add some extra flair, you can consider adding designs on the shaved sides. Remember, the key to rocking this style is to keep the height of your hair on top. So, make sure to maintain that height and keep your hair looking sharp.

4. High Top Fade Braids

To achieve the best high top fade braids for men, follow these simple steps:

1. Section the hair: Start by sectioning the hair into the desired shape of the high top fade. Use clippers to fade the sides and back of the head, leaving the top section longer.
2. Create the braids: Once the hair is sectioned, begin braiding the top section of hair in small, tight braids. Use a comb to create straight parts and ensure each braid is even in size. You can add some color to your braids for an extra edge.
3. Style the final look: Style the hair with a finishing product after completing the braids. Use a holding gel or spray to keep the braids in place and maintain the shape of the high top fade.

To maintain this type of braids with fade, use a leave-in conditioner to keep the hair hydrated and prevent dryness. Use scalp oil to keep the scalp moisturized and prevent itching. It is also essential to wash the hair regularly with a gentle shampoo to keep it clean.

Some recommended hair products for maintaining high top fade braids include Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream, Jamaican Mango & Lime Black Castor Oil, and Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Cast or Oil Shampoo. These products will help keep your hair healthy and looking fresh.

Achieving the perfect high top fade braids for men may take some practice, but with patience and the right tools and products, you can achieve a sharp and stylish look that will turn heads. Remember to keep your hair clean and moisturized to maintain the braids and keep them looking their best.

5. High Top Fade Designs

There are several high top fade designs that men can try, each with its own unique look and styling options. Here are some of the most popular designs:

1. Flat high top fade: This design features a flat top with major side detailing, such as shaved designs. It can be customized to suit individual preferences.
2. Faded with designs: This head-turner design features a long high top fade nicely blended on one side and a surgical razor-sharp design to complete the opposite side. It gives an extra swag when asking for a faded with design high top fade.
3. Sharp part: This design exudes a strong, powerful appearance and features a sharp part that gives it a modern edge. The hair is not polished, keeping it from being too retro.

When choosing a specific high top fade design, it is important to consider your face structure, dominant features, and hair texture. You can show your barber photos of the fade haircut designs that inspire you the most and work together to get the perfect show-stopping hairstyle.

6. High Top Fade With Part

The High Top Fade with Part hairstyle is popular among men, especially those with thick and curly hair. This haircut involves cutting the hair on the sides short using the fade cutting technique while leaving the hair on top long. The part adds a touch of class to the hairstyle, and it can be styled with a side or center part.

To achieve this hairstyle, it is recommended to have at least 3-4 inches of hair on top. A wide-tooth comb is the best tool to use when styling the hair. It is essential to have a skilled barber to achieve the perfect High Top Fade with Part.

To maintain the hairstyle, it is advisable to use hair products such as hair gel or cream to keep the hair in place. Regular visits to the barber for touch-ups are also necessary to keep the hairstyle looking fresh.

So, the High Top Fade with Part is a versatile hairstyle suitable for men who want to exude a strong and powerful appearance. Anyone can achieve this stylish haircut with the right hair length, comb, barber, and hair products.

7. Low High Top Fade

The low high top fade is a stylish haircut that features short hair on the sides and a longer top that is perfectly rounded and smooth. The fade cutting technique creates a high contrast between the sides and the top, giving it a disconnected look.

This haircut is perfect for men with curly, kinky, and coily hair, as it requires extra volume and texture. To maintain this fade, keep the sides and back trimmed regularly and use a good quality hair product to keep the top neatly styled. This haircut suits oval and square-shaped faces the best.

8. High Top Fade + Twist

The High Top Fade + Twist hairstyle for men combines two popular haircuts. The high top fade involves leaving the hair on top long while gradually fading the sides and back. The twist element adds small sections of twisted hair on top to create tight coils.

This hairstyle creates a unique and modern look that exudes power and strength. It works best with thick, curly, or kinky hair types, as they provide the necessary texture and volume to achieve the desired look. Overall, the High Top Fade + Twist is a stylish and trendy option for men looking to make a statement with their hair.

9. High Top Bald Fade

The high top bald fade haircut is a popular style among men, particularly in the Afro-American community. This style involves cutting the hair on the sides very short with a fade cutting technique while leaving the hair on top long, resulting in a disconnected look. The bald hi-top fade is a variation of this style where the skin fading of the hair starts immediately, creating a high-contrast look.

