Best Low Fade Haircuts for Men | Ultimate Guide

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Low Fade Haircut Men

A low fade haircut is one of the most popular and trendy fade haircut for men. It’s a versatile hairstyle that can be worn with any type of hair, from thick to thin, and curly to straight.

The best low fade haircuts are usually styled with a textured look on top, such as spikes or messy hair. And if you want to add more contrast to your look, you can get a high-contrast style by adding an undercut or temp fade on the sides.

Check out the following low fade haircuts and see which style is right for you!

What is a low fade haircut?

A low fade haircut is a type of men’s haircut that features a gradually blending transition between the sides and back of the head which is just above the ears. Low fade haircuts look very neat and tidy, making them very popular. It is an ideal style for those who want a look that is stylish yet low maintenance.

The low fade gives an edgy and modern look and it can be used to upgrade almost any style. It is a great choice for those who want a professional look or for those who just want something a little bit different.

What is a Low Fade Haircut?

A low fade haircut is a type of men’s haircut that features a gradually blending transition between the sides and back of the head which is just above the ears. Low fade haircuts look very neat and tidy, making them very popular. It is an ideal style for those who want a look that is stylish yet low maintenance.

The low fade gives an edgy and modern look and it can be used to upgrade almost any style. It is a great choice for those who want a professional look or for those who just want something a little bit different.

Types of Low Fade Haircuts for Men

Low Fade Curly Hair

Low Fade Curly Hair
Low Fade Curly Hair

A low fade curly hair look is a style that embraces your hair’s natural texture. It starts lower on the head, gradually fading from around the bottom inch, creating a subtle and understated contrast to the curls. It’s a step above a regular curly fade haircut.

The style highlights your curl pattern, making it the focus of the look, while providing fullness and thickness on top. It also removes weight and bulk from the hair, making it easier to style and care for.

The fade gives the curly top a softer appearance, which can be complemented by the sharpness of the fade. The low fade style is getting more popular and is ideal for keeping the edges tight and clean. To maintain the look, styling cream or curling mousse can be used to avoid frizz. The low fade will grow out nicely, allowing for control of how often it is done.

Low Bald Fade

Low Fade Bald
Low Fade Bald

A low bald fade is a type of haircut in which the hair on the back and sides is gradually tapered down for a subtle and elegant look. This type of fade is also known as a skin fade, as it blends the hair into the skin. It’s a great choice for men who want to add style to their haircut and stand out from the crowd.

The low bald fade is versatile and can be paired with various hairstyles, such as a sleek brushed-back look or a more modern, voluminous style. Additionally, the low bald fade can be combined with a high fade for even more contrast and texture. The result is a bold, edgy look that is sure to turn heads.

Low Fade Taper

Low Fade Taper
Low Fade Taper

A low fade taper is a popular men’s haircut characterized by short hair that gradually fades away from around the ears to the neckline. This look is stylish and versatile, creating a subtle and elegant cut. It works well with both short and long hair on top, creating a great contrast that is both professional and stylish.

It is also a great option for thicker and textured hair, as it removes some of the bulk and weight while still providing structure. Furthermore, the low taper fade style is relatively easy to maintain, requiring regular trims to keep the look sharp and fresh.

Low Fade Comb Over

Low Fade Comb Over
Low Fade Comb Over

The low fade comb over is a modern twist on the classic comb over hairstyle for men. It is characterized by having a low skin fade that starts from the temples and flows into the sides of the head, which are then sharply tapered up towards the crown. This creates a smooth transition between the sides and the top of the head.

The comb over itself is a classic look that features a part and can be styled slick or with a natural texture. This look can be worn with confidence, as it adds depth to the hair while still looking professional and stylish. It can be varied to fit any type of hair, length, or texture, and is suitable for all ages, races, and genders.

With the right products and styling, the low fade comb over can create a look that is traditional yet contemporary.

Low Fade Black Men

Low Fade Black Men
Low Fade Black Men

A low fade is a popular choice for black men hairstyles. The front can be left longer and styled differently, with some length left on top for a stylish look. The look works best for thick, dark hair, although any hair type can pull it off. It is a popular cut that adds contrast and creates a modern look.

