28 Stylish Bald Fade Haircut Inspirations for Men Today

Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

What is a Bald Fade Haircut?

The bald fade haircut is a faded style that showcases longer hair on the top with shorter back and sides, typically shaved down to the skin (bald). The fade signifies the smooth transition from the top of the hair to the neckline, with the hair tapering down to skin level. Careful blending is employed when crafting the bald fade.

How to Cut a Bald Fade with Clippers?

When creating bald fade haircuts, it’s crucial to determine where the fade should begin. This informs which guard size to use.

Utilize clippers to eliminate excess bulk from the hair on the sides and back. Some stylists also opt for shears when cutting away significant lengths. To achieve a seamless and natural-looking fade, adjusting the size of the clippers or changing the guard will do the trick.

Bald Fade vs Skin Fade

A bald fade and skin fade are essentially the same. Both terms describe the hair around the sides and nape being cut so short that it appears bald, with the skin entirely visible.

This style delivers a striking contrast between your skin and hair color, which accounts for its popularity. A notable advantage of this modern bald haircut is that it can extend the time between barber visits, as it takes longer for your hair to grow back from bare skin. Additionally, it requires minimal maintenance and can reduce the amount of styling needed while still maintaining a sharp appearance.

Before your next haircut, check out these images of the finest bald fade haircuts!

Photos
the butch cut bald fade
Instagram @loumugaz

#1: The Butch Hairstyle

The butch hairstyle, often referred to as a bald fade, features a faded cut with the sides trimmed all the way down to the skin. Consider incorporating an etched design for added contrast.

Beard Fade with Line Up and Bald Fade for Men
Instagram @vbodnarr

#2: Beard Fade with Line Up and Bald Fade

If you enjoy polished, defined styles, consider the beard fade paired with a lineup and bald fade combination. This style will leave you feeling confident. It’s perfect if you want a hassle-free hair routine. For a textured, spiky finish, follow these steps. Start with a brief blow-dry. Then, apply STMNT Grooming Clay from roots to tips. This rugged hairstyle complements any hair type. It can even help conceal a receding hairline. Why not give it a go!

#3: Forward Brushed Bald Fade

The bald fade, styled with a forward brush, is a classic European look for men that has stood the test of time. Ensure this style endures throughout the day by using the Paul Mitchell Reformer Pomade.

#4: Complete Bald Fade Undercut

This is a trendy and adaptable complete bald fade hairstyle that can be paired with any casual look for a stunning outcome. The contrast it provides is simply remarkable.

Sleek Bald Fade for Men
Instagram @barber.cut.299

#5: Sleek Bald Fade with Slicked Back Style

Sleek bald fade hairstyles like this create a polished and crisp finish to brushed back hair. You can opt for a surgical line for enhanced contrast or forego it, like the image above. Fades are easy to maintain, but preserving the length is the key factor.

Classic Low Bald Fade on Short Hair
Instagram @8lademaster

#6: Classic Low Bald Fade with Pompadour

The stylish pompadour coupled with the low bald fade haircut is timeless and versatile, allowing for various appearances. The standout feature of a bald fade is its adaptability. Whether you’re the head of a major corporation or an aspiring musician, this hairstyle exudes cleanliness, sophistication, maturity, and intricacy while remaining fashionable, contemporary, and edgy. That said, bald fades might not suit everyone.

For instance, for men with rounder facial features and head shapes, I would recommend opting for a low bald fade with added height on top to ensure the transition culminates in a longer length. This approach fosters a squared appearance as it transitions from the ear to the parietal ridge, ultimately establishing a straight vertical line instead of conforming to the head’s shape. Belcourt observed that a longer pompadour paired with a straight blade “hard part” renders a very sharp look.

