40 Types of Short Fade Haircuts + Stylish Ways for Guys to Achieve It

Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

A short fade is a compact haircut with very short sides and back that are gradually faded close to the skin. A fade on shorter cuts such as crew cuts, buzz cuts, and high and tight haircuts provides contrast and delivers a polished look.

Short fade haircuts have been in vogue ever since the start of the decade and show no signs of disappearing soon!

There is just one significant reason expert barbers in today’s world of men’s fashion delight in this modern look – the style’s adaptability.

With all the volume and texture allowed on top, you can effortlessly create countless possibilities of hairstyles. Are you headed to a business meeting? Slick those strands back or try a simple comb-over. Have plans for a night out? Brush it up into a faux hawk!

What you’ll appreciate is how well-groomed your hairstyle will look 24/7 simply because of those short sides. A quick visit to your barber once a month will ensure the freshness of your selected fade.

Check out this revised guide on the latest photos of short fade haircuts!

Photos
A Wavy Hair with Short Fade

#1 Stylish Wavy Hair with Short Fade

Long waves add volume to this short fade haircut. This is a tidy fade style that men with short to medium wavy hair should consider.

A Short bald fade haircut

#2 The Short Pomp with a Clean Fade

Don’t be intimidated by the name- a short bald fade doesn’t appear overly bald except for the areas of closely shaved sides and nape. This faded hairstyle with a pomp works wonders on medium to thick hair textures.

A The Popular Short Temp Fade for Guys

#3 The Trendy Short Temp Fade

The blowout is a favored style for men. Short hairstyles around the temple area with a side part hair cut are a great combo for this kind of cut. A classic line-up will always stay in vogue.

A Short Fade Haircut with a Thunder Shaved Line

#4 Thunder Shaved Line with a Fade Haircut

If you’re looking to refresh your appearance, elevate classic short hairstyles for men with a fade haircut. Incorporate a thunder-shaved line to set it apart. Achieve your desired look up top with a strong hold gel or a matte clay for added texture.

A Classic Short Taper Fade for Men

#5 Timeless Short Taper Fade

Anything described as “timeless” is bound to impress. Styles like this are popular for a reason, aren’t they? This short taper fade cut embodies the ideal business casual appearance.

A Short Faded Modern Cropped Cut with Shaved Sides

#6 Contemporary Cropped Style with Shaved Sides

Explore this contemporary cropped style with shaved sides if you’re looking to enhance your haircut. Incorporate color for a bolder look!

A Short Pompadour with Faded Sides for Men

#7 Chic Short Pompadour with Tapered Sides

If you’re looking for a sleek style overhaul, a chic short pompadour with tapered sides could be an ideal selection. Request your barber for a scissor cut on top with a taper fade, and style it to match your preferences!

A Very Short Faded Buzz Cut for Men

#8 Subtle Short Faded Buzz Cut

Sometimes simplicity and style don’t come in the same package. But this subtle faded buzz cut is ideal for anyone who desires the best of both worlds. When you remove most of the hair on the sides and leave just enough on top to style, a little bit of gel goes a long way. Just ask for a zero fade. Also, any haircut with contrast on the sides and the top will leave you looking fresh and polished.

a The Skin Fade Short Crop for Guys

#9 The Skin Fade with a Short Crop

This style is one of my top picks for men with slightly defined facial structures. Using a disconnection and keeping the haircut square to enhance the jawline is always my preferred method with short men’s hairstyles.

A Short Waved Faded Cut with a Line-Up for Guys

#10 Stylish Waved Cut with a Clean Line-Up

A stylish, waved cut with a clean line-up is the epitome of great haircuts for men! A zero fade with length on top always appears neat and refined. Choosing a stylist who can seamlessly blend your haircut with your beard will enhance your facial structure beautifully.

A the low fade on short hair

#11 The Relaxed Low Fade on Short Hair

A low fade is an approachable option to maintain the balance between voluminous and closely cropped hair. This hairstyle tames wild locks and delivers a fantastic look.

A Short Low Fade Curly Cut for Black Men

#12 Curly Low Fade Hairstyle for African American Men

You’ve got ample hair, so why not consider this hairstyle for African American men? Fading your hair is a simple yet sophisticated option. Make sure your barber blends your beard into your haircut before they finish!