Low fades are also low maintenance and look great when paired with a variety of styles, from an afro haircut to dreadlocks. For a more professional cut, men can choose a taper fade. For a thicker, fuller look, apply a matte product to the hair. This style is a great way to look fresh and clean while still keeping a stylish look.

Low Fade Long Hair

Low Fade Long Hair
Low Fade Long Hair

A low fade long hair look is an edgy, modern hairstyle that is popular among men. It involves cutting the hair short around the sides and back of the head and leaving the top section of the hair long.

This cut provides a subtle contrast between the short sides and longer top, creating a stylish look that is versatile enough to be worn in a variety of different ways. For example, a slicked back low fade can be worn with medium-length hair on top for a sleek, trendy style, or with longer hair and a beard for a classier look.

With a medium-low fade, hair is left long on top and around the crown of the head for a balanced look between the low and mid fades. The low fade can also be paired with a fohawk, fade quiff, pompadour side part look for a high-volume style.

Low Fade Short Hair

Low Fade Short Hair
Low Fade Short Hair

A low fade is often paired with short hair on top, giving guys a masculine and stylish look. With a low fade haircut, the sides are trimmed and the focus is drawn to the short hair styling, allowing for texture and dimension to be added to the look.

This type of haircut is great for all hair types and can be worn with facial hair for an even more unique style.

Low Fade Undercut

Low Fade Undercut
Low Fade Undercut

An undercut is a type of hairstyle wherein the hair on top of the head is kept long, and the sides and back are tapered or faded in length. It can be used for low fades by pairing a low skin fade with the undercut for an edgy disconnected cut. Combining an undercut with a low taper can also create a clean, smooth look.

The low fade undercut style is most flattering with combed back hairstyles, spiky styles, or pompadours. It is low maintenance and will highlight the fullness of the hair. A high fade undercut means that the top hair is long enough to cover the sides and back, while a low bald fade gives a more aggressive look. See more undercut fades.

Low Fade Buzz Cut

Low Fade Buzz Cut
Low Fade Buzz Cut

The low fade buzz cut is a popular hairstyle among men due to its versatility, stylish look, and easy maintenance. This cut involves reducing the hair short on the sides and back of the head, while the top is left just slightly longer.

The low fade aspect creates a subtle and sophisticated look with the buzz cut. It’s preferred by those who want to keep their hair short but still experiment with different hairstyles.

It also works well for those with thick and straight hair, as the fullness of the hair gives the cut a smart, dapper finish. In addition, the low fade ensures that only the correct amount of skin is visible, avoiding an overly bald look. Ultimately, the low fade buzz cut provides a stylish and masculine look that is suitable for a variety of occasions.

Low Fade Military Haircut

Low Fade Military Haircut
Low Fade Military Haircut

A low fade military haircut is a classic, sharp cut in which the sides are faded shorter from top to bottom and the transition from short to longer is gradual. This haircut is great for men who want to look smart and stylish, as the low fade gives a modern twist to the traditional military style.

The low fade is ideal for those who don’t have time to go to the barber often, as it’s a relatively easy cut to maintain. It works well with both short and medium length hair and can be styled with a textured finish or a matte product to add volume. The low fade can also be combined with a crew cut, side part, or slick-back to create a unique, contemporary twist to the military issue haircut.

Low Fade Mullet

Low Fade Mullet
Low Fade Mullet

The low fade mullet is a popular men’s hairstyle that combines the smart and stylish low fade haircut with the fun and versatile mullet. This style offers the best of both worlds, creating a stylish look that is perfect for both the office and more casual settings.

The low fade allows for a clean, professional look while the mullet gives the hairstyle some personality, allowing for a more fun and edgy vibe. This cut features a short, cropped top with a tapered fade that gradually decreases in length as it moves from the sides to the back of the head. The result is a stylish, yet low-maintenance hairstyle that is perfect for modern men who want to look sharp and stay on trend.

Low Fade Slick Back

Low Fade Slick Back
Low Fade Slick Back

A low fade slick back is a men’s haircut that combines a low fade with slicked back hair on top. This style provides a bold yet classy look and is more subtle than a high fade with any degree of length. It’s also highly versatile and can be adapted to a variety of occasions.