Men's Defined Bald Fade for Thick Hair
Instagram @barbersukraine

#7: Defined Bald Fade for Thick Hair

When it comes to men’s hairstyles, a defined bald fade for thick hair presents a sleek and contemporary appearance. A defined bald fade maintains longer hair on top while the sides are cut shorter, creating a striking contrast. The versatility of the defined bald fade allows you to choose between lowmidhigh, or skin fades to suit your preference. One of the benefits of this haircut is the slimming effect it provides, enhancing your overall facial features. To add some texture to your hair, you can ask your stylist to incorporate point cutting. If possible, blow-dry your hair using a vented brush to create a neat and polished daily look.

Bald Fade Featuring a Line
Instagram @muells_99

#8: Medium Bald Fade with Side Part

This is a medium bald fade featuring a side part. I went off the natural texture of his hair, starting the bald blend low and gradually fading into a #2 or 1/4 inch into the side with the part. I did a shear work on top (point cutting technique), then finished it with straight razor work on the line-up, the hard part, and the neckline. Considering it’s such a tight fade, it must also be kept looking fresh. I recommend getting it cut every 2 weeks to maintain the best results.

Also, the rounder the head shape or the thicker the hair texture, you can take the fade to blend a little higher on the sides. On the other hand, the slimmer the head shape or the thinner the hair texture, you should leave the fade lower and slightly over the ears (the bald part).

Shaved Side Mohawk with Bald Fade
Instagram @r23barber

#9: Shaved Side Mohawk with Bald Fade

How can you style this shaved side mohawk with a bald fade to make a statement? This technique enhances the shape on top of your head, allowing for versatile styling options.

Bald Fade with an Off-Set Top for Men featuring a beard and stylish appearance
Instagram @care8salon

#10: Bald Fade with an Off-Set Top

What’s more stylish than this bald fade with an off-set top? Striking, timeless, and arguably the most practical haircut in terms of styling – extremely simple! For optimal results, I suggest steering clear of cutting the top too short. This will aid in preserving the distinction between the sides and the top. Style with a pomade or a gel for the best finish.

Crew Cut Featuring Bald Mid Fade for Men

#11 Crew Cut Featuring Bald Mid Fade

This crew cut featuring bald mid fade style complements nearly all lengths, whether short or long. Look stylish with neatly trimmed sides like in this cut to elevate your hair game.

Bald fade blowout for men
Instagram @barbeiro_dicas

#12: Bald Fade with Blowout

The bald fade with blowout is an excellent choice for those leaning towards a mohawk-inspired look. Transitioning from the temple to behind the ears provides a bald fade with blowout ample time between grooming sessions. Perfect style for teenagers and young adults.

Bald Fade Hairstyles for African American Men
Instagram @tc_lady_barber

#13: Bald Fade Hairstyles for African American Men

Precision is essential for achieving an impressive look like this bald fade for African American men. Have your hair cut short and close to the scalp for a clean and polished appearance.

Bald Fade featuring a Long Pomp-Style Top for Guys with thick hair
Instagram @vbodnarr

#14: Stylish Long Pomp-Style Top

The bald fade with a long pomp-style top is a contemporary and trendy haircut choice for men with thick hair. This haircut features a gradual fade on the sides. They start with a shorter length near the ears and taper down to the skin. The longer hair on top is then styled into a pompadour. This creates a striking contrast and adds volume to the overall look. I recommend a styling cream such as Hans De Fuko Scheme Cream. This will help you style daily by adding a satin finish texture and a medium hold.

#15: Neat Skin Fade Accompanied by a Beard

The best thing about dark hair is that you can achieve a neat skin fade that pairs beautifully with a beard. This high fade has been taken down to the skin and blended closely into the top, and if you have dense hair, you can achieve a super clean finish. The top has been textured, one of the best ways to communicate to your barber that you want a textured finish is to ask for it to be point cut. This is an excellent style to choose for effortless styling.

Quiff with Clean Bald Fade
Instagram @iamkanvas

#16: Quiff with Clean Bald Fade

The bald fade quiff is a stylish, low-maintenance cut that requires minimal styling effort.

What’s great about this style is its adaptability. You can mix and enhance this bald fade to achieve a generally versatile look that pairs well with any style you prefer beyond the quiff. Just select between a comb-over or any high top.

