Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Low Fade Haircut | Men's Hairstyle Tips

What is a Low Fade Haircut?

A low fade haircut is a popular men's hairstyle that features a close taper on the back and sides that fades down low near the neckline. It creates a clean finish on the sides while leaving more length and volume on top for various styling options.

The low fade is a versatile cut that can be paired with short, medium or long hair on top. It works well with straight, wavy, curly or coily hair textures. The low fade haircut is trendy and looks great on most guys.

How the Low Fade is Cut

When getting a low fade haircut, the stylist will use clippers to cut the hair on the back and sides very short near the hairline around the neck. The hair gradually gets longer as it goes up the head, creating a faded look.

The fade will start very close to the skin, around a #0 clipper guard length. It will taper up to a #1 or #2 guard length higher up on the sides. This creates a smooth blended look from short to longer hair.

In contrast, a high fade will start fading higher up the head and a mid fade is in between a high and low fade. The low fade allows for more of your natural hair to be left on the sides.

Low Fade vs High Fade

The main difference between a low fade and high fade is where the fading starts. A high fade starts fading hair much higher up the sides, creating a bigger contrast between the very short faded hair on the bottom and the longer hair on top.

A low fade provides a more subtle, gradual transition from short to long hair. The lower fading allows more length through the sides while still tapering it close near the neckline and around the ears.

A low fade haircut tends to be a bit more versatile and easier to style than a high fade. But a high fade can look more clean-cut and defined.

Best Haircuts with a Low Fade

There are many cool hairstyles that can be paired with a low fade haircut. Here are some of the most popular options:

Low Fade with Long Hair on Top

Pairing a low fade with longer hair on top allows for the most dramatic contrast from very short to long hair. This hairstyle highlights thick, voluminous hair on top while keeping the sides and back clean and tight.

Long hair on top can be worn messy, naturally curly, slicked back, or styled up and high for maximum height. A low skin fade helps balance and modernize a longer style.

Low Fade with Quiff

A quiff with a low fade is another excellent combination. The quiff showcases medium to long hair swept up and back off the forehead into a soft wave. Keeping the sides faded close accentuates the height of the quiff.

A styling product like pomade or wax is best for achieving this textured, pushed back style that is a bit messy yet controlled.

Low Fade with Comb Over

The comb over hairstyle pairs perfectly with a low fade. It involves longer hair on top combed over to one side with a part. Keeping the back and sides faded close to the skin makes the dramatic side part stand out.

Use a blow dryer and your fingers or a comb to direct the hair into place. The comb over looks great styled with some lift on top as well.

Low Fade with Textured Crop

For guys with straight, fine hair a textured crop cut with a low fade is a great low maintenance option. This utilitarian cut features hair long enough to style with texture and movement, but short enough to not require a lot of upkeep.

Use some pomade or wax to add texture and definition as desired. The faded sides help take some bulk out of fine hair.

Low Fade with Hard Part

Adding a hard part to a low fade cut amplifies its style. A hard part is created using a razor to cut a part line into the hair, rather than just combing it. This look creates a strong side profile with a lot of definition.

Pair it with a comb over, pompadour, quiff or brushed up style. The hard part really makes it stand out.

Low Fade with disconnected undercut

Combining a low fade with an undercut that is disconnected from the hair on top is an edgy look. The longer hair on top is not blended with the faded undercut portion. This hairstyle provides a mix of textures and lengths.

Slick back, spike up or brush over the longer hair on top while keeping the undercut faded close for dramatic contrast. This modern disconnected look offers versatility in styling options.

How to Style a Low Fade Haircut

One of the benefits of the low fade haircut is that it can be styled in many different ways. Here are some tips for styling a low fade:

• Use a blow dryer to add volume and lift at the roots. Blow hair up and back away from the face.
• Work a small amount of pomade, wax or clay through the hair to define texture and style. Less product is needed since the sides are short.
• Style longer hair on top swept back, spiked up, or brushed over to one side.
• Use your fingers to loosely direct the hair for a more natural look.
• For volume, use a round brush while blow drying to lift the roots up and back.
• Apply some light styling product to keep the sides of the fade neat and tight.

Who Should Get a Low Fade Haircut?

A low fade haircut is flattering on most guys. Here are some things to consider to determine if a low fade is right for you:

• Face shape - The low fade works well to minimize a rounder face since it slims the cheeks and jawline.
• Hair type - Guys with straight, wavy, curly or coily hair can wear a low fade. It works with all hair textures and densities.
• Hair length - Longer, medium and shorter hair styles on top can be paired with a low fade.
• Style - If you prefer versitile hair you can style different ways, a low fade is a great option.
• Maintenance - The low fade grows out gradually, requiring less frequent trims than a high fade.

A low fade is one of the most versatile modern men's hairstyles. Talk to your barber about getting this popular cut to refresh your style!

FAQs

What haircut should I get with a low fade?

Some of the most popular haircuts to pair with a low fade include: long hair on top, a quiff, comb over, textured crop, disconnected undercut, and a style with a hard part.

Does a low fade work for curly hair?

Yes, a low fade can look great on curly hair. It tapers the sides close to the head to minimize bulk while leaving length on top for curls to pop. Make sure to get the fade cut in when hair is wet for best results.

How often do you need to get a low fade touched up?

Generally you'll want to get a low fade retrimmed every 2-4 weeks to keep it looking clean. Because the fade starts lower, it grows out more gradually than a high fade.

Should I ask for a low, mid or high fade?

It depends on the look you're going for. A low fade provides more subtle contrast while a high fade makes a bigger statement. A mid fade is in between. Let your barber know the style you want to achieve.

What products work best for styling a low fade?

Sea salt spray, pomade, wax, clay, paste, and pre-styler are good products to use for styling low fades. Apply them to the longer hair on top to add texture and movement.