This style works best for men with curly or thick hair, as it requires extra volume and texture. Regular trims and the use of styling products can help maintain the look. When choosing a barber or stylist, it’s important to communicate the desired length and placement of the fade and the desired height of the hair on top. With proper maintenance and the right barber, the high top bald fade can be a stylish and powerful look for any man.

10. High Top Fade + Beard

High top fade haircuts have been popular for decades and are a trendy choice for men. This haircut is versatile and can meet all of your styling needs. When paired with a beard, it can enhance a man’s appearance and create an appealing visual balance. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect high top fade with a beard:

1. Decide on the type of high top fade you want. Whether you prefer a classic or modern look, there are various high top fade variations.
2. Choose the right beard style to complement your high top fade. A full beard, goatee, or thin line along the cheekbones can all work well with this haircut.
3. Trim and shape your beard to match the overall shape of your high top fade. Use clippers to trim the beard to the desired length and a razor to create clean lines.
4. Maintain your high top fade and beard by regularly trimming and shaping them. This will help keep the overall look polished and stylish.

Examples of high top fade variations that work well with a beard include a curly high top fade with a full beard or a faded high top with a goatee. Remember to choose a style that suits your face shape and personal preferences. With these tips, you can rock a high top fade with a beard and exude a strong, powerful appearance.

11. High Top Fade For Black Men

The high top fade haircut, also known as the hi-top fade, has a rich history and cultural significance for black men. It emerged as a trendy hairstyle in the 1980s and 1990s hip-hop scene, with many artists sporting the look. The high top fade features an extended afro on top that is trimmed flat and gradually fades on the sides and back to very short hair.

Today, the high top fade remains a sought-after haircut among African-Americans, with various modern takes on the style, including high top dreads and curly high top fades. The hairstyle is versatile, original, and expressive of hip-hop and old-school culture.

12. Hi Flat Top with Drop Fade

To achieve the Hi Flat Top with Drop Fade haircut for men, you will need clippers, scissors, a comb, and a styling product. The hair on top should be around 2-3 inches long, and the sides should be faded down to the skin. Start by sectioning off the hair on top and cutting it straight across to create a flat top. Then, use the clippers to fade the sides, starting with a longer guard and gradually moving to a shorter one as you get closer to the skin.

Use scissors to blend the top with the sides. Finally, apply a styling product to hold the hair in place and maintain the flat shape. This style suits men with textured hair and oval or square face shapes. It is not recommended for men with straight hair or round face shapes.

13. Kinky Hair High Top with Fade

Kinky hair is curly hair characterized by its tight, coiled texture. The High Top Fade (aka Hi Top Fade) is a popular hairstyle among African-American men that suits those with afro-textured or kinky hair. This hairstyle is achieved by leaving a few inches of natural hair on top while cutting the sides very short with the fade cutting technique, creating a high contrast between the two.

The benefit of this hairstyle for those with kinky hair is that it allows the hair to stand up evenly which can be trimmed and molded into different shapes. The Kinky Hair High Top with Fade is versatile and low maintenance, making it a great option for men with thick and curly hair. To maintain this hairstyle, it is recommended to use a moisturizing shampoo and avoid excessive heat styling.

14. Black High Top Fade Haircut

The black high top fade haircut originated in the 1980s and 1990s as a popular hairstyle among black men in the hip-hop scene. Today, it is still a sought-after haircut among African-Americans and has evolved to include variations such as high top dreads and curly high top fades. The style features short, tapered sides and a back, while the hair on top is left very long and trimmed flat, slowly fading on the sides and back to very short hair.

This haircut is typically compatible with kinky, curly, and coarse hair, but can also be achieved with straight hair types. Achieving the perfect high top fade requires the use of clippers and regular maintenance to keep the sides and back short and tapered. Styling options include adding a sharp part or incorporating designs into the hair.

15. High Top Drop Fade

The high top drop fade haircut is a popular style for men with long hair on top and a fade on the sides and back. The fade starts high and gradually drops down to the skin. This cut looks great on curly, kinky, and coily hair types but may not be suitable for straight hair.

To maintain this style, it’s important to keep the hair on top moisturized and well-conditioned. Regular trims and touch-ups with a barber are also necessary to maintain the sharp lines of the fade. Overall, the high top drop fade is a modern take on a classic look that can add a strong and powerful appearance to any man’s style.

16. High Top Curly Hair with Line Design

If you’re a man with curly hair looking to get a high top fade haircut with line designs, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to choose a stylist who has experience working with curly hair and can create the desired line designs. Before the cut, communicate your style preferences and face shape to the stylist.

