Low Fade Vs High Fade: Your Guide To The Best Tapered Style

Picking a new haircut can feel like a big decision, especially when you're looking at popular styles like the fade. It's that sleek, tapered look on the sides that so many guys are sporting these days. But here's the thing, there isn't just one kind of fade; two of the most popular options you'll hear about are the low fade and the high fade. So, how do you figure out which one is truly for you?

Well, knowing the basics of popular styles like the low fade vs high fade can help you make a smart choice. Each style offers a distinct look, and picking the right one depends on a few things. You'll want to think about your face shape, the kind of hair you have, and, honestly, what you just like.

In this guide, we'll explore these two very popular fade types. We'll break down the differences between low fade vs high fade haircuts, their origins, and how they actually look. We'll also share tips on choosing the right style for your hair type, texture, and what you prefer. By the end, you'll have a much better idea of which fade might be your next great look, too.

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Table of Contents

• Understanding the Fade Haircut
• What is a Low Fade?
  • Characteristics of a Low Fade
  • Who Suits a Low Fade?
  • Styling Your Low Fade
• What is a High Fade?
  • Characteristics of a High Fade
  • Who Suits a High Fade?
  • Styling Your High Fade
• Low Fade vs High Fade: A Side-by-Side Look
• Choosing the Right Fade for You
  • Face Shape Matters
  • Consider Your Hair Type and Texture
  • Personal Style and Lifestyle
• Maintaining Your Fade
• Frequently Asked Questions About Fades

Understanding the Fade Haircut

The fade haircut is, in a way, a truly popular style many men see sported. This style is quite popular and comes in many variations. It’s basically a haircut where the hair on the sides and back of your head gradually gets shorter as it goes down, eventually blending into the skin. This creates a very clean, neat appearance.

The key to any fade is that smooth transition. It's about how the hair tapers from a longer length on top down to a very short or even bald length at the bottom. This effect gives a sharp contrast with the hair on top, which can be styled in many ways. You know, it's a look that really stands out, but can also be quite subtle.

Although there are a basic eight types of fade hairstyles, high and low fades are the most popular among them. Not only that, other fades share some features of high and low fades as well. This brings us to the obvious questions: What makes a low fade different from a high fade? And which one is actually better for you? We'll get into that.

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What is a Low Fade?

A low fade is a haircut where the tapering starts, as the name suggests, quite low on the head. According to men's hairstyles today, a low fade tends to start about an inch above the ear. This means the shortest part of the fade stays very close to your hairline and behind your ears, making for a subtle change.

Characteristics of a Low Fade

• Subtle Transition: The low fade tapers hair around the hairline for a subtle transition. It's a smooth, understated finish, which is quite nice.

• Starting Point: The fading begins low on the sides and back, typically about an inch or so above the ear. Many barbers style a low fade to curve around your ear and down to your neckline, too.

• More Hair on Sides: Since the fade starts low, more of your natural hair length is left on the sides of your head. This provides a softer look compared to other fades, in a way.

• Versatility: It pairs well with many top hairstyles, from longer, flowing looks to shorter, textured styles. It's very adaptable.

Who Suits a Low Fade?

Low fades are often a great choice for those who want a clean, neat appearance without a very dramatic contrast. It's a bit more conservative, yet still very stylish. If you're new to fades, this might be a good starting point, you know.

People with rounder or wider face shapes can find the low fade quite flattering. It helps to keep some weight on the sides, which can balance out the face. It’s also good for those who want to maintain a bit more hair length on the sides for styling or just for comfort, apparently.

Styling Your Low Fade

Styling a low fade usually focuses on the hair on top. Since the sides are subtly tapered, the top can be worn in many ways. You could go for a classic pompadour, a slick back, or even a messy, textured look. The low fade provides a clean base for whatever you choose to do up top, you know.

For a polished look, you might use a pomade or gel to keep the top neat. If you prefer something more relaxed, a matte paste or cream can add texture and movement. It's about letting the top hair be the star, really, with the fade providing a sharp frame.

What is a High Fade?

A high fade is, in some respects, the opposite of a low fade when it comes to where the tapering begins. According to men's hairstyles today, a high fade (like the bold cut you might see) starts much farther up near the temple or the top of the sides. This creates a very strong and noticeable contrast.

Characteristics of a High Fade

• Bold Contrast: The high fade starts near the corner of the forehead or the top of the sides for strong contrast. It makes a bold statement, which is quite different from the low fade.

• High Starting Point: The hair becomes thinner from two or three inches above your ear and later fades into your hair. So, you get an increased one or two inches of thin hair before it blends into the skin.

• Less Hair on Sides: Because the fade starts so high, much less hair is left on the sides of the head. This gives a very clean, sharp, and often dramatic appearance.

• Edgy Look: High fades are often associated with more modern, edgy, and even athletic styles. They provide a very clean line, actually.

Who Suits a High Fade?

High fades are a great fit for those who want a truly sharp, defined, and perhaps a bit daring haircut. It's a look that commands attention and shows off a very clean line. If you're looking for something bold, this could be it.

For men with square or oval face shapes, a high fade can really highlight their features. It can also make a round face appear longer by removing bulk from the sides. If you have thick hair, a high fade can help manage it by removing a lot of the volume on the sides, which is often helpful.

Styling Your High Fade

With a high fade, the hair on top becomes even more of a focal point. Since the sides are so short, any style on top will stand out. Popular choices include textured crops, quiffs, or even longer, disconnected styles. The contrast is very striking, you know.