To achieve this look, you’ll need to use styling products like pomade, wax, or gel to slick your hair back, while a thickening product like clay may be better suited for guys with thin hair. Adding an undercut or beard can also help to round out the look.

This style is perfect for those who don’t have time to style their hair every day, as all you need to do is blow dry, use a comb, and work the desired product through your hair. With the contrast created by a low shadow fade, this cut is sure to turn heads and give you the confidence you need to tackle any situation.

Low Fade Straight Hair

Low Fade Straight Hair
Low Fade Straight Hair

A low fade straight hair cut for men is a sharp look that utilizes the contrast between a fade behind the ear and the fullness on top of the head. The hair is typically kept short around the ears and nape, while leaving the tufts on top full.

This style is perfect for Latino, caucasian and Asian hair types, and can be especially flattering for those with thick, straight hair. By using some light gel or wax, men can brush their hair straight back, creating a neat, professional look. This low fade haircut also has the added benefit of creating a slimming effect around the face.

Low Fade Mohawk

Low Fade Mohawk
Low Fade Mohawk

A low fade mohawk is a hairstyle that features short hair worn up from the front to the back of the head, but with tapered sides instead of being completely shaved. It is a less dramatic take on the classic mohawk, offering men the versatility to style different looks without compromising the cut.

This haircut is popular among men because it is easier to maintain than the standard mohawk, while still providing a stylish, edgy look. Additionally, the low fade mohawk is moderately appropriate for a professional setting, as the sides can be slicked down and to the side while still maintaining the signature mohawk look.

For a less drastic look, the fohawk fade haircut also provides a contrast between the high volume of the mohawk with the shorter sides, creating a balanced look.

Low Fade Middle Part

Low Fade Middle Part
Low Fade Middle Part

A low fade middle part haircut is a stylish and modern hairstyle for men that features short to medium-length hair that is swept to each side along your natural part – evenly if possible. It is achieved by cutting the hair on the sides low and short, and then sweeping the top hair to each side.

The low fade middle part haircut is a great choice for men looking for an elegant and sleek look that can be worn just as easily to the office or a party.

Low Fade With Design

Low Fade With Design
Low Fade With Design

A low fade with design is a type of hairstyle that is most commonly used for men. It involves the gradual fading of hair length from the temples to the ears, with the sides kept shorter in comparison to the longer hair on the top. It creates a subtle yet stylish contrast between the short sides and the longer hair on the top.

This type of fade is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit a variety of looks. For example, a low taper fade can be used to add structure to a haircut and create an interesting contrast between the back and sides and the top of the head.

Additionally, this look can be further enhanced by adding texture to the top of the hair to create a fun and edgy style. Not only is the low fade with design a great way to make a style statement, but it can also be used to create a professional, neat look that is perfect for informal settings.

Low Fade Wavy Hair

Low Fade Wavy Hair
Low Fade Wavy Hair

A low fade is commonly paired with wavy hair on top for a stylish, understated look. The low fade can also add the look of volume to thinner hair, while also taming unruly curls and creating an interesting contrast between the sides of the head and the hair on top.

This hairstyle is popular among all men, but especially those with wavy hair, as it helps to accentuate their natural texture. For a casual look, try pairing a low bald fade with short to medium-length wavy hair and styling a comb over.

For a more polished look, partner a taper with medium to long hair and apply a light product to get textured waves. The low fade haircut is a versatile style and requires minimal maintenance, making it a great choice for men who want a stylish look without a lot of effort.

Low Fade Edgar Cut

Low Fade Edgar Cut
Low Fade Edgar Cut

The Edgar Low Fade is a popular haircut for Latino men, featuring a taper cut that gets shorter lower down the sides and back of the head. The fade runs from the bottom inch of the hair, creating a sharp contrast between the longer hair on top and shorter hair on the sides and back.

This look is perfect for dark colored hair, as the closely cut and sheared points and curves give it a cool, edgy finish. It also requires very little maintenance and can easily be adapted to suit a variety of different face shapes and hair types.

Low Fade Messy Top

Low Fade Messy Top
Low Fade Messy Top

A low fade messy top is a great haircut for men featuring a short length on the sides and back that gradually gets shorter towards the neckline, with longer messy locks of hair on top. This look offers a balanced and cool style, with plenty of texture and movement on top, allowing you to style it as a faux-hawk, no-hawk, brushed forward, side-parted, or any other way you prefer.

