Low Fade vs High Fade: Which Haircut Should You Choose?

Thinking about switching up your look but not sure which fade will suit you best? The low fade and high fade are two of the most popular haircut styles right now, and for good reason. Both offer a clean, sharp finish, but the difference comes down to where the fade begins and how bold you want your style to look.
A low fade keeps things subtle, tapering close to the neckline for a neat, understated vibe. A high fade, on the other hand, makes a statement by cutting higher up the sides for a sharper contrast with the hair on top. Understanding these distinctions before stepping into the barber’s chair ensures you walk out with the look that feels right for your personality, lifestyle, and hair type.

What’s the Difference Between a Low Fade and a High Fade?

A fade haircut! Sometimes called a taper fade, is a style that blends short hair on the sides into longer hair on top. The transition is gradual, creating a clean, modern look that’s both versatile and practical. It allows you to show off your hair’s natural texture without committing to a full buzz cut. Within the fade family, the low fade and the high fade stand out as two of the most popular options. The key difference between them comes down to where the taper begins and how dramatic the contrast is between the top and the sides.

What Is a Low Fade?

The low fade is a subtle and classic variation of the fade haircut. The taper begins just above the ears and follows the natural curve of the head, gradually transitioning into longer hair on top. Because the fade line sits lower, the contrast is softer, creating a refined and understated style. This makes the low fade especially appealing to men who want a professional, versatile look that doesn’t draw too much attention.
A low fade is highly adaptable and can be paired with many different hairstyles. Whether you prefer a side part, comb over, crop, mullet, or even a man bun, the low fade blends seamlessly and gives the style a polished finish. It’s also easy to maintain, making it a reliable choice for anyone who wants a modern edge without stepping too far outside of a conservative aesthetic.

What Is a High Fade?

The high fade, on the other hand, offers a much bolder and more striking look. This version of the fade starts above the temples and quickly tapers into very short or even shaved sides. Because the fade line sits higher on the head, the contrast between the longer top and the shorter sides is sharper and more dramatic. The result is a haircut that feels edgy, stylish, and attention-grabbing.
High fades are often chosen by men who want to make a strong style statement or keep their overall haircut looking fresh and modern. This cut pairs particularly well with trendy hairstyles such as crew cuts, pompadours, quiffs, slick backs, mohawks, and afros. The aggressive taper gives the haircut definition and structure, making it ideal for those who want a youthful, standout look.

Low Fade vs High Fade Haircut Ideas

Side Part with Low Fade vs. High Fade

If you want a professional yet stylish haircut, the side part with a fade is a safe bet.

Low Fade Look: The side part with a low fade keeps the sides neat and understated, blending smoothly above the ears while letting the part line add structure on top.
Benefit: Ideal for office or formal environments, this version balances style with professionalism.
High Fade Look: With a high fade, the same side part takes on a sharper, trendier edge. The high contrast between the sides and the longer top makes the part line stand out more.
Benefit: Perfect for men who want their haircut to feel bold and fashion-forward while still maintaining a clean look.

Comb Over with Low Fade vs. High Fade

If you prefer a versatile hairstyle that can go from casual to polished with ease, the comb over fade is worth considering.

Low Fade Look: A comb over with a low fade offers a soft transition, giving the hairstyle a timeless, gentlemanly finish.
Benefit: It’s easy to maintain and works in both professional and social settings.
High Fade Look: Pairing a comb over with a high fade creates a stronger separation between the top and sides, giving the haircut a fresher, modern appeal.
Benefit: This look draws attention to the styled top, making it a great choice for men who like their hair to stand out.

Textured Crop with Low Fade vs. High Fade

If you want something edgy but easy to manage, a textured crop with a fade is a great option.

Low Fade Look: The low fade keeps the cut subtle, with soft blending that complements the messy, choppy texture on top.
Benefit: It’s low-maintenance and gives you a modern look without being too dramatic.
High Fade Look: With a high fade, the textured crop looks much bolder, with the sharp sides emphasizing the tousled top.
Benefit: Perfect for men who want a youthful, trendy style that grabs attention with minimal effort.

Man Bun (or Longer Styles) with Low Fade vs. High Fade

If you’re growing your hair out but still want clean edges, pairing longer styles with a fade is an excellent choice.

Low Fade Look: A man bun with a low fade keeps the sides neat, tapering gradually into the longer hair that’s tied back.
Benefit: This creates balance between length and sharpness, keeping the look polished rather than scruffy.
High Fade Look: With a high fade, the contrast is stronger — the shaved sides make the bun or longer top hair stand out more.
Benefit: Ideal for men who want a bolder, statement-making look while keeping long hair in play.

Mullet with Low Fade vs. High Fade

If you want to try a retro style with a modern twist, the mullet fade is a daring choice.

Low Fade Look: A mullet paired with a low fade softens the transition from short to long, making the look more wearable for everyday settings.
Benefit: It lets you experiment with a trend-driven cut without going over the top.
High Fade Look: The high fade version makes the mullet much more dramatic, with shaved sides emphasizing the longer back.
Benefit: Great for men who like bold, edgy styles and aren’t afraid to stand out.

Crew Cut with Low Fade vs. High Fade

If you’re after a simple, masculine cut that’s easy to maintain, the crew cut with a fade is a reliable choice.

Low Fade Look: With a low fade, the crew cut has a neat, military-inspired vibe without being too harsh. The sides taper softly while the short top keeps everything tidy.
Benefit: Great for men who want a professional, low-maintenance haircut that still looks sharp.
High Fade Look: A high fade crew cut is much more dramatic. The shaved sides emphasize the clean lines and keep all the focus on the short top.
Benefit: Ideal for men who want a crisp, structured haircut with maximum impact and very little upkeep.

