A short fade haircut is when the hair is cut short and has a fade that is close to the skin. For clean-cut gents, sides that are neatly faded add an extra dose of elegance and contrast to literally any haircut!
Cuts with short sides and a long top 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 the short fade haircut!
Wavy Hair with Short Fade
Long curls with highlight gives a fluff to this fade.
The Drop Fade
An altered classic fade, the fade goes low around towards the nape. It works wonders for thinner hair.
The Temp Fade
The blow out is a popular style for men. A simple fade around the temple area with a side part is a usual combo for this kind of cut.
The Burst Fade
This type of fade tapers around the ear in a very smooth manner. Keep the top full and you’ll be looking sleek in no time.
The Crew Cut Fade
A fundamental cut in a man’s style, this crew cut gives a more defined face shape while giving room for a lot of touch-ups on the hair on top.
Short Faux Hawk
If you have fine or thin hair but still want that height, then this short faux hawk cut is for you.
Classic 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 taper fade cut is the perfect business casual look.
The Low Fade
A low fade is a friendly way to keep that contrast of bushy and shaved hair. Keeps the unruly hair at bay in addition to providing superlative style.
Buzz Cut with Bald Fade
A military man’s cut. All the cleanliness and orderliness of the cut serves to give a proper lad’s look.
The Bald Fade
Don’t get scared by the name- a bald fade doesn’t really look that bald. Except for the part of skin shaved sides and nape, you’re all touched up hair.
Short Curls Fade for Black Hair
The classic kinky curls is the secret to a smooth man. At least that’s what my grandma says.
The High Fade
Keeping a fade higher can really bring about a more youthful effect to your style.
High and Tight Military Fade
Having a short fade haircut is like carrying a weapon. The only thing you’ll be killing is a proper attractive look.
Short and Curly Hair
The appeal of a guy’s short cut is undeniably sexy. Add the curled locks and you’ll have girls swooning all over you.
The French Crop
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. So many going around but in a harmonious manner.
Comb Over Fade
Comb your hair over to the sides to let your smooth fade shine. A proper lad’s cut in a modern version.
The Skin Fade
Q&A with style creator, Nick Hissam
Haircutting Specialist @ Exurbia Salon in Seattle, WA
How would you describe this look?
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.
Any advice for someone considering it?
This look is a high maintenance look that would require an appointment every 2-3 weeks. This hairstyle works well for men with all textures, however, it would require blow-drying and volumizing products finished with a matte lightweight cream for those with finer textures. With medium to coarse hair, use a pomade and comb into place through towel-dried hair.
The Mid Fade
Q&A with style creator, Yuki
Dry Cut Specialist & Educator / Owner @ Gavert Atelier in Beverly Hills, CA
How would you describe this look?
This is a classic low fade with textured top hair. My favorite thing about this look is that it’s edgy, cool, and modern.
Any advice for someone considering it?
This style works for most of the face shape and hair texture. If you have 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 wavy or curly hair type, you should use anti-frizz hair cream before blow-drying, then blow-dry with a round brush to make the hair smooth. Apply hair wax (medium or stronghold) and finish with hair spray.
Shorter Ivy League Cut
Q&A with style creator, Tibby Atkinson
Barber @ Luka’s Barbers in Exeter, Devon
How would you describe this look?
This 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 people with thick, dark hair.
Any advice for someone considering it?
I would recommend this haircut to anyone who is conscious of having stylish hair however they have a busy and active lifestyle. 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 the 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 would recommend a dry product. For example in this picture, I used “Johnny’s Chop Shop – Wild Cat Clay.” This sort of haircut will suit pretty much anybody and everybody. Going so tight on the sides always brings in your face shape and gives you a face a much slimmer look.