#17: Sharp Trimmed Bald Fade

If you’re looking for a polished men’s crew cut with a unique flair, consider this sharp-trimmed bald fade! My suggestion for upkeep is to request texturizing on top. It will make styling simpler. Visit the barber at least every 4 weeks to keep this haircut’s form intact.

#18: Bald Fade with Textured Crop Hairstyle

Combine the textured messy top with a contemporary, clean shave, and you’ll achieve this exceptional skin fade haircut with a fresh style. This works on men with fine hair as it creates a fuller-looking result. When styling this bald fade with textured crop hair, use a small amount of gel for a shinier, polished finish.

#19: Bald Fade with Artistic Touch

The bald fade with artistic touch offers a refined appearance on the sides and serves as an excellent complement to any hairstyle. Incorporate a stylish shaved pattern for an impressive effect.

What’s great about this bald fade with hair design is its versatility, making it suitable for all hair lengths and textures.

Bald Fade with Wavy Top
Instagram @walt.daddy

#20: Bald Fade with Wavy Top

This is a sleek bald fade paired with a naturally waved top. It enhances and refines your appearance for a polished look.

#21: Mid Bald Fade Suitable for Curly Hair

A mid bald fade is an excellent choice for those with curly hair. It features a tight fade around the base that seamlessly blends into the thick curls on top. Although the fade requires upkeep every 2-3 weeks, the top doesn’t need regular trimming. Most products can complement this style, but a quality pomade will enhance the definition of the curls.

Bald Fade with a V-Cut Back for Men
Instagram @mobinbarber.ir

#22: Bald Fade with a V-Cut Back Style

If you’re searching for a stylish haircut that combines cleanliness with a touch of boldness, consider this bald fade with a v-cut back. From the front, this hairstyle appears as a classic, high bald fade with a low top. When seen from the side, it features a faux hawk silhouette that adds an unmistakable, daring flair. This cut requires minimal styling since its shape holds the style well. Plan to visit your barber every couple of weeks to maintain this fresh look.

Stylish Bald Drop Fade for Men

#23 Bald Drop Fade Hairstyle

This stylish bald drop fade haircut showcases a sleek finish that enhances any fashionable hairstyle this season.

Bald Taper Fade Featuring a Hard Part
Instagram @jo_barbers

#24: Bald Taper Fade Featuring a Hard Part

If you’re aiming for a refined and sophisticated appearance, opt for the bald taper fade with a hard part. It’s perfect for a professional environment or any occasion when you want to look your best.

Bald Fade Faux Hawk Hairstyle for Men
Instagram @oscardabarber_

#25: Bald Fade Faux Hawk Hairstyle

The bald fade faux hawk seamlessly combines the skin-to-hair transition. The smooth skin blends into endless options for the top of the head. The best aspect of the skin fade haircut is that it pairs well with any style on top, including a combover, buzzcut, textured crop, and spikes.

This style demands regular upkeep every 2 weeks to ensure the hair remains sharp and fresh. Be ready to visit your barber frequently. Look for one that you can develop a long-lasting relationship with. Typically, fades require regular trims to maintain the ideal length.

Bald Temp Fade
Instagram @wendelbarber10

#26: Afro Temple Bald Fade with Facial Hair

Flaunt your natural curls with this bald fade afro. Achieve this by cleaning your temples to the skin between a beard and the top hair for a sharp and polished appearance. Pairing this afro bald fade with facial hair creates a casual yet eye-catching look that most gents will appreciate.

High Bald Fade
Instagram @mrliptrot

#27: Elevated Bald Fade

Transform your look instantly with an elevated bald fade, providing a polished and tidy appearance. Similar to a pompadour, this hairstyle is sure to turn heads.

Curly Bald Fade
Instagram @nicks.clips

#28: CURLY BALD FADE

Men with curly hair can effortlessly pull off fades like this one. The striking contrast of a completely clean side against a textured long top definitely draws everyone’s attention. This curly bald fade is an exceptional style that works well for men with longer hair on top.