Quiff with Low Fade vs. High Fade

If you enjoy styling your hair and want volume to be the highlight, the quiff paired with a fade is a go-to style.

Low Fade Look: The low fade keeps the sides soft, allowing the quiff’s volume to shine without overwhelming the look.
Benefit: Offers a balance between trendy and versatile, making it wearable in both casual and formal settings.
High Fade Look: A quiff with a high fade creates a striking contrast, making the top appear taller and bolder.
Benefit: Perfect for men who want their hairstyle to stand out and don’t mind dedicating a few minutes daily to styling.

Pompadour with Low Fade vs. High Fade

If you want a stylish cut with vintage roots, the pompadour fade is one of the most fashionable options.

Low Fade Look: A pompadour with a low fade blends retro sophistication with a modern finish. The softer sides make the pompadour look classy rather than flashy.
Benefit: Works well for men who want a statement hairstyle that’s still suitable for more traditional settings.
High Fade Look: The high fade version is bold and high-contrast, emphasizing the height and fullness of the pompadour.
Benefit: Best for men who like dramatic hairstyles and want all eyes on their hair.

Slick Back with Low Fade vs. High Fade

If you want a hairstyle that signals confidence and control, the slick back fade is a timeless choice.

Low Fade Look: With a low fade, the slick back is sleek but understated, keeping the overall look professional and polished.
Benefit: Ideal for men who prefer a sharp, clean style without going too bold.
High Fade Look: A slick back with a high fade is much more commanding. The sharp contrast between the shaved sides and the combed-back top gives it an unmistakably strong presence.
Benefit: Perfect for men aiming for a power look that stands out in any room.

Mohawk / Faux Hawk with Low Fade vs. High Fade

If you want an edgy, adventurous style that makes a statement, the mohawk or faux hawk with a fade is a natural pick.

Low Fade Look: The low fade version tones the cut down, softening the sides while keeping the strip of longer hair noticeable.
Benefit: Great for guys who want to try the mohawk look in a more wearable, casual way.
High Fade Look: With a high fade, the mohawk or faux hawk becomes full-on striking. The shaved sides make the central strip of hair pop dramatically.
Benefit: Best for men who want a rebellious, standout haircut that demands attention.

What Type of Fade Should You Get?

Choosing between a low fade and a high fade really comes down to personal preference. Both styles are versatile and flattering, but the right choice depends on your lifestyle, how much hair you’re starting with, and how dramatic you want the change to feel. A fade of any length is also a great option for anyone considering the “big chop”, cutting off chemically treated hair to encourage natural growth! Because it offers a fresh, defined look without the full commitment of a buzz cut.
If you’re working with longer hair and want a softer transition, a low fade is a strong option. It allows you to test out shorter sides without going too extreme. On the other hand, if you’re after a sleek, easy-to-style haircut, the high fade may be the way to go. While it requires more frequent trims to keep the sides crisp, it often simplifies day-to-day styling.
Still uncertain? The best move is to ask your barber for advice. They’ll be able to suggest which fade suits your face shape, hair texture, and overall style goals, so you end up with a cut that feels like your own.

How Fades Enhance Facial Features

Round faces:
A high fade adds height and draws the eye upward, making the face appear longer and slimmer.
Square or diamond faces:
High fades emphasize strong jawlines and sharpen natural angles.
Low fades soften the edges slightly, balancing out the angular structure.
Heart-shaped faces:
Low fades keep some fullness at the sides, which helps offset a narrower chin and create a more balanced look.
Overall:
By adjusting fade placement, barbers can enhance or soften features, making the cut versatile for all face shapes.

How to Care for a Taper Fade Haircut

Wash with a gentle shampoo and conditioner
- Use a lightweight shampoo to remove dirt, oil, and product buildup.
- Follow with a conditioner to keep your hair and scalp hydrated without weighing hair down.
Choose styling products wisely
- For straight or fine hair, use a matte putty or cream for light texture and hold.
- For a sleek style, opt for a lightweight cream or gel to comb hair back.
- For curly or wavy textures, use a mousse to define curls and maintain volume.
Prevent product build-up
- Overusing pomades, gels, or creams can leave residue that makes hair look greasy or dull.
- Use a clarifying treatment or scalp-cleaning product once a week to keep hair fresh.
Schedule regular touch-ups
- Hair grows about half an inch per month, so fades lose their sharpness quickly.
- Plan a barber visit every three to four weeks to keep your taper even and clean.

FAQs

Which is better: a low fade or a high fade?

Neither is “better”! It depends on your style and lifestyle. Low fades are subtle and professional, while high fades are bold and trendy.

Do fades look good on everyone?

Yes. Fades work with all hair types and textures. The trick is choosing the fade placement that complements your face shape and personal vibe.

How often should I get my fade touched up?

Most guys need a trim every 3–4 weeks to keep their fade sharp. High fades usually need more frequent maintenance since regrowth shows faster.

Can I style a fade at home?

You can style it with the right products, but cutting or maintaining the fade itself is best left to a barber for a clean, even finish.

Are fades professional enough for work?

Definitely. A low fade is the safer choice for conservative workplaces, while a high fade can work too if styled neatly.

What’s the easiest fade to maintain?

A low fade is usually easier because regrowth is less obvious. High fades look amazing but require stricter upkeep.