Low Fade vs Mid Fade vs High Fade
A fade is one of the coolest and cleanest haircuts for boys and men. It’s when the hair on the sides and back slowly gets shorter until it blends into the skin, giving a smooth and fresh look. The best part is that you can choose how high the fade starts — low, mid, or high — and each one changes the whole style. A low fade is more subtle and neat, a mid fade is balanced and trendy, and a high fade is bold and eye-catching.
We’ll explain what makes each type of fade special, show you pictures, and help you choose the one that looks best on your face and matches your style. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to tell your barber so you can leave looking fresh and confident.
What Is A Low Fade?
A low fade is a popular men’s haircut where the fade starts just above the ears and curves around the back of the head. It blends the shorter sides into longer hair on top very smoothly, creating a neat and polished look. The change from short to long is soft and gradual, making it perfect for a clean and professional style that still feels modern.
Because it sits lower on the head, it keeps more hair on the sides, which can make your face look balanced and natural. A low fade works well with short, medium, or even longer hairstyles on top. It’s a versatile choice that suits most face shapes and is easy to maintain. Whether you want a classy office look or a casual everyday style, the low fade is a safe and stylish option.
Key Features of a Low Fade
Starting Point: Begins just above the ear and gently curves around the head.
Overall Look: Delivers a sleek, subtle style that feels modern yet works for any setting.
Blend Style: Soft, even fade that flows naturally from short sides to longer top.
Style Options: Can be done as a drop fade, burst fade, or temple fade for a personal touch.
Best Suited For: Guys who want a tidy, stylish, and versatile haircut that’s easy to maintain.
Want a closer look at the Low Fade?
What Is A Mid Fade?
A mid fade is a haircut where the fade starts halfway up the sides of the head, sitting between a low and high fade. It blends the hair from shorter on the sides to longer on top at a balanced height, giving a stylish and modern look.
The mid fade offers more contrast than a low fade but is not as bold as a high fade, making it a great middle-ground option. Because it sits in the middle, the mid fade works with many different hairstyles — short, medium, or long on top. You can wear it with messy, textured hair or neat, combed styles. It’s a great choice for almost any face shape and can look good for both everyday wear and more formal occasions. The mid fade is ideal if you want a sharp style that’s noticeable but not too bold.
Key Features of a Mid Fade
Starting Point: Begins midway up the sides, sitting between a low and high fade.
Overall Look: Balanced contrast that’s modern, stylish, and works for most settings.
Blend Style: Smooth fade that transitions evenly from short sides to longer top.
Style Options: Pairs well with short crops, textured tops, comb-overs, or longer styles.
Best Suited For: Men who want a noticeable yet not overly bold haircut that’s easy to style.
Or compare it with the Mid Fade.
What Is A High Fade?
A high fade is a haircut where the fade starts high up on the sides, usually near the temples. It blends from very short hair — or even skin — into the longer hair on top very quickly, giving a bold and sharp look. Out of all the fade types, this one has the most contrast, so it stands out right away.
Since the fade is so high, the sides stay very short, which makes the hair on top look thicker and stand out more. You can style it in many ways — spiky, brushed up, slicked back, or messy. It’s a good choice if you want a clean haircut that’s stylish, easy to manage, and gets noticed.
Key Features of a High Fade
Starting Point: Begins high on the sides, usually near the temples.
Overall Look: Bold and sharp with the most contrast out of all fade types.
Blend Style: Quick transition from very short sides to longer hair on top.
Style Options: Works well with spiky hair, quiffs, slicked styles, or messy textures.
Best Suited For: Guys who want a clean, modern haircut that stands out and shows confidence.
For more differences, see our Taper vs Fade guide.
Low Fade vs Mid Fade vs High Fade
The difference between a low, mid, and high fade is how high the fade starts on the sides of your head. This changes how short it looks, how much contrast it has, and the overall style. A low fade begins just above the ears for a softer, more natural look. A high fade starts near the temples for a bold style with a quick change in length. The mid fade is right in the middle, starting around the sides for a balanced, versatile finish. Ask your barber which fade will look best with your hair and style.
How to Style a Low Fade
Keep the top hair neat or textured depending on your look — sleek for a formal style, or messy for a casual vibe. Use a light-hold product for natural movement or pomade for shine. Brush or comb the top in your chosen direction and keep the fade edges sharp with regular trims.
Other Cuts with a Similar Vibe: Drop Fade, Temple Fade, Burst Fade.
How to Style a Mid Fade
The mid fade works with almost any hairstyle. Keep the top short for a clean, low-maintenance cut, or leave it longer for more volume and styling options. Use matte clay for a textured finish or gel for a sleek style. Regular trims will keep the fade looking fresh.
Other Cuts with a Similar Vibe: Low Taper Fade, Skin Fade, Shadow Fade.
How to Style a High Fade
The high fade stands out most, so pair it with a bold hairstyle on top. Try a quiff, pompadour, faux hawk, or spiky look for maximum impact. Use a strong-hold product to lock in the shape and keep the sides crisp with frequent touch-ups.
Other Cuts with a Similar Vibe: High Skin Fade, Flat Top Fade, High Taper Fade.
How to Choose the Right Fade for You
By Hair Type: Thick or curly hair looks best with low or mid fade. Straight hair can try any fade.
By Face Shape: Round face looks better with high fade. A Longer face looks better with low or mid fade.
By Lifestyle & Maintenance Level: Low fade is easy care. High fade needs more barbershop visits.
Quick Takeaway: Mid Fade vs High Fade: Mid fade is safe and balanced. High fade is bold and sharp.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose a low, mid, or high fade, the right style can completely change your look and boost your confidence. Each fade has its own personality — from the subtle and neat low fade to the balanced mid fade and the bold high fade. The key is to match your fade with your face shape, hair type, and lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to try different variations until you find the one that feels most like you. With the right fade and a little styling, you’ll always walk out of the barbershop looking fresh and sharp.
FAQs
Which is better, mid fade or low fade?
It depends on your style. A mid fade has more contrast and looks trendier, while a low fade is softer and more professional.
Is a low fade or high fade better?
Low fades are neat and subtle, high fades are bold and attention-grabbing — the best one depends on how much contrast you want.
What level fade should I get?
Choose based on your face shape, hair type, and lifestyle. Your barber can help suggest the most flattering option.
Are mid fades attractive?
Yes, mid fades are very popular because they work with many hairstyles and look good on most face shapes.
What fade is easiest to maintain?
A low fade usually needs less upkeep than a high fade because it grows out more evenly.
Can I get a fade with curly hair?
Absolutely! Fades look great on curly hair and can make the curls stand out even more.
Does a fade work for all hair types?
Yes, fades can be customized to suit straight, wavy, or curly hair — it’s all about the style you choose on top.