You might use strong-hold products to give the top hair height and definition. A matte finish can keep it modern, while a slight shine can add a classic touch. The clean sides mean less fuss there, so all your effort goes into the top, more or less.

Low Fade vs High Fade: A Side-by-Side Look

To fully understand what low and high fade hair is, and how to decide which look is best for you, we tapped three experts for their professional insight. This organized table highlights the key differences among low fade, mid fade, and high fade hairstyles, making it easy for readers to compare and see what fits.

The difference between a low, mid, and high fade is where the blending starts for each haircut on the sides of the head, dramatically affecting the shortness, contrast, and styling. Low fades provide a more subtle and blended transition, while high fades offer a much stronger contrast, you know.

Choosing the Right Fade for You

Can’t decide what suits you better between the low fade and high fade? Well, here are tips to make the decision process easier! To help, we’re explaining the differences between low fades vs high fades, plus sharing tips on choosing the right style for your hair type, texture, and preferences. It's all about what feels right for you, basically.

Face Shape Matters

When you're considering a fresh haircut, understanding the basics of popular styles like the low fade vs high fade can help you make an informed choice that suits your personal style. Learn how to choose between a high or low fade haircut based on your face shape and style preferences. It's quite important, actually.

• Round Faces: If you have a round face, a high fade can be quite helpful. By taking the hair very short on the sides and leaving more length on top, it can help to visually lengthen your face, making it appear less round. A low fade, on the other hand, might add a bit more width, which you might not want.

• Square or Oval Faces: These face shapes are quite versatile and can usually pull off both low and high fades. A high fade can emphasize strong jawlines and cheekbones, while a low fade offers a softer, more classic frame. It just depends on the look you're going for, you know.

• Long or Oblong Faces: For longer face shapes, a low fade might be a better choice. It keeps more hair on the sides, which can help to add a bit of width and balance out the length of your face. A high fade could make a long face seem even longer, you see.

Consider Your Hair Type and Texture

Your hair's natural characteristics play a big role in how a fade will look and how easy it will be to maintain. This is something to really think about.

• Thick Hair: If you have very thick hair, a high fade can be a real game-changer. It removes a lot of bulk from the sides, making your hair feel lighter and easier to manage. A low fade can also work, but you might still have a lot of volume on the sides.

• Thinning Hair: For those with thinning hair, especially at the temples, a low fade might be more forgiving. It keeps the fade line lower, potentially drawing less attention to areas where hair might be sparse. A high fade could expose more of the scalp, which you might not prefer.

• Curly or Wavy Hair: Both low and high fades can look fantastic with curly or wavy hair on top. The fade creates a clean contrast that really highlights the texture of your curls. With a high fade, your curls will really pop against the very short sides, you know. A low fade offers a softer edge if you prefer that.

Personal Style and Lifestyle

Ultimately, your haircut should reflect who you are and how you live your life. It's about your vibe, basically.

• Professional vs. Edgy: A low fade often projects a more professional, classic, or understated image. It's clean and neat without being too flashy. A high fade, on the other hand, leans more towards an edgy, modern, or bold look. It makes a stronger statement, really.

• Maintenance Commitment: High fades usually require more frequent trips to the barber to keep those sharp lines and the dramatic contrast looking fresh. If you're someone who doesn't mind getting a trim every couple of weeks, then a high fade is fine. If you prefer going longer between cuts, a low fade might be less demanding, you know.

• What You Like: Find out which one suits your face shape, hair type, and personal style. One brings a smooth, understated finish, while the other makes a bold statement. It's truly about what makes you feel good and confident. Sometimes, it just comes down to what you simply prefer the look of, you know.

Maintaining Your Fade

No matter if you choose a low fade or a high fade, regular maintenance is key to keeping it looking sharp. Fades grow out, and those clean lines can quickly become blurry. To keep your fade looking its best, you'll want to visit your barber fairly often, perhaps every two to three weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows and how sharp you like the lines to be.

Between barber visits, you can help maintain the style by using good hair products. For instance, a quality shampoo and conditioner will keep your hair healthy. For styling, choose products that suit the look you're going for on top, whether it's a matte paste for texture or a pomade for shine. Learn more about hair styling tips on our site, and also check out this page for specific fade styling advice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fades

Q1: What is the main difference between a low fade and a high fade?

The main difference is where the fade starts on the head. A low fade begins about an inch above the ear, staying close to the hairline for a subtle blend. A high fade starts much higher, near the temple or the top of the sides, creating a very strong contrast with the longer hair on top, basically.

Q2: Which fade is better for a professional setting?

A low fade is often considered more suitable for professional settings. Its subtle transition and more conservative look tend to be very neat and polished, without being too flashy. It's a classic choice that works well in many environments, you know.

Q3: Can I get a fade if I have curly hair?

Absolutely! Fades, both low and high, look fantastic with curly hair on top. The sharp, clean sides of the fade really make the texture and volume of your curls stand out. It creates a very cool contrast that many people find quite stylish, actually.

So, there you have it, the low fade vs high fade breakdown. 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. To learn more about different men's haircut styles, you can always check out a reputable men's grooming site, like Men's Hairstyles Today. The best way to figure out which one is truly for you is to consider your face shape, hair type, and what kind of vibe you want to give off. When you visit your barber, chat with them about these points; they can offer professional insight and help you pick the perfect fade that suits you best as of October 2023.