Low Fade vs High Fade: Which One Should You Get?
The low fade vs high fade question comes down to one thing: how high on the head the short hair begins. A low fade starts near the ear and neckline, and a high fade starts up near the temple and crown. Both blend to skin or a very short guard at the bottom.
The short answer: choose a low fade for a soft, easy look that grows out gently, and a high fade for strong contrast and a sharp, clean shape. A mid fade sits between them. Your hair type, head shape and how often you can visit the chair will settle the rest.
Low fade vs high fade: which should you choose?
Choose a low fade if you want a clean but quiet cut, and a high fade if you want the sides to look bold and the top to stand out. Neither is better. They send a different signal.
| Low fade | Mid fade | High fade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starts | Just above the ear | Around the temple | Near the crown line |
| Contrast | Soft | Medium | Strong |
| Grows out | Gently, 3 to 4 weeks | 2 to 3 weeks | Fast, 1 to 2 weeks |
| Best head shape | Round, square | Most shapes | Oval, long, narrow |
| Top length | Any | Any | Short to medium |
If you want to see a low fade on Black hair in detail, we wrote up the low taper fade for Black men, and the high taper fade covers the sharper end. This page stays focused on how the two compare and what undercuts and bald fades add.
On coily and 4C hair both work well, since tight curls hold the line between skin and length cleanly. A high fade shows every day of growth, so it needs a visit every week or two. A low fade forgives a longer wait.
What is an undercut fade for men?
An undercut fade combines a fade on the sides with a longer top that is cut separately from them. The sides are taken down short, and the top keeps a clear length so the two zones look different.
The idea comes from the undercut, where the sides and back are cut very short with nothing but clippers and the top is left long. The fade softens that step so it turns into a gradient instead of a hard line. Many men find it easier to live with than a true undercut because the blend does not show a harsh gap as it grows out.
On Black hair, the undercut fade works with a curly top, twists, a short afro or a high top. Because coily hair has volume, the contrast between the top and the sides is built in. You only need to decide how high the fade starts.
How do you ask for an undercut fade haircut?
Say how short the sides go, where the fade starts and how long the top stays. Those three answers cover everything a barber needs.
- Pick the height: low, mid or high.
- Pick the bottom: skin or a number 1 guard.
- Pick the top: give an inch measure, such as two inches, or say short, medium or long.
- Say whether you want a hard part, a line up or a natural hairline.
If the top is long and you want it disconnected from the sides, tell the barber you want a visible step. If you want it to melt together, say you want it blended or faded in. Our fade cut is $30, and a line up is $16 on top of it if you want a crisp hairline.
Show a photo if you can, and say whether your hair is wavy, curly or 4C so the barber knows how it will spring back.
What is a faded undercut and who does it suit?
A faded undercut is the same family as an undercut fade, with a fade that is stronger toward the bottom. It suits men with thick hair, and it works best when the sides are shorter than the top by a clear margin.
It flatters oval and square faces, because the shaved sides add height. For a round face, a higher fade makes the head look narrower and longer. For a long or narrow face, keep the fade lower so it does not stretch the shape.
If you wear a beard, the faded undercut pairs naturally with a faded beard. Take a look at our faded beard guide to match the beard blend to the hair, so the sideburn does not look like a break between the two.
Hair type matters here. Coily hair can look uneven if the top is cut too short against the sides. Aim for at least an inch and a half on top when you want to see the contrast.
What does an undercut high fade look like?
An undercut high fade has very short sides that start up near the temple and a top that stands clearly above them. It is the boldest version of the undercut fade, and it reads as a sharp, modern shape from every angle.
The high fade removes the hair from most of the sides and back, leaving the top as a distinct shape. On a high top, afro or twist top, it creates a platform that makes the top look taller. Pair it with a clean line up and the whole cut looks designed.
The catch is upkeep. Bare sides grow out in about a week, and the contrast fades fast. If you need to look fresh for work every day, plan on a visit every week or two. Anyone who loves the shape should also look at the high top fade, which uses the same idea with extra height.
What is a bald fade undercut?
A bald fade undercut is a skin fade, with the sides going all the way down to bare skin, under a longer top. It is the sharpest and cleanest version of the undercut, and the most demanding to maintain.
The bald fade goes to zero at the bottom using a foil shaver or razor, then blends up. It is also called a skin fade. On Black hair, the skin line is crisp and high in contrast. The risk is razor bumps on the neck and sideburn, so tell the barber if you are prone to them and ask them to go with the grain.
Book your bald fade in the morning of the day you need it, since the skin looks best right after the cut. If you are curious about the longer top styles, the new taper fade mullet shows how a fade can sit under length at the back.
How long does each fade last?
A high or skin fade looks sharp for about a week. A mid fade lasts two to three weeks, and a low fade can go three to four. Hair grows about half an inch a month, but you notice it sooner where there is bare skin.
Where does a mid fade start? Around the temple, halfway between the ear and the crown, which is why it is such a safe, flattering pick. If you want a cut that holds up between visits, the mid fade or low fade is the practical choice. If you want a statement and can come in often, choose the high or skin fade.
Between visits, wash and moisturize the top, brush the sides and do not shave the line yourself. Even a careful home trim can leave a step that has to be blended again at the chair.
A simple way to decide is to think about your week. If you work in an office, go to church on Sunday and want to look put together every day, the mid or low fade holds its shape longest. If you play ball, DJ, or like a sharp look for the weekend, the high fade pays off. Many of our regulars start with a low fade, then move up a level once they get used to coming in weekly.
Kids follow the same rules. A low fade is easy for a school age boy and grows out softly, which parents tend to like.
Book a fade at Lilacroix Barbers in Laurelton
Lilacroix Barbers at 232-12 Merrick Blvd in Laurelton, Queens, cuts low, mid and high fades for men from Laurelton, Rosedale, Springfield Gardens, St. Albans, Cambria Heights and Queens Village. Our fade cut is $30, and a haircut is $25 on the haircut list.
We are open Monday to Thursday 7:30 AM to 7 PM, Friday and Saturday 7 AM to 7 PM, and Sunday 7 AM to 5 PM. Walk ins are welcome, and you can call (718) 749-5800 to check the wait. Find us through our contact and directions or take the Q5, Q86 or Q87 to Merrick Boulevard and 233rd Street.
Questions readers ask
How long does a mid fade last?
A mid fade looks clean for about two to three weeks. After that the blend softens and the sides start to look fuller.
Where does a mid fade start?
A mid fade starts around the temple, roughly halfway between the ear and the top of the head. It is higher than a low fade and lower than a high fade.
How do you ask for a mid fade haircut?
Say mid fade, say whether you want skin or a number 1 at the bottom and say how much length stays on top. A photo of the exact level helps.
Can I give myself a high fade at home?
It is hard to do cleanly, because you cannot see the back and the blend takes practice. Most men keep their own trims to the neckline and visit the barber for the fade.
What is a high and tight fade?
It is a military style with very short sides and back, often to skin, and a short top. Our military haircut covers high and tight, induction and regulation versions.