Fade haircuts are more popular than ever. With so many variations, there’s a style to suit everyone – no matter their face shape, hair type or texture.
Here are the top five trending fade haircuts this year, and my tips for styling them.
1. Taper Fade
A taper fade features hair that’s longer on the top of the head and tapered down the sides and neck. The style does not shave down to the skin like a skin fade, and instead maintains some length around the sides and neck for a softer, more natural-looking transition. This is a great choice for those who like a clean look and are a fan of the fade, but would like a less harsh alternative.
This haircut looks great when styled sleek for a more sophisticated finish. I like to slick the hair back with a comb alongside using a pomade or gel for hold and a high-shine finish.
2. High Fade
A high fade is a sharp-contrast look which combines short, faded sides and longer-length hair on top. The high fade usually starts at or above the temples and requires regular maintenance to keep the sides short for that contrasting look.
With the longer hair on top, this style looks great when paired with volume. I like to blow-dry directing the hair upwards with a brush for added density. I then like to apply a paste through the hair for more thickness and definition.
3. Hard Part Fade
The hard part fade combines a shaved line (hard part) created using clippers or a razor to separate the hair to the side of the head with a fade, including longer hair on top that gradually shortens to the sides and back of the head.
To define the part, smooth, sleek styling is a good choice using a pomade or gel with a comb to create a polished finish.
4. High and Tight Fade
The high and tight fade takes inspiration from the military cut and features super -hort sides and back that are shaved very close to the head, gradually blending into slightly longer length on top.
This is a short haircut which is easy to maintain and requires little to no styling. However, being shorter in length, this cut will require more regular visits to the salon/ barbershop to ensure it always looks its best, and that it maintains a strong contrast between the short sides and back and the longer length on top.
A pomade or wax are great products to distribute with your fingers through the top of the hair to give it added texture.
5. French Crop Fade
For those who would like to include a fringe in their fade hairstyle, the French crop is the perfect choice. This features a straight fringe across the forehead, paired with a clean, seamless fade at the sides and back.
It’s a sharp, contrasting look that’s stylish and contemporary. It's particularly good for those who want to draw attention to strong facial features.
Matte clays and pastes are ideal products to use on dry hair for this look to give it an effortless finish.
U.K.-based Jim Shaw is a grooming expert, influencer, and men's hair educator. Among other accolades, he has been named British Hairdresser of the Year, Barber of the Year, and International Men's Hairdresser of the Year.