A short fade is a short haircut with very short sides and back that are gradually faded close to the skin. A fade on short cuts such as crew cuts, buzz cuts, and high and tight haircuts provides contrast and gives a clean-cut look.
Short fade haircuts have been on trend ever since the start of the decade and won’t be going anywhere soon!
There is only one major reason expert barbers in the modern world of men’s fashion revel in this contemporary look – the style’s versatility.
With all the volume and texture allowed on top, you can easily create endless possibilities of hairstyles. Are you going to a business meeting? Slick those strands back or do a simple comb-over. Have plans for a night out? Brush it up into a faux hawk!
What you’ll be addicted to is how well-kept your mane will appear 24/7 simply because of those short sides. A quick trip to your barber once a month will guarantee the freshness of your chosen fade.
Check out this updated guide on the latest photos of short fade haircuts!
#1 Short Ginger Hair with a Fade
Isn’t this short, ginger hair with a cool fade striking? 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.
#2: Skin Fade and Swept Forward Crew Cut
Are you looking for an edgy haircut but need to pass as office-ready? If so, I would give this skin fade and swept forward crew cut some serious consideration. The zero fade on the sides creates a modern feel. And the short length on top remains manageable yet stylish.
#3: Very Short Faded Buzz Cut
Sometimes easy and stylish don’t come in the same package. But this short faded buzz cut is the best for someone who wants 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 clean.
#4 Classic Tapered Fade with Textured Top
Clean and structured, this classic tapered fade features a medium-length textured top that’s styled upward and slightly back for volume and control. Best suited for men with straight, dense hair, the taper transitions smoothly into a low skin fade around the ears and nape. The cut works great for square and oval face shapes. It offers a sharp, business-friendly look but still leaves some styling flexibility on top. Keep in mind, daily styling product is a must to keep that top polished.
#5 Spiky Crew Cut with Mid Fade
Bold and balanced, this spiky crew cut features short, upward-pointing texture up top, perfect for thick, straight hair that holds shape easily. The mid fade creates a clean contrast between the top and sides, making this cut both edgy and wearable. It suits most face shapes, particularly oval and square, and works well for men in their 20s to 40s. A matte wax or clay helps define the spikes without adding shine. It’s low maintenance overall, though regular fades are needed to keep the sides sharp.
#6 Defined Curls with High Fade
Defined and clean, this curly cut showcases tightly coiled curls on top with a high fade that sharply separates the curls from the skin-tight sides. It works best for men with coarse, dense hair who want to maintain their natural texture while keeping the sides fresh and manageable. The high fade elevates the overall look, elongating the face and giving it a taller profile—great for rounder face shapes. Maintenance includes curl cream to enhance definition and regular fades to stay crisp.
#7 Wavy Crop with Skin Fade
Effortlessly cool, this wavy crop blends natural wave pattern with sharp skin-faded sides that taper right down to the skin. The top is kept just long enough to enhance natural texture while still being easy to manage. Perfect for men with thick, coarse, or slightly curly hair, the skin fade offers maximum contrast and helps define the overall shape. It’s bold and modern, great for angular face shapes. Downside? You’ll need more frequent fades and some product to prevent the waves from frizzing out.
#8 Messy Textured Crop with Low Fade
Casual yet modern, this messy crop features heavy texture up top with a tousled fringe that adds movement and a laid-back edge. Paired with a subtle low fade, it flatters finer hair types by adding the illusion of volume and thickness. The neckline and temple areas are cleanly faded for a tidy finish. Ideal for round or angular faces, this style needs minimal styling effort but benefits from matte paste for separation. It’s a great pick for younger guys or anyone wanting something relaxed but sharp.
#9: Short Thick Hair with Faded Sides and Nape
Crew cuts are an easy style to maintain. They require little if any, time to do. Short thick hair with faded sides and nape suit this hair type. It has faded down to the skin and blended at the midpoint into the short top. Generally, the top will be cut with clippers on a higher-grade comb. The fringe has been cut blunt for a sharp finish to compliment the fade. Hair with this length and short fade, men don’t need any product to style, making it easy to keep up.
#10: High Fade for Short Quiff Hairstyle
If you’re looking for one of the easiest men’s styles, give this high fade for a short quiff hairstyle a chance. This haircut features a zero fade for the longevity of the haircut. Based on your hair texture and preference, it has just enough length, 1 to 2 inches, to throw some gel in and go. My favorite product for a style like this is Johnny B’s Mode Styling Gel.