The low fade also gives you extra room to show off some tattoos. To achieve this look, ask your barber for a skin fade with just enough length left on top to style. You can complete the look with a light pomade or dry clay styling product. This haircut is perfect for those with thick, textured hair, as it allows you to flaunt the thicker locks on top while the fade adds volume and a healthy look.

Low Fade Afro

Low Fade Afro
Low Fade Afro

A low fade afro is a popular hairstyle among men that combines an angular low fade with an afro. The low fade starts at the ear and gradually becomes shorter until it is almost completely shaved near the nape of the neck.

The top of the head is left longer, allowing the natural curls of the afro to remain. The combination of the low fade and the afro creates an edgy, masculine look that is both neat and stylish. It also adds structure to the hairstyle and draws attention to the features of the face.

The low fade is popular among men because it is versatile and can be combined with different hairstyles and textures. It also creates a contrast between the low fade and the structure of the afro, making it stand out and look more modern. Additionally, the low fade is low maintenance, as it only needs to be trimmed every couple of weeks to keep it looking sharp.

Low Fade Long Top

Low Fade Long Top
Low Fade Long Top

A low fade long top is a hairstyle that can feature a dropped, low fade on the sides and back, combined with a longer top. This cut is perfect for men who want a devil-may-care charm but still want a slick, close-cropped look.

It’s also ideal for those with thick hair because the low fade gives the appearance of more volume and health. Furthermore, this style works well with both short and medium lengths of hair on top, and can be paired with a slicked back style or deep side part to create an interesting combination.

Low Fade Crop Top

Low Fade Crop Top
Low Fade Crop Top

A low fade crop top is a type of haircut that utilizes a low fade on the sides and back and a tightly cropped cut, creating an aesthetically pleasing contrast between the two. The low fade creates a sharp lineup that makes the style look modern and clean, while the longer top brings a more relaxed charm.

This haircut is popular among men because it looks great on all hair types and can be tailored to fit any face shape, as well as offering plenty of room to showcase tattoos and other body art. It’s also a great way to balance out high-volume hairstyles, such as a faux hawk, or to create a fuller look when paired with a close-cropped cut.

Low Fade Blowout

Low Fade Blowout
Low Fade Blowout

A low fade blowout is a bold, stylish hairstyle that features short sides that quickly graduate to a big burst of hair on top. This unique look is achieved by blow-drying and brushing the hair up after washing and applying a medium-hold hair product.

It can be a great hairstyle option for men with broad or round faces, as it has an elongated look that slims the appearance of the face. The low fade blowout can be used for textured hair, giving it a go-to look that eliminates the annoying areas around the ears and nape.

It also provides contrast for extremely high-volume hairstyles and can be paired with a trendy blowout for additional dimension. Lastly, it provides plenty of volume on top with minimal effort, making it easy to maintain.

Low Fade vs High Fade

The difference between a low fade and a high fade is that 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, resulting in more contrast between the top of the head and the back and sides, and gives your hair structure.

Low fades look good because they are not quite as extreme as the high fade, where almost the entire side of the head is shaved, making the haircut more conservative and easier to style.

High fades are more niche and are usually reserved for the younger crowd. A drop fade is a type of a fade cut that refers to the blending of longer and shorter hairs on the back and sides of the head to give a seamless graduation effect.

A low fade is a much more subtle style, with the fade between lengths coming in an inch or so above the ears, while a high fade is quite an extreme look, with the blend sitting at the very top of the head.

Mid Fade vs Low Fade

A mid fade and a low fade are both types of fade haircuts, where the hair is blended to create a seamless transition between the longer and shorter lengths. The difference between a mid fade and a low fade is the height at which the transition occurs.

A low fade tapers lower than the mid fade, typically ending near the bottom inch of the hair. This results in a subtle and understated look, which is very versatile.

The mid fade starts higher on the head, usually between the temple and the ears. This gives the hair more structure and can make the top appear thicker and fuller. Both looks are stylish and can be tailored to suit individual preferences.

Benefits of the best low fade haircuts

The best low fade haircuts for men offer many benefits, including structure, volume, and a modern, edgy look. These haircuts are also low maintenance, creating an easy to manage style that looks great.

