Low Drop Fade, High Drop Fade and Mid Drop Fade: How They Differ
A low drop fade is a fade that starts low on the side of the head and curves downward behind the ear, so the fade line follows the shape of your skull instead of running flat around it. It is subtle in front and clearly curved from the side and back.
The direct answer: it is a low fade with a drop built in. Ask for a low drop fade with a guard 1 or a skin edge at the bottom, a smooth blend to a guard 3 or 4 higher up, and length left on top. It suits coily, curly and straight hair, and stays clean for about two to three weeks.
What is a low drop fade?
A low drop fade begins close to the ear and around the base of the head, then drops lower behind the ear toward the nape. The curve makes the cut look like it is hugging the head.
Because it starts low, most of the side hair stays long, which makes the cut easy to wear in an office and easy to grow out. It is the quietest of the drop fades and a good choice for a first drop. If you want a longer look at the version popular with our clients, read our drop fade for Black men guide, and the older drop fade post on why the curve behind the ear changes everything.
Is a drop fade the same as a low fade?
No, though they overlap. A low fade is defined by where it starts, low on the head. A drop fade is defined by its shape, a curve that dips behind the ear. A low drop fade is both.
| Term | What defines it | Line shape |
|---|---|---|
| Low fade | Starts low, near the ear | Straight or lightly curved |
| Drop fade | Curves down behind the ear | Curved, dips at the back |
| Low drop fade | Starts low and drops | Low, with a dip |
So a drop fade can be low, mid or high, and a low fade can be straight or dropped. If you are comparing heights, our low fade versus high fade post explains the difference in height. When you sit down, say both words, low and drop, so there is no confusion.
A simple way to remember it: height tells you where the fade starts, and drop tells you how it travels. Two men can both ask for a low fade and walk out with different shapes, one flat and one curved, because they never said the second word. We would rather spend thirty seconds on the question than send you home with a cut you did not mean to order.
Your head shape matters here too. A drop fade is built to follow the curve of the skull, so it looks best when the back of the head has some roundness. On a flatter back of the head, a low drop gives the shape some extra depth.
What is a high drop fade?
A high drop fade starts up near the temple and curves down behind the ear. It shows a lot of skin, makes a strong contrast against the top and looks bold from every angle.
It suits men with a full top and thick, healthy hair, like a high top or a big twist out, since the contrast makes the top look bigger. Our high top fade post covers that look. The tradeoff is upkeep. A high drop fade shows regrowth quickly, so plan on a visit every two weeks.
If you are not sure about going high, start with a mid or low version and move up next time.
What is a mid drop fade?
A mid drop fade starts around the temple and curves down behind the ear. It sits between low and high, with a balanced amount of skin showing.
It is the middle ground for men who find a low fade too soft and a high fade too sharp. On curly and coily hair it frames the top neatly. Our guide to the medium fade haircut covers how a mid fade grows out, and our burst fade for curly hair post compares the drop to the burst.
Which hair types suit a low drop fade?
All of them, with a few adjustments. The cut depends on the shape of your head more than your curl.
Coily and 4C hair
The drop shows beautifully against dense curl. Keep the top moisturized, since dry curl makes the contrast look dull.
Wavy and straight hair
The fade blends smoothly. Ask for a bit of texture on top so it does not look flat.
Thinning hair
A low fade keeps more hair around the sides, so thin areas near the temples are less obvious than with a high fade.
How do you ask for a low drop fade?
Tell your barber three things: low, drop and how short at the bottom. Then say how much you want left on top.
- Say low drop fade, and point to where behind the ear it should dip.
- Choose the bottom: skin, or a guard 1.
- Choose the top length, from a guard 4 on up.
- Ask for a line up if you want a sharp hairline.
A fade is $30 at our shop, and the line up is $16. The blend itself is our fade cut, with the drop added on request. Our hair shape up sharpens the front and temples. Bring a photo and say what you like about it, whether that is the height or the curve.
How long does a low drop fade last?
A low drop fade lasts about two to three weeks. By week three the curve behind the ear softens and the neckline fuzzes.
A mid drop fade lasts about two weeks, and a high drop fade needs a refresh every ten to fourteen days to stay sharp. Coily hair grows in a tight spring, so regrowth shows quickly at the nape and behind the ears.
One more habit that helps: tell your barber how you wear your top day to day. If you sponge or twist it, the sides can be kept a little tighter, since you will be showing off the contrast. If you wear it flat or brushed, a softer blend looks more natural. That small detail lets the fade work with your routine instead of against it, and it makes the weeks between visits easier.
Between full cuts, a line up for $16 brings back the edge. Wrap your hair at night, use a satin bonnet or durag and moisturize the top so the cut keeps its shape.
Book a low drop fade at Lilacroix Barbers
Lilacroix Barbers is at 232-12 Merrick Blvd, Laurelton, NY 11413. Call (718) 749-5800 to check the wait, or walk in any day, from 7 AM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and 7:30 AM Monday to Thursday.
Ask for a fade cut with a drop, and see our contact and directions page for the bus routes outside the shop.
Questions readers ask
What does a drop fade look like?
It looks like a fade line that curves down behind the ear instead of running straight. From the front it looks clean, and from the side the curve is clear.
How long does a drop fade last?
About two to three weeks for a low or mid drop, and closer to two weeks for a high drop. Regrowth shows first at the nape and behind the ears.
How do I ask for a drop fade?
Say drop fade, then give the height (low, mid or high), how short at the bottom and how much length stays on top. A photo helps a lot.
Does a drop fade work on thin hair?
A low drop fade does, since it keeps more hair around the temples. Tell your barber where the thinning is so the line can be set around it.