By Types of Fades for Men: Classic Haircuts That Are Easy Style Choices
There are 3 main types of fades for men.
Just 3 fade haircuts you need to know and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. All other fades are variants of these and understanding this makes it easier to determine the style that suits you.
I was trying to find a guide that could teach me about the most common types of fades, but they all overcomplicated it with titles like ‘Top 30 types of men’s fades’ and then others that included hair types as different types of fades. For example, a curly high fade is still a high fade. Why are you giving it a different name and confusing me?
We need to make it more straightforward. There are only 3 types, and that’s all you need to know to get started.
The 3 Main Types of Fades
- Low fade
- Mid fade
- High fade
And THAT’S IT.
Each of these main types has a bunch of variants. These will vary in name and in popularity depending on current trends. Each of these fades will work with any hair type and any ethnicity, from Black to Nordic.
I’m also sure there are going to be barbers lining up to argue with me why I am wrong about this. Please feel free to correct me in the comments, and I’ll update the article if you can convince me otherwise.
Let’s go into each one in more detail and highlight some of the more popular variants.
The Low Fade
The low fade starts to blend into the skin on the lower side of the head and closer to the side burns below the temples.
Low Fade Variants
Classic Low Fade
The regular Low Fade with no variants is also referred to as the Classic Low Fade
Low Taper Fade
A low fade with a more gradual taper, rather than the fade happening within an inch of the lower skull the taper will fade from a higher position down to the lower skull.
Low Scissor fade
The scissor cut is similar to a taper except the blend from low to high is done with hundreds of scissor cuts, which gives it a more textured look. Scissor fades are usually a low fade taper but can also be done as a mid fade.
Low Drop Fade
A low fade that follows the contours of the ears rather than a uniform blend around the head.
Low Skin Fade
Rather than fading to a number 1 length the blend goes to a zero, which is when the buzz cut leaves no hair on the skin.
The Mid Fade
The mid fade starts to blend into the skin around the temples of the head and the middle of the rear of the skull.
Mid Fade Variants
Classic Mid Fade
The regular Mid Fade with no variants is also referred to as the Classic Mid Fade
Mid Taper Fade
A mid fade with a more gradual taper, rather than the fade happening within an inch of the temples of the skull the taper will fade from a mid-high position on the head.
Mid Scissor fade
A scissor fade started in the mid position and done with scissors which gives a more textured look.
Mid Drop Fade
A mid fade that follows the contours of the ears rather than a uniform blend around the head.
Mid Skin Fade
Rather than fading to a number 1 length, the blend goes to a zero, which is when the buzz cut leaves no hair on the skin.
The High Fade
The high fade starts to blend into the skin above the temples around the crown of the head.
High Fade Variants
Classic High Fade
The regular High Fade with no variants is also referred to as the Classic High Fade
High Skin Fade
A high fade with a fade all the way down to the skin.
High Taper Fade
A high fade with a higher starting point on the head and a more gradual blend.
A word on ambiguity
As you may have noticed, a lot of these haircuts can be very similar, to the point where the variations might come down to the personal preferences and skills of the barbers themselves.
For example a is it a Taper High Fade or a Scissor Mid Fade? Yes, one uses scissors for the cut while another uses a buzz cut, but the results are very similar.
What I’m saying is use this as a guide and always reach an understanding with your barber as to how they define a certain style. Because their interpretation will differ from what is in your mind.
There are other things to check out on Modern Follicle besides amazing haircuts and the types of fades for men; Find out how to get that Post Malone Cowboy look for cheap, or read about the history of an Adidas classic.
Good luck with the new cut, and let me know in the comments if this guide was helpful.