A Short Faded Crop Cut with Short Wavy Bangs for Men

#13 Short Wavy Bangs with a Faded Crop Cut

The combination of a faded crop cut and short wavy bangs stands out as one of the most popular short fade hairstyles this year! This drop fade shapes the head well, while the extra length on top provides impressive shape and texture.

A Shorter Curly Textured Crop and a Skin Fade

#14 Textured Curly Crop with a Skin Fade

To achieve this textured curly crop with a buzz cut skin fade, you’ll need some hair length to enhance your curls. This hairstyle is perfect for anyone ready to maintain their hair at 2-3 inches on top, using a mousse for styling!

A Clean Buzz Cut with Bald Fade

#15 Neat Buzz Cut with Smooth Bald Fade

This haircut features a military-inspired design with a sleek fade. The precision and neatness of the buzz cut blend perfectly to create a polished appearance for any gentleman.

A Very Short Faded Hair on Thin Hair for Men

#16 Short Faded Hairstyles for Fine Hair

If you’re beginning to notice some scalp and wish to change your hairstyle, consider a short fade on your fine hair. A zero fade on the sides creates a natural contrast. This men’s haircut makes the top appear thicker and darker with minimal effort.

A Short Hi-Top Fade with Shaved Lines

#17 Short Hi-Top Fade with Creative Shaved Lines

Discover this stylish hi-top fade enhanced with shaved lines! Request your barber for a clipper guard on top that complements your face shape, along with a fade and a clean line-up. Incorporate lines into this top fade haircut for a fashionable appearance.

A French Short Crop with a Fringe and Fade

#18 Chic French Short Crop with a Fringe

Do you believe you can pull off a French short crop with a fringe? This haircut features sharp edges along the hairline and a subtle fade. It’s ideal for the confident guy with a diverse sense of style!

A Short Crop with Medium Fade for Guys

#19 Short Crop Featuring a Medium Fade

A short crop with medium fade is a sought-after option in fade hairstyles for men. Consult your barber about your choices for various styles of this haircut. You may opt for a clipper cut on the sides and the top. Alternatively, use clippers on the sides and scissors on the top for greater texture. Add some styling clay, and you’re ready to go!

Classic short curls with fade for black guys
Instagram @cardinaltribe

#20: Classic Short Curls Fade for Black Hair

The timeless kinky curls on a short hairstyle are the secret to a polished man.

A Short Bald Fade and Extra Choppy and Texture On Top for Dudes

#21 Bald Fade with Textured Choppy Top

If you prefer some length on top, you may enjoy this bald fade paired with choppy texture. You can achieve a neat, barbered look with buzzed sides while maintaining style up top.

 A Short Faux Hawk with Fade for Guys

#22 Stylish Faux Hawk with Fade

If you have fine or thin hair yet desire that height, this short faux hawk style with a fade is perfect for you.

#23: Chic Short Comb Over Fade

Style your hair to the sides to showcase your sleek short fade look. This is a refined men’s fade haircut in a contemporary style.

A Short drop fade haircut

#24 The Timeless Short Drop Fade

A refined version of the classic fade, the short fade descends low toward the nape. With these concise haircuts, men with finer hair will value the natural form of their strands.

A Short Clean High Skin Fade with Line-Up and Texture for Guys

#25 Stylish High Skin Fade with Line-Up and Texture

I adore some curls. So, what better way to showcase them than with this stylish high skin fade featuring a line-up and textured finish? The zero fade blending into the sides and beard maintains an edgy yet professional appearance. The curls on top highlight your unique identity and texture. Plus, this men’s fade cut prevents your curls from taking on a round shape. Apply some gel or cream to your curls and you’re good to go!

A Short Beard Fade and Shape-up for Guys

#26 Stylish Beard Fade and Shape-up

If you’re looking to turn heads, consider this beard fade and shape up. I suggest asking your barber or stylist for a zero fade with a short scissor cut on top, just enough to style.

A Short Textured Top A with Faded Tapered Sides and Nape

#27 Textured Crop with Tapered Sides and Nape

A textured crop with tapered sides and nape is a favorite in the short fade hairstyles for men category. Easy to wear and style, but remember that this haircut is high maintenance to maintain. This crop fade requires a visit to the barbershop every 2-4 weeks.