Use products that cater to curly hair, such as leave-in conditioners, curl creams, and oils to maintain the style. Regular trims will also help keep the fade looking fresh. Consider adding a facial hairstyle and disconnected part to elevate the look. Overall, a high top fade with line designs is a stylish and trendy option for men with curly hair.

17. High Top Dreads with Skin Fade

Styling dreads with a skin fade for a high top fade haircut is a trendy and stylish look for black men. To achieve this look, start with shorter dreads that are easier to style. Choose the fade style that suits your taste, such as a drop fade, V-cut design, or freeform dreadlocks, and ask your barber to execute it. Use a good quality hair moisturizer to keep your dreads healthy and well-nourished.

You can also add a stylish beard to complement the look. To maintain this style, go to the salon at least once a week and follow a proper hair care routine. Keep the dreads off your face by putting them in ponytails or buns. With these tips, you can rock the dreads with a skin fade for a high top fade haircut.

18. High Top Fade White Men

The high top fade hairstyle was popularized in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a trendy haircut for black men in the hip-hop scene. However, it has since evolved and is now widely worn by men from different cultures worldwide. The traditional high top fade features short sides and a long, flat top, while the curly high top fade is ideal for men with curly or kinky hair.

The undercut high top fade is a modern take on the classic style, featuring a shaved undercut with a longer top. Celebrities like Kid Cudi, Zayn Malik, and David Beckham have all rocked the high top fade. To achieve the perfect high top fade, finding a skilled barber who can work with your hair type and create a customized look that suits your personal style is important.

19. High Top Fade Wig

A wig is a hairpiece that can be worn over natural hair and is designed to mimic the look and feel of real hair. Unlike natural hair, wigs can be easily styled and maintained without damaging the wearer’s own hair. A high top fade wig is a wig that is designed to mimic the look of the popular hairstyle, which features short, cropped sides and a longer, curly top.

These wigs come in various lengths, textures, and materials, including synthetic and human hair options. For a high top fade style, choosing a wig with curly or kinky texture is recommended to achieve the desired look.

20. Sponged High Top Fade

A sponged high top fade haircut is a style that features a voluminous high top with neatly faded sides and back. This style works best with thick and curly hair that is at least 2 inches long on top. You will need a curl sponge, clippers with different guard sizes, and a styling gel to achieve this look.

1. Start by washing and conditioning your hair; then towel dry it.
2. Apply a small amount of styling gel to your hair and use the curl sponge to create spiral curls on the top of your head.
3. Use clippers with a smaller size guard to fade the sides and back of your head, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
4. Switch to a larger size guard as you move up the sides and back, blending the fade with the longer hair on top.
5. Use a small pair of scissors to trim any stray hairs and create a clean line around the edges.
6. Maintain the style by using the curl sponge to refresh the curls and trimming the sides and back regularly to keep the fade looking neat.
7. To achieve a longer-lasting sponge effect, avoid washing your hair too often and use a leave-in conditioner to moisturize your hair.

This style complements oval and square face shapes and works best with thick, curly hair. To enhance the overall look, you can use a styling product such as a pomade or hairspray to add shine and hold to the curls. With proper maintenance and styling, a sponged high top fade can be a stylish and versatile haircut for men.

How to get a high top fade

To achieve a high top fade haircut for men with thick and curly hair, you will need the following tools: hair clipper, hair pick, and leave-in conditioner. For styling, you will need olive oil cream, which is an excellent conditioner and styling aid for kinky hair. Here are the steps to achieve the perfect high top fade:

1. Start by washing your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Apply the leave-in conditioner to your hair while it is still damp.
2. Use the hair pick to comb through your hair and detangle any knots or tangles.
3. Use the hair clipper to clip the hair on the sides and back of your head. Set the guard size between #1 and #4 for the perfect length.
4. Create a high skin fade to emphasize the contrast between the hair on the top and sides. Ask your barber to help you create this look.
5. Leave a few inches of hair on the top of your head. The length of your high top is your choice, but ensure you have enough hair to work with.
6. Apply the olive oil cream to your hair to condition and style it. Use your fingers to mold the hair into the desired shape.
7. Finally, use the hair pick to style the hair on the top of your head, creating a high top shape.

Remember to maintain your high top fade regularly by trimming the sides and back every two weeks and conditioning your hair daily. With these simple steps, you can achieve a stylish high top fade that will make you awesome.

Over to You

A high top fade is a versatile style that can be tailored to any man’s individual taste. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance option or a style that will make you trendy, there’s a high top fade haircut for you. With so many variations, you’re sure to find the perfect style for your thick or curly hair.

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