What Is a Fade Haircut?
A fade haircut is a modern barbering technique that creates a smooth gradient transition from longer hair on top to progressively shorter hair on the sides and back. The "fade" refers to how the hair appears to fade away as it gets closer to the skin, creating a clean, polished look that's become one of the most popular men's hairstyles worldwide.
What makes a fade special is the precision required. Unlike a simple buzz cut where all hair is one length, a fade demands expert clipper work, blending multiple guard sizes to create smooth gradations with no visible lines or steps. The best fades look like airbrushed artwork - smooth transitions that showcase a barber's technical skill.
Fades originated in the military and Black barbershop culture in the 1940s and 1950s, but they've evolved into countless variations. Today, whether you're in a boardroom in Midtown Manhattan or a creative space in Chelsea, you'll see fades on professionals, creatives, athletes, and style-conscious men of all ages.
The versatility of fade haircuts is unmatched. They work with any hair type - straight, wavy, curly, or coily. They complement any top style - from classic pompadours to modern textured crops. And they suit any lifestyle - conservative enough for corporate environments yet edgy enough for creative fields.
Types of Fade Haircuts
Understanding the different types of fades is essential to finding your perfect style. The main distinction comes down to where the fade begins on the head and how gradual the transition is.
Low Fade
The low fade starts approximately one inch above the ear and gradually tapers down to the skin or a very short length at the hairline. This is the most subtle and conservative fade option, making it ideal for professional environments.
Best for: Business professionals, first-time fade wearers, those who prefer understated style
Face shapes: Works with virtually all face shapes, especially oval and square
Maintenance: Every 2-3 weeks
The low fade has become increasingly popular in Manhattan's business districts because it offers a modern edge without being too bold. It's clean and professional while still showing you put thought into your appearance. Many of our Midtown clients specifically request low fades for this reason.
At Manhattan Barbershop, we execute low fades with precision, ensuring the fade line sits at exactly the right height for your head shape and hairline. The transition is smooth and natural, never harsh or blocky.
Mid Fade
The mid fade, also called a medium fade, starts the taper around the temple area - roughly halfway up the sides of your head. This is the most versatile fade style, offering a balance between subtle and bold.
Best for: All lifestyles, versatile styling options, maximum flexibility
Face shapes: Particularly flattering for round faces (adds height) and long faces (adds width)
Maintenance: Every 2-3 weeks
The mid fade is our most requested style at both locations because it works for almost everyone. It's professional enough for business meetings but stylish enough for weekend social events. You can style the top conservatively or go bold - the mid fade supports both.
What makes a mid fade stand out is the balance. It creates strong definition without overwhelming your overall look. The fade sits at a natural visual midpoint, drawing the eye to your facial features while maintaining clean lines.
High Fade
The high fade starts the taper near the top of the head, typically 2-3 inches above the ear. This creates maximum contrast between the top and sides, making it the boldest traditional fade option.
Best for: Those wanting a statement look, athletes, creative professionals
Face shapes: Excellent for round and square faces, adds significant height
Maintenance: Every 1-2 weeks (more frequent due to high contrast)
High fades make a statement. They're modern, attention-grabbing, and showcase expert barbering. The dramatic contrast means there's a lot of scalp visible on the sides, creating a striking silhouette.
This fade works particularly well if you have thick hair on top that you want to emphasize. The high fade creates a strong "lid" effect, making the top hair the focal point. It's popular among athletes and those in creative fields who want their haircut to be part of their personal brand.
Skin Fade
Also called a bald fade, the skin fade takes the hair down to the skin at the bottom, creating the most dramatic gradient possible. This can be combined with low, mid, or high fades - the "skin" part refers to how short it goes, not where it starts.
Best for: Those wanting the sharpest, cleanest look
Face shapes: Works with all face shapes, particularly striking on oval and square
Maintenance: Every 1-2 weeks (requires frequent touch-ups for sharpness)
The skin fade is the ultimate in precision barbering. Creating a smooth gradient from longer hair all the way down to bare skin requires exceptional skill and the right tools. At Manhattan Barbershop, our barbers use a combination of clippers, trimmers, and sometimes straight razors to achieve that perfect skin fade.
This style is the sharpest and most defined you can get. The contrast is maximum, the lines are crisp, and the overall effect is incredibly clean. It does require the most maintenance - skin fades look best when fresh, so plan on visits every 1-2 weeks.
Taper Fade
The taper fade is a hybrid that combines elements of both classic tapers and modern fades. It gradually shortens the hair but may not go all the way to the skin, stopping at a short but visible length. Think of it as a gentler fade.
Best for: Conservative professionals, mature men, those wanting low maintenance
Face shapes: Universal - works with all face shapes
Maintenance: Every 3-4 weeks
The taper fade is the most conservative option in the fade family. It maintains the clean, graduated look of a fade while being subtle enough for even the most traditional professional environments. Lawyers, bankers, and corporate executives often prefer taper fades.
What distinguishes a taper fade from a regular taper is the technique. The blend is smoother and more gradual, using fade methodology but with a lighter hand. The result is sophisticated and timeless - a haircut that looks professional in any decade.
Drop Fade
The drop fade is a variation where the fade line curves down behind the ear following the natural curve of the head, rather than maintaining a consistent horizontal line. This creates a distinctive arc shape.