#11: Zero Fade on Short Piece-y Hair
Crowns can be an issue for a lot of guys. The answer 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 often asked for as it controls the crown area and allows the client to have a style at the front. Make sure you explain your hair worries to the barber before he starts.
#12: Clean High Skin Fade with Line-Up and Texture
I love some curls. So, what better way to show them off than with this clean high skin fade with a line-up and textured feel? The zero fade blending into the sides and beard keeps this haircut edgy and professional. The curls on top can show off your unique identity and texture. Plus, this men’s fade cut refrains your curls from growing into a round shape. Throw a gel or cream on your curls and run!
#13: Bald Fade and Extra Choppy and Texture On Top
If you like a little length left on top, you might like this bald fade and extra choppy texture. You can still have a barbered, clean cut of your sides buzzed short without compromising the top.
#14: The French Crop with Skin Fade
Look at this fashion-forward version of a French crop with a taper fade. The blunt sides go very well with the shave and the layered fringes. There’s so much going on in this cool cut for guys.
#15: Clean Buzz Cut with Bald Fade
This is a military haircut with a short fade. All the cleanliness and orderliness of the buzz cut fade serve to give a proper guy’s look.
#16: Textured Top with Tapered Sides and Nape
A textured top with tapered sides and nape is a hit in the short fade haircuts 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.
#17: Very Short-Faded Hair on Thin Hair
If you’re starting to see some scalp and want to wear your hair differently, try a short fade on your thin hair. A zero fade on the sides creates a natural contrast. This haircut for men makes the top look thicker and darker without trying too hard.
#18: Curly Textured Crop and a Skin Fade
To create this curly textured crop with a skin fade/buzz cut, you’ll need some hair length to promote great curls. This is a hairstyle for anyone willing to wear their hair 2-3 inches up top with a mousse for styling!
#19: High Skin Fade on a Crew Cut
Looking at haircuts for yourself that might suit your style? I recommend this high skin fade on a crew cut. It adds an edgy vibe to your traditional men’s fade. Ask your barber for a zero fade with a four up top or a zero fade with scissors up top for added texture on the cut.
#20: Fresh Fade on Short Curly Hair
Elevate your style with this fresh fade on short curly hair at your next haircut. I suggest styling your curls with a mousse for a firm hold for a glossy shine. Stand up and check out your new haircut for a pleasant surprise.
#21: Modern Cropped Cut with Shaved Sides
Check out this modern cropped cut with shaved sides if you want to level up your haircut. Add color for a more edgy feel!
#22: French Short Crop with a Fringe
Do you think you can rock a French short crop with a fringe? This haircut includes blunt edges along the hairline and a zero fade. It’s perfect for the bold guy with lots of personal styles!
#23: Beard Fade and Shape-up
If you want to make a statement, try 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.
#24: Short Pompadour with Faded Sides
If you’ve needed a fresh style update, a short pompadour with faded sides might be a perfect choice. Ask your barber for a scissor cut on top with taper fade, style to your liking!
#25: Hi-Top Fade with Shaved Lines
Check out this hi-top fade with shaved lines! Ask the barber for a clipper guard up top that suits your face shape, a fade, and a line-up. Add lines to this top fade haircut for a styled look.
#26: Low Fade Curly Cut for Black Men
You’ve got a good amount of hair, so why not try this cut for black men? Fade cutting your hair is an easy yet professional look. Ensure your barber fades your beard into your haircut before they are done!
#27: Short Crop with Medium Fade
A short crop with medium fade is a popular choice in fade hairstyles for men. Ask your barber about your options for different variations of this haircut. You can choose between a clipper cut on the sides and the top. Or, clippers on the sides and scissors on the top for added texture. Add some styling clay, and you’re good to go!
#28: Fade Haircut with a Thunder Shaved Line
If you want to change your style, amp up traditional short haircuts for men with a fade haircut. Add a thunder-shaved line to make it more unique. Get the style you desire up top with a firm hold gel or a matte clay for texture.
#29: Faded Crop Cut with Short Wavy Bangs
A faded crop cut with short wavy bangs is one of the year’s biggest short fade haircut trends! This drop fade contours the head, and the added length up top gives this style shape and texture.
#30: Short Waved Cut with a Line-Up
A short, waved cut with a line-up is the definition of good haircuts for men! A zero fade with length up top always looks clean and proper. Having a stylist that can connect your haircut to your beard will define your face nicely.