Low fades are perfect for all hair textures, giving you the freedom to choose any look you want on top. They are also great for taming curls, reducing style time and giving a neat, polished finish.

The low fade is a smart and suave choice which offers a subtle transition from short to long hair. The medium low fade offers a balance between the low and mid fade cuts, perfect for those looking for a shorter cut on the sides. This look can be combined with short, medium-length or long hair for a full, thick style.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Styling a Low Fade Haircut

How to style a low fade haircut

Learn to style the Low Fade
  1. Start by deciding what style you’d like to achieve with your low fade. You can opt for classic styles such as a slicked back hairstyle or a faux hawk. Alternatively, try a messy style with a textured crop top or a hard side part.
  2. Ask your barber for a low fade cut which will gradually reduce the length of your hair until it is close to the skin.
  3. If you opt for a medium length hairstyle on top, use a powerful blowdryer to create more volume. Add a blob of hair mousse and use a comb to achieve the desired style.
  4. For an edgier look, try a low skin fade. This will give your hair an ultra-short trim on the sides.
  5. For a professional finish, use a matte product on the top of your hair to create a textured look.
  6. Finally, use a comb to style your hair as desired.

FAQ

What is better high or low fade?

When choosing between a high fade and a low fade, it is important to consider the shape of one’s face and the desired look. A high fade is an extreme look that starts around the temples, resulting in more hair removed.

This makes it a great choice for those with a round face, as the lines and shapes created by this hairstyle will help make the face look longer. On the other hand, a low fade is a much more subtle style, where the fade between lengths comes in an inch or so above the ears.

The low fade is perfect for those with a long face, as it keeps the most of the length of the hair on top and does not make the face look too long. Ultimately, the choice between a high and low fade depends on personal preference and face shape.

What looks good with a low fade?

A slicked back hairstyle is a sophisticated style that looks good with a low fade. For a more low-maintenance and effortlessly cool look, you can pair the low fade with a beard.

Additionally, classic low-fade styles such as a textured crop top, hard side part, or messy style are all great options. Short men’s haircuts and faux hawks are also great looks that pair well with the low fade.

A low mid cut with short, medium, or long hair is another great way to wear the low fade. Lastly, a taper fade is excellent for adding structure to your haircut and creating a contrast between the top of your head and the back and sides.

What’s better taper or fade?

It’s often hard to decide between a taper or a fade. The taper haircut is a slow transition from long hair to short hair by the ears. It’s a classic and universally flattering look. The fade is a shorter version of the taper, with the hair gradually fading into the skin. Both the taper and fade will require regular haircuts in order to maintain their look.

The low fade is a subtle fade that works with all hair textures and tapers lower on the head, creating a subtle contrast with the top of the head. This is an excellent look for people with thick hair or a bit of texture. The high fade provides a close shave on the sides and back of the head, resulting in a more dramatic contrast with the top hair.

In terms of which is better between the taper and fade, it really depends on the individual’s preference and desired look. The taper is a more subtle look that’s universally flattering, while the fade can be more daring and can provide more contrast depending on how high the fade is. Ultimately, it comes down to the individual’s style and attitude.

What is a low 1 fade?

A low 1 fade is a classic haircut where the sides and back of the head are tapered short from top to bottom. This cut typically starts lower on the head, just above the ears, and has a subtle, classy appearance.

The low 1 fade is incredibly versatile and can be paired with many different hairstyles, including an undercut or crew cut, to create a modern and handsome look.

To create further contrast, you can also pair the low fade with a beard. The low fade is a great choice for all hair types and lengths and is a low-maintenance style that looks great for any occasion.

How short is a low fade?

How short a low fade is a depends on individual style. Popular lengths include the 0 fade, 1 fade and 2 fades. Each fade will create a masculine and stylish look, where the length of the hair gets shorter down the sides depending on the trimmer guide number.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that low fade haircuts are still one of the most popular styles for men. Whether you’re looking for a middle part taper or a messy top style, we have a look that’s perfect for you. Check out our gallery of Low Fade Haircuts for Men now!

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AUTHOR

I'm the founder of Bald & Beards, an amateur barber and I've been obsessed with men's grooming, styles, and trends for over 20 years.