Best for: Those wanting a unique twist on classic fades, works great with longer top hair
Face shapes: Particularly flattering for round faces
Maintenance: Every 2-3 weeks
Drop fades add visual interest by following your head's natural contours. The "drop" creates a smooth, organic line that flows with your head shape rather than cutting across it. This subtle difference makes drop fades stand out from standard fades.
This style works exceptionally well if you have longer hair on top that you're styling backward or to the side. The drop fade complements the flow of the hair, creating a cohesive look from all angles. It's modern and distinctive without being overly trendy.
Choosing the Right Fade for You
Selecting the perfect fade involves considering several factors: your face shape, hair type, lifestyle, and personal style preferences. Here's how to make the right choice.
Face Shape Guide
Oval Face: You're lucky - all fade types work well. Oval faces are balanced and proportionate, so you can choose based purely on personal preference and lifestyle.
Round Face: Go for mid or high fades to add vertical length and create the illusion of a longer face. Avoid low fades that can make the face appear rounder.
Square Face: Low to mid fades work beautifully, complementing strong jawlines. Skin fades also work well if you want to emphasize your angular features.
Long/Rectangular Face: Low fades are ideal as they don't add extra height. You can also try drop fades which add width visually.
Heart-Shaped Face: Mid fades balance a wider forehead and narrower chin. The fade draws attention to the middle of the face.
Diamond Face: Low to mid fades complement the angular features of diamond-shaped faces, especially when paired with some volume on top.
Hair Type Considerations
Straight Hair: All fade types work excellently. Straight hair shows the fade lines most clearly, so precision is crucial. Our barbers specialize in creating sharp fades on straight hair.
Wavy Hair: Mid to high fades work particularly well, as they create nice contrast with textured top hair. The waves add dimension to the overall look.
Curly Hair: Fades on curly hair are stunning but require a barber experienced with curly textures. Low to mid fades typically work best, allowing curls on top to be the star.
Coily/Kinky Hair: All fades work beautifully on coily hair, but require specialized technique. Many of our barbers at Manhattan Barbershop have extensive experience with textured hair and can create perfect fades on any curl pattern.
Thin Hair: Low to mid fades can actually make thin hair look fuller by creating contrast. Avoid super high fades that might emphasize thinning on top.
Thick Hair: High fades work great with thick hair, creating dramatic contrast and making the volume on top a feature rather than a problem.
Maintenance & Care
Maintaining your fade is essential for keeping that sharp, fresh-cut look. Here's what you need to know.
Visit Frequency: The type of fade determines how often you need touch-ups. Skin fades and high fades require the most frequent maintenance (every 1-2 weeks) because the contrast shows growth quickly. Low fades and taper fades can go 2-3 weeks, sometimes even 4 weeks if you don't mind a slightly grown-out look.
Between Visits: Keep your neckline clean. If you're comfortable with clippers, you can carefully clean up the very bottom of your neckline between visits. However, avoid trying to touch up the actual fade - that's best left to professionals.
Washing: Fades work with any washing schedule, but keep your scalp clean and healthy. If you have a skin fade, you may notice more scalp exposure, so use a gentle shampoo and consider moisturizing your scalp if it feels dry.
Product Selection: The fade itself doesn't require product, but you'll likely want to style the hair on top. For most fade styles, we recommend a matte pomade or clay for texture and hold without shine. If you prefer a classic look, a light pomade works well.
Sun Protection: With more scalp potentially exposed (especially with high and skin fades), remember sunscreen if you're spending extended time outdoors. This is particularly important in summer months.
Communication with Your Barber: Once you find a fade style you love, take a photo immediately after your cut. Bring this photo to your next appointment to ensure consistency. At Manhattan Barbershop, we keep client notes, but a reference photo always helps.
How to Style Your Fade
One of the best things about fade haircuts is their versatility. Here are popular styling options:
Classic Slick Back: Apply pomade to damp hair and comb everything straight back. This timeless look pairs beautifully with low and mid fades for a sophisticated appearance.
Textured Crop: Use a matte clay or fiber to create piece-y, textured definition on top. This modern style works great with any fade height and is especially popular with mid and high fades.
Side Part: Create a clean part on one side and style with a light pomade. This professional look is perfect for business settings and looks sharp with low to mid fades.
Messy/Natural: For a casual look, simply towel dry and add a small amount of sea salt spray or light cream. Let your natural texture show while the fade keeps things clean.
Brushed Forward: For shorter top hair, brush everything forward and slightly up for a modern, European-inspired look. Works excellently with mid to high fades.
Pompadour: If you have length on top, create volume by blow-drying upward and back, then use pomade to shape. This classic style is having a major moment and looks incredible with all fade types.
The key to styling any fade is remembering that the fade itself is already doing heavy lifting aesthetically. You don't need complex styling on top - the clean sides provide automatic structure and shape to your overall look.
Ready for Your Perfect Fade?
At Manhattan Barbershop, we've been crafting precision fades for clients across Manhattan for years. With two convenient locations in Chelsea and Midtown, and a team of expert barbers with over 147 combined years of experience, we're your destination for the perfect fade haircut.
Our barbers specialize in all fade types and work with all hair textures. Whether you're getting your first fade or your hundredth, we'll consult with you to find the exact style that matches your face shape, hair type, and lifestyle.
Book your fade haircut today:
- Chelsea Location: 238 8th Ave | (212) 367-2009 - Midtown Location: 875 3rd Ave | (212) 308-0362
Walk-ins welcome, or book online for guaranteed availability. Experience the difference that expert barbering makes - once you get a proper fade from Manhattan Barbershop, you'll never settle for less.