#31: Short and Curly Hair Fade
The appeal of a guy’s short cut with a fade is undeniably charming. Add the curled locks, and you’ll have girls swooning all over you. With these short haircuts, men can finally show off their natural texture.
#32: Awesome Wavy Hair with Short Fade
Long waves give fluff to this short fade cut. This is a neat fade haircut men with short to medium wavy hair must opt for.
#33: The Classic Short Drop Fade
An altered classic fade, the short fade goes low toward the nape. With these short haircuts, men with thinner hair will appreciate the natural form of their locks.
#34: The Popular Short Temp Fade
The blowout is a popular 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 style.
#35: The Sleek Short Burst Fade
This type of short fade tapers around the ear very smoothly. Keep your top full, and you’ll look sleek in no time.
#36: The Cool Crew Cut Fade
A fundamental cut in a man’s style, a crew cut gives a more defined face shape while giving room for many touch-ups on your hair on top with a short hair fade.
#37: Short Faux Hawk with Fade
If you have fine or thin hair but still want that height, this short faux hawk cut with a fade is for you.
#38: Classic Short Taper Fade
Whatever has “classic” in its name is a sure winner. They don’t last a lifetime for no reason, don’t they? This short taper fade cut is the perfect business casual look.
#39: The Casual Low Fade on Short Hair
A low fade is a friendly way to keep that contrast of bushy and shaved hair. This hairstyle keeps unruly hair at bay and provides an excellent style.
#40: The Short Pomp with a Bald Fade
Don’t get scared by the name- a short bald fade doesn’t look that bald except for the part of skin-shaved sides and nape. This faded hair style with a pomp works wonders on medium to thick hair densities.
#41: Old-School Short Curls Fade for Black Hair
The classic kinky curls on a short hairstyle are the secret to a smooth man.
#42: The High Fade Short Hair
Keeping a fade higher on short hair brings a more youthful effect to your style. Depending on how quickly your hair grows, you may need a small hair cut for upkeep.
#43: Trendy High and Tight Military Fade
Having a short fade military haircut with a fade is like carrying a weapon. The only thing you’ll be killing is a properly attractive look. This short hair for men is very easy to maintain and demands little to no styling.
#44: Stylish Short Comb Over Fade
Comb your hair to the sides to let your smooth short fade style shine. This is a proper men’s fade haircut in a modern version.
#45: The Skin Fade Short Crop
This shape is one of my favorites for men with slightly chiseled faces. Using a disconnection and keeping the haircut square to enhance the jawline is always my favorite technique with short men’s cuts.
#46: The Mid-Fade Short Hairstyle
This fade cut for men is a classic low bald fade on short textured hair. My favorite thing about this look is that it’s edgy, cool, and modern. Such short hair styles for men work for most 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.
#47: Shorter Ivy League Cut
This short haircut is a low to medium skin fade with a tight scissor cut on top. My favorite thing about this buzz cut fade is the smooth transition from the skin to the hair on top and how soft the fade is. No harsh or heavy lines – a haircut like this always works well on guys with thick, dark hair. The best thing about this haircut is how low maintenance it is. Because of the sharpness of the fade on the back and sides, it gives you free roam with the top of your hair without it ever really looking messy and unkempt.
#48: Low Skin Fade with a Messy Quiff Top
When you want a fashionable yet simple-to-manage hairstyle, this low-skin fade with a messy quiff top is a great choice. This hairstyle suits many hair types but works best with coarse hair. It will look better if the hair on the top is thinned out for increased flow. To make the hair look longer, try a low-to-high fade cut on the sides.
#49: Skin Fade and Razored Edges on Short Hair
Crew cuts are easy to look after and look tidy and stylish. This skin fade and razored edges, and short hair have faded high. This looks better at the temple point to keep the transition to keep the shape. If you choose this for your haircut, you can leave it natural. But a small amount of pomade can give you a shiny finish. The lineup at the front and temple finishes off the whole style, leaving it tight and tidy.
#50: Mid Faded with a Brushed Up Quiff
If you want to revamp your hair, a mid fade paired with a brushed-up quiff is ideal. A quiff is easy to keep due to the extra length on top, unlike the sides. This prevents your hair from becoming too round, which in turn, makes styling simpler. The good news is that this style suits almost all hair textures and can blend in with any fade you prefer. For straight hair, secure the style using a blowdryer and matte clay. If you have wavy or curly hair, apply curl cream from roots to ends and let it air dry.
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