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 for sure won’t be going anywhere soon!
There is only one major reason why expert barbers in the modern world of men’s fashion revel in this contemporary look – and it is the style’s versatility.
With all the volume and texture allowed on top, there are endless possibilities of hairstyles you can easily create. 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 in 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: Skin Fade and Swept Forward Crew Cut
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. This haircut can be wash-and-wear. But you could take it to the next level with Suavecito’s Original Hold Pomade for shine and hold.
#2: 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. And it refrains your curls from growing out into a round shape. Throw a gel or cream on your curls and run!
#3: 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 on top. You can still have a barbered, clean cut of your sides buzzed short without compromising the top.
#4: 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 up top. There’s so much going on in this cool cut for guys.
#5: Clean Buzz Cut with Bald Fade
This is a military haircut with a short fade. All the cleanliness and orderliness of the buzz cut serve to give a proper guy’s look.
#6: 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 keep in mind that this haircut is high maintenance to maintain. It requires a visit to the barbershop every 2-4 weeks.
#7: Very Short-Faded Hair on Thin Hair
If you’re starting to see some scalp and want to wear your hair differently, try a very short fade on your thin hair. A zero fade on the sides creates a natural contrast. It makes the top look thicker and darker without trying too hard.
#8: Curly Textured Crop and a Skin Fade
To create this curly textured crop with a skin fade, 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!
#9: High Skin Fade on a Crew Cut
Looking at haircuts for yourself that might suit your personal 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.
#10: 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 up top with a mousse for a firm hold for a glossy shine. Stand up and check out your new haircut for a pleasant surprise.
#11: Modern Cropped Cut with Shaved Sides
If you’re looking for ways to level up your haircut, check out this modern cropped cut with shaved sides. Add color for a more edgy feel!
#12: 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 style!
#13: Beard Fade and Shape-up
If you’re looking to make a statement, try this beard fade and shape up. It’s a popular pick for fade haircuts for men. I suggest asking your barber or stylist for a zero fade with a short scissor cut on top, just enough to style.
#14: 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!
#15: 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, and add lines for a styled look.
#16: Low Fade Curly Cut for Black Men
You’ve got a good amount of hair, so why not try this low fade curly cut for black men? Cutting your hair low is an easy yet professional look. Make sure your barber fades your beard into your haircut before they are done!
#17: 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!
#18: Fade Haircut with a Thunder Shaved Line
If you get the urge to change up 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.
#19: Faded Crop Cut with Short Wavy Bangs
A faded crop cut with short wavy bangs is one of the biggest short fade haircut trends of the year! This drop fade contours the head and the added length up top allows for this style to have shape and texture. Ask your barber for a zero fade with length left on top.
#20: 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.
#21: Sexy Short and Curly Hair Fade
The appeal of a guy’s short cut with a fade is undeniably sexy. Add the curled locks and you’ll have girls swooning all over you.
#22: Awesome Wavy Hair with Short Fade
Long waves give fluff to this short fade cut.
#23: The Classic Short Drop Fade
An altered classic fade, the short fade goes low around towards the nape. It works wonders for thinner hair.
#24: The Popular Short Temp Fade
The blowout is a popular style for men. Short fade hairstyles around the temple area with a side part are a great combo for this kind of cut.
#25: The Sleek Short Burst Fade
This type of short fade tapers around the ear in a very smooth manner. Keep your top full and you’ll be looking sleek in no time.
#26: 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 a lot of touch-ups on your hair on top with a short hair fade.
#27: Short Faux Hawk with Fade
If you have fine or thin hair but still want that height, then this short faux hawk cut with a short hair fade is for you.
#28: 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.
#29: The Casual Low Fade on Short Hair
A low fade is a friendly way to keep that contrast of bushy and shaved hair. This short fade hairstyle keeps unruly hair at bay in addition to providing superlative style.
#30: The Short Pomp with a Bald Fade
Don’t get scared by the name- a short bald fade doesn’t really look that bald. Except for the part of skin-shaved sides and nape.
#31: Old-School Short Curls Fade for Black Hair
The classic kinky curls on a short hairstyle are the secret to a smooth man.
#32: The High Fade Short Hair
Keeping a fade higher on short hair can really bring about a more youthful effect to your style.
#33: 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 proper attractive look.
#34: Stylish Short Comb Over Fade
Comb your hair over to the sides to let your smooth short fade style shine. A proper lad’s cut in a modern version.
#35: The Skin Fade Short Crop
This shape is one of my favorites to use on men with a slightly rounder face. Using a disconnection and keeping the haircut square to enhance the jawline is always my favorite technique to use with short men’s cuts.
This men’s short fade cut is a high-maintenance look that would require an appointment every 2-3 weeks. The hairstyle works well for men with all textures, however, it would require blow-drying and volumizing products finished with a matte lightweight cream if you have finer textures. With medium to coarse hair, use a pomade and comb into place through towel-dried hair.
#36: The Mid Fade Short Hairstyle
This is a classic low bald fade on short textured hair. My favorite thing about this look is that it’s edgy, cool, and modern.
This style works for most face shapes and hair textures. If you have a fine, flat hair type, you should use a volumizing product before you blow-dry and finish with hair wax (medium hold) and spray. If you have a wavy or curly hair type, you should use anti-frizz hair cream before blow-drying, then blow-dry with a round brush to make your hair smooth. Apply hair wax (medium or stronghold) and finish with hairspray.
#37: 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 haircut 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 really 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 really gives you free roam with the top of your hair without it ever really looking messy and unkempt.
Although I would always recommend blow drying your hair, with a nice short cut like this, you could easily get away with simply towel drying the top and just adding some clay to style whether you want to go messy and choppy or a bit sharper. Product-wise, I recommend a dry product. For example, in this picture, I used “Johnny’s Chop Shop – Wild Cat Clay.”