When you walk into the barber’s chair and say “fade,” you might be asked, “Low or high?” Low fade vs high fade—both have their own unique appeal, but they offer very different aesthetics. One brings a smooth, understated finish, while the other makes a bold statement with sharp contrast. If you’re trying to decide which fade suits you best, here’s a breakdown of what each style has to offer.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Low Fade?
- What Is a High Fade?
- Key Differences Between Low Fade and High Fade
- Which Face Shape Suits Each Fade?
- Low Fade vs High Fade: Which One Works for Your Hair Type?
- Popular Styles That Pair with Low and High Fades
- Maintenance: Which Fade Is Easier to Maintain?
- Celebrity Examples Rocking Low and High Fades
- Final Thoughts: Which Fade Should You Choose?
- Conclusion
What Is a Low Fade?
A low fade is a haircut where the hair on the sides and back gradually gets shorter as it moves down toward the ears and neck. The fade starts lower down on the head, usually around the top of the ears. The hair on top of the head is kept longer, while the sides are cut shorter, blending smoothly into the fade. This style gives a clean, sharp look without being too extreme. It’s a popular choice because it’s low-maintenance, but still looks fresh and stylish. Regular trims are needed to keep the fade looking sharp. The low fade works well with many hairstyles, including buzz cuts, crew cuts, and even longer styles on top.
What Is a High Fade?
A high fade is a haircut where the hair on the sides and back gradually gets shorter, starting much higher on the head, usually above the temples. The fade creates a sharp contrast between the short sides and the longer hair on top. This style is bold and edgy, giving a clean, fresh look with more noticeable lines. The hair on top can be styled in many different ways, like a pompadour or quiff, adding extra volume or texture. A high fade is great for people who want a more dramatic haircut and don’t mind regular trims to keep the fade looking sharp. It’s a popular style for those who like a clean, modern appearance.
Key Differences Between Low Fade and High Fade
The main difference between a low fade and a high fade is where the fade begins on your head.
Low Fade: The fade starts lower, around the top of the ears. This creates a more subtle, smooth transition from short hair to longer hair. The low fade is less dramatic and gives a clean look that isn’t too bold, making it a great option for men who want a more understated fade.
High Fade: The fade starts much higher, usually above the temples, creating a sharp contrast between the sides and the top. This style is bolder and more noticeable, giving you a more edgy and dramatic look. The high fade works well for men who want a style that stands out and shows off a clean, sharp shape.
In short, the low fade is softer and more blended, while the high fade is bold and creates a stronger contrast between the top and sides. Both styles can look great depending on your personality, face shape, and the kind of look you want to achieve!
Low Fade vs High Fade Comparison
| Aspect | Low Fade | High Fade |
| Starting Point | Starts around the top of the ears | Starts above the temples |
| Contrast | Subtle, smooth transition | Sharp contrast between top and sides |
| Overall Look | Clean, understated look | Bold, dramatic appearance |
| Maintenance | Requires fewer trims to maintain | Needs more frequent trims for a sharp look |
| Best For | Men who prefer a more blended and subtle fade | Men who want a bold, edgy style |
Which Face Shape Suits Each Fade?
Both low fade and high fade haircuts can look great, but the best fade for you often depends on your face shape. Here’s a breakdown of which fade suits different face shapes:
Low Fade
The low fade works well for round and square face shapes.
Round Faces: The subtle fade creates a smooth transition and helps balance the face by adding more structure along the sides, which can make the face appear more angular.
Square Faces: A low fade softens the sharp angles of a square face, creating a more balanced look. It helps to reduce the boxy appearance and adds a clean, sleek finish.
Also read: 12 Men’s Wolf Cut Haircuts to Rock This Year
High Fade
The high fade is ideal for oval and diamond-shaped faces.
Oval Faces: The high fade accentuates the natural balance of an oval face, drawing attention to the top while keeping the sides clean and sharp. This fade highlights the natural symmetry of your features.