A The Mid Fade

#28 The Mid-Fade Short Haircut

This fade hairstyle for men is a classic low bald fade on short textured hair. My favorite aspect of this look is that it’s stylish, fresh, and contemporary. Such short hairstyles for men are suitable for a variety of face shapes and hair textures. If you have a fine, flat hair type, use a volumizing product before you blow-dry, finish with hair wax (medium hold), and spray. If you have a wavy or curly hair type, use anti-frizz hair cream before blow-drying, then blow-dry with a round brush to smooth your hair. Apply hair wax (medium or stronghold) and finish with hairspray.

A Short High Skin Fade for Short Quiff Hairstyle on Men with Beard

#29 Short Quiff Hairstyle with High Fade

If you’re on the lookout for one of the most straightforward men’s styles, consider this high fade paired with a short quiff hairstyle. This haircut showcases a zero fade for extended wearability. Depending on your hair’s texture and your personal taste, it maintains just the right length, 1 to 2 inches, to easily apply some gel and head out. My top choice product for a look like this is Johnny B’s Mode Styling Gel.

A High Skin Fade on a Short Crew Cut

#30 Elevated Skin Fade on a Crew Cut

Exploring haircut options that could enhance your look? This elevated skin fade on a crew cut is a fantastic choice. It imparts a bold flair to your classic men’s fade. Consult your barber for a zero fade with a four on top or a zero fade using scissors on top for extra texture in the cut.

A Zero Fade on Short Piece-y Hair for Men

#31 Zero Fade on Short Textured Hair

Crowns can be a concern for many men. The solution is either long or short. This zero fade has been kept short at the back, leaving length for a hairstyle on top to create a comb-over. This style is frequently requested as it manages the crown area and enables the client to have a style at the front. Be sure to communicate your hair concerns to the barber before he begins.

A Short crew cut with fade

#32 The Stylish Crew Cut Fade

An essential cut in a man’s grooming, a crew cut provides a more defined face shape while allowing for various styling options on top with a short hair fade.

A The French Crop with Skin Fade for Men with Short Hair

#33 The Contemporary French Crop with Taper Fade

Explore this trendy take on the French crop paired with a taper fade. The defined sides complement the shave beautifully, along with the textured fringes. This stylish cut offers a lot of character for men.

A Fresh Fade on Short Curly Hair for Men

#34 Modern Fade for Short Curly Locks

Enhance your look with this modern fade on short curly locks during your next salon visit. I recommend using a mousse to style your curls for a strong hold and a glossy finish. Stand up and admire your fresh hairstyle for an enjoyable surprise.

A Short Ginger Hair with a Fade for Men

#35 Stylish Short Ginger Hair with a Fade

Isn’t this stylish short, ginger hair with a cool fade impressive? Ask for a spiky look with a bald razor fade into a two on the sides. Blend this into a style with 1.5-2 inch length left on top. Use a point cut or texturized style to remove bulk. To get this look at home, use your fingertips to apply a matte clay like Gorilla Paste from the roots to the ends of dry hair. Style your fringe forward for a cropped haircut look.

A Short high fade haircut

#36 The Elevated High Fade Cut

Maintaining a higher fade with short hair enhances a more vibrant look for your style. Depending on your hair growth rate, you might require a minor trim for maintenance.

A Shorter Ivy League Cut

#37 Concise Ivy League Style

This compact haircut features a low to medium skin fade with a precise scissor cut on top. My favorite aspect of this buzz cut fade is the seamless transition from the skin to the hair on top and the softness of the fade. No harsh or heavy lines – a style like this consistently suits guys with thick, dark hair. The greatest advantage of this haircut is its low maintenance. Due to the sharpness of the fade on the back and sides, it gives you freedom with the top of your hair without it ever appearing messy or unkempt.

A Sexy Short Curly Fade Haircut for Men

#38 Charming Short and Curly Hair Fade

The allure of a man’s short cut with a fade is undeniably captivating. Incorporate the curled locks, and you’ll have girls fawning over you. With these trendy short haircuts, men can truly display their natural texture.

A Short Skin Fade and Swept Forward Crew Cut for Men

#39 Skin Fade with a Forward-Swept Crew Cut

Are you in search of a stylish haircut that still fits in a professional environment? If that’s the case, this skin fade coupled with a swept forward crew cut deserves your attention. The zero fade at the sides enhances its contemporary vibe, while the short top keeps things both fashionable and easy to maintain.

A the short burst fade

#40 The Stylish Short Burst Fade

This variation of the short fade tapers around the ear very seamlessly. Maintain fullness on top, and you’ll achieve a sleek appearance in no time.