A high fade starts high on the head, near the temples and the curve where the sides meet the top, and blends quickly down to very short hair or skin. Here's what sets it apart, who it suits, how to ask your barber for it and how to style it.
High fade at a glance
- Top: Short to long; anything with volume or texture
- Sides and back: Very short or skin for most of the side
- Maintenance: High
- Trim every: About every 2 weeks
What makes it different
It removes most of the hair on the sides, so the top becomes the whole haircut. The contrast is strong and the look is sharp and athletic.
Who it suits
Round and square faces, because short sides add height and slim the face. It can make long faces look longer, and it shows the shape of your head, so bumps and scars will be visible.
Not sure about your face shape? Find it with the free face shape detector, or read our guide to men's face shapes.
How to ask your barber for a high fade
- Ask for a high fade starting at the upper sides.
- Say skin or a short guard.
- Agree on where the top begins so the line sits where you want it.
- Bring a photo. Barbers use these names differently, and a picture removes the guesswork.
How to style it
Pair it with a pompadour, quiff, flat top, curls or a short crop. Keep the top neat, since it gets all the attention.
Variations
- High skin fade: the sharpest version, down to skin.
- High and tight: the military version with a very short top.
- High fade with curls: a tall curly top.
- High top fade: a tall, boxy top on Afro-textured hair.
Try it before you cut
A haircut takes weeks to grow out. Upload a selfie to the AI hairstyle changer and see the high fade on your own face, next to up to three other styles.
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FAQ
What is a high fade?
A high fade starts high on the head, near the temples and the curve where the sides meet the top, and blends quickly down to very short hair or skin.
Who suits a high fade?
Round and square faces, because short sides add height and slim the face. It can make long faces look longer, and it shows the shape of your head, so bumps and scars will be visible.
How often does it need a trim?
About every 2 weeks.
