An Illustrated Guide To The Best Fade Haircuts For Men

The low fade haircut was popularised during WWII and has out-stayed its welcome since (in the best of ways). This military-esque cut has many variations, with the common denominator being this: they’re all sharp, smart, and suave. Low fades are easier to maintain since the transition from short to long is more gradual. So, if booking a bi-weekly barber sounds like a hassle, opt for a low fade.

Ever wanted to look like, well, every English footballer ever? Check out the low bald fade, a tight cut developing into a longer chop on top. A suave haircut for men of all colors and creeds, try this one on for size.

Ask your barber for this chop, and you might just find yourself fighting off the ladies (disclaimer: this is not guaranteed). This handsome cut makes the most of your existing locks, tapering to a clean shave around your nape.

Sported by the likes of JT (don’t worry, post-NSYNC), this red carpet-worthy fade haircut is a smokin’ choice. Longer on top for that all-important comb-over, and quickly tapering to barely-there hair.

Want to rock a side-part but avoid resembling Jack Dawson (so 1912)? The medium fade with side part haircut does it with shorter sides. Yep, comb over if you like, or keep it tousled with this versatile fade.

#OMG. Like the slicked-back look? Your wish is our command with the slicked-back hair with medium fade, crafting a clean-as-a-whistle, got-it-together look. For a fade cut that’s as refined as you, look no further.

Dramatic, stand-out, and authoritative, the high fade with pompadour haircut asks for a bit of nerve. This voluminous cut makes for a contemporary twist on Jazz-age chic.

If any style is guaranteed to have an impact, it’s this: with a military-style undercut fade and gravity-defying spikes up top, this haircut is a showstopper. The sky-high fade turns to skin well before your ears, letting that sculpted silhouette truly shine.

Go as high or low as you like with this short fade haircut, tapering from (slightly) longer on top to bald-as-you-like towards your neck and ears. We love the freedom at play with this fade: opt for a hair fade design for extra quirk points, or keep it simple.

A stunning union of the 50s pompadour and the categorically (20)20s low fade, the low drop fade with pompadour makes a gallant gentleman of anyone. Seen on famous heads like that of Elvis Presley, it’s a reliable choice.

The mid drop fade starts its line around the temple and dips behind the ear, so the back sits lower than the sides. It shows off a textured or curly top without cutting away the hair at your nape. The curve holds its shape for a couple of weeks, then softens as it grows.

Retain your precious locks (hey, not everyone has any) with the bald low fade, or skin fade. A messy top descends quickly into a close shave, and you can rock it brushed forward or side-parted, whatever takes your fancy.

Tom Hardy, eat your heart out: opt for shaved sides with a buzz cut, and you’ll be letting your chiseled features and smooth skin do the talking. Exuding bad-boy charm (irresistible, we assure you), this high fade lets everyone know you mean business.

Ah, we adore an undercut. Especially when it’s topped with an attitude-by-the-bucketload textured comb over. Naturally, this fade will need a little styling in the AM, but the results are in, and it’s so worth it.

Channel your inner GI Joe (honestly, it works), with a low fade buzz cut with a line-up. This get-up-and-go hairstyle is a terrific choice for the low-maintenance among us, though you should spruce it up every few weeks.

Suave, sleek, and full of satisfying angles, the buzz cut with quick fade is worn by the likes of Zayn Malik, among others. Short all-over, this fade haircut is one for fuss-free mornings.

For a fade cut that’s as neat as your school geometry workbook, opt for this slick variation of the classic fade. Guaranteeing all eyes on you (for the right reasons), this look is close-cut, with a pronounced design curving out from your temple.

The burst fade: where the undercut steals the show. Yep, draw attention to your neck and shoulders with this eye-catching faded haircut, and go as messy or slick as you like on top. Our burst fade guide has 25 more, from mullets to mohawks.

A nice medium haircut, the mohawk fade is akin to the medium fade, but much more pronounced. A statement cut, this low-fade cut is all at once striking, suave, and somehow, smart.

Blessed with curls? Don’t give them the snip: opt for the low bald fade with curly fringe, instead. Many men would kill for a full head of curls, so show yours off with this fade with a (very much rounded) edge. There are four more curly fringes in our textured fringe guide.

Reminiscent of the Peaky Blinders crew, the side part fade proves side partings didn’t die with the roaring 20s. A fresh take on the retro style, the side part fade brings this asymmetric look hurtling into the 21st Century.

What if there’s a way to rock a short and long haircut simultaneously? Well, like Schroedinger’s (unfortunate) feline, there is: the long hair fade. Keep tumbling tresses on top, or neaten it up with a top knot, and show off your natural silhouette with a fade down-under.

Make your mop a work of art with a low fade with hair design cut. Using a “0” on the clippers, your barber will etch a sleek pattern in your fade, while you’ll keep messy tresses on top. Step aside, ill-advised tattoos, we’re all about temporary hair art.

We’re all about the tribal designs melded with a high razor fade. Complete with an almost-faux-hawk on top, you must be warned: the design will grow out quickly, so have a barber’s appointment at the ready.

Yep, turns out faux hawks are cool again. Try out this amalgamation of styles and you’re sure to steal the show, no matter where you’re headed. Combining close-cut faded sides with a sharp and edgy faux hawk, the cut-in design brings this look together.