Diamond-Shaped Faces: High fades are a great way to soften the angles of a diamond-shaped face. The high fade brings attention to the upper part of the face and creates more definition around the cheekbones and jawline.
Additional Tips
- If you have a long face, a low fade may be a better choice, as it creates the illusion of width and balances the long shape of the face.
- For men with a heart-shaped face, a high fade can add height to the top while keeping the sides clean and well-defined, making the face appear more balanced.
Ultimately, the best fade for your face shape enhances your natural features, so choosing the right fade can highlight your best traits!
Low Fade vs High Fade: Which One Works for Your Hair Type?
For straight hair, both the low and high fade work well, but the high fade can add more volume on top, creating a sharper contrast. If you prefer a cleaner, more blended look, the low fade is a great option.
For curly hair, the low fade is often a better choice because it allows your natural curls to stand out without creating too much volume on the sides. The high fade can make curly hair appear too bulky or disconnected from the top.
For thick hair, a high fade is ideal because it reduces bulk on the sides and creates a sharp, defined look. The low fade can work for thick hair as well but may require more maintenance to prevent the sides from looking too heavy.
If you have fine hair, a low fade can give the illusion of thicker hair by creating a smooth transition. The high fade might expose the thinness of fine hair, but it can still work if you want a more dramatic look.
Also Read: 40 Taper Low Fade Haircut for Men: Find Your Perfect Look
Popular Styles That Pair with Low and High Fades
A buzz cut pairs perfectly with a low fade for a clean, minimalist look. The fade creates a smooth, subtle transition from the short sides to the slightly longer top. Another popular style is the crew cut, which offers a neat and tidy appearance with a little more length on top.
A pompadour works great with a high fade. The volume on top contrasts with the sharply faded sides, creating a bold and stylish look. The quiff is another great choice, adding height and texture while keeping the sides short for a more modern, edgy appearance.
Maintenance: Which Fade Is Easier to Maintain?
The low fade is generally easier to maintain because it starts lower on the head, meaning the fade isn’t as drastic. This allows more time between trims, as the transition from short to long is subtle. You’ll only need to visit the barber every 3-4 weeks to keep the fade looking fresh.
On the other hand, the high fade requires more frequent trims to maintain the sharp contrast between the sides and the top. Because the fade starts higher, it’s more noticeable when it grows out, so you might need to visit the barber every 2-3 weeks to keep the lines clean and defined.
Celebrity Examples Rocking Low and High Fades
David Beckham is a well-known fan of the low fade. He often pairs it with his clean, classic styles, creating a sleek and polished look. Beckham’s low fade offers a subtle, stylish transition from short sides to a longer top, perfect for a versatile, everyday style.
Zayn Malik has often been spotted with a high fade, showing off its bold, edgy appeal. He pairs his high fade with various styles, from a textured quiff to a slicked-back look, making the fade a statement that adds sharpness to his overall appearance.
Final Thoughts: Which Fade Should You Choose?
Choosing between a low fade and a high fade ultimately comes down to your personal style and preferences. If you want a more subtle, classic look with less maintenance, the low fade is a great choice. It offers a smooth transition and works well with various hair types and face shapes.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a bold, edgy appearance with a sharp contrast between the sides and top, the high fade is perfect. It’s ideal for those who like to make a statement and don’t mind more frequent trims to keep the fade looking fresh.
Both fades offer unique advantages, so consider your face shape, hair type, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do when making your decision!
Conclusion
In the end, both the low fade and high fade are stylish, modern haircuts that can give you a fresh, sharp look. The low fade offers a more subtle, versatile style with less maintenance, making it great for men who prefer a clean but understated appearance. The high fade, on the other hand, provides a bold, edgy look with more contrast, perfect for those who want to stand out and aren’t afraid of a more defined style. Ultimately, the fade you choose depends on your personal taste, face shape, and how much upkeep you’re willing to commit to. Both styles can help you achieve a trendy, well-groomed look – it’s all about which one best suits your vibe!