Mohawk hairstyles have long been associated with rebellion, individuality, and a bold fashion statement. When combined with a fade, these styles take on a modern, edgy look that’s perfect for men who want to stand out from the crowd.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 bold fade mohawk hairstyles that will turn heads and inspire your next trip to the barber.
1. Classic Fade Mohawk
The classic fade mohawk is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to dip their toes into this bold style. This haircut features short, faded sides that gradually blend into longer hair on top, forming a strip that runs from the forehead to the nape of the neck. The top can be styled into a traditional spiky mohawk or left more relaxed for a contemporary twist.
To achieve this look, ask your barber for a high fade on the sides and back, leaving a strip of longer hair on top. The length of the mohawk can vary according to your preference, but typically ranges from 2 to 4 inches. Style with a strong-hold gel or pomade for that classic, spiky mohawk look, or use a matte product for a more textured, modern appearance.
2. Burst Fade Mohawk
The burst fade mohawk is a dynamic variation that adds an extra element of style to the traditional mohawk. This cut features a fade that ‘bursts’ outward around the ears, creating a rounded effect that highlights the mohawk strip.
To get this style, your barber will create a circular fade around the ears, gradually blending into longer hair on top and at the back of the head. The mohawk itself can be styled in various ways, from a sleek, combed-back look to a more textured, messy style. This versatile cut works well with different hair types and face shapes, making it a popular choice among men looking for a unique twist on the classic mohawk.
3. Skin Fade Mohawk
For those who want to make a bold statement, the skin fade mohawk is the way to go. This style features sides shaved down to the skin, creating a striking contrast with the longer hair on top. The fade typically starts very low, just above the ears, and gradually blends into the mohawk.
The skin fade mohawk is particularly striking on men with darker skin tones or thick, dark hair, as the contrast between the shaved sides and the mohawk is more pronounced. Style the top into a tall, spiky mohawk for maximum impact, or keep it shorter and more textured for a modern, wearable look.
4. Textured Crop Mohawk
The textured crop mohawk combines the edginess of a mohawk with the practicality of a cropped hairstyle. This cut features faded sides with a wider strip of hair on top, which is cut short and textured for a messy, lived-in look.
To achieve this style, ask your barber for a fade on the sides and back, leaving a wider section on top than a traditional mohawk. The top should be cut short, around 1-2 inches, and textured with scissors or a razor for added definition. Style with a matte clay or paste, using your fingers to create a tousled, effortless look.
5. Pompadour Mohawk
The pompadour mohawk is a sophisticated take on the classic style, combining the volume and sleekness of a pompadour with the edginess of a mohawk. This style features faded sides with a longer strip of hair on top that’s styled upwards and backwards, creating height at the front.
To style a pompadour mohawk, start with damp hair and apply a volumizing mousse. Blow-dry the hair upwards and backwards, using a round brush to create volume and shape. Finish with a strong-hold pomade or gel to keep the style in place. This look is perfect for men who want to make a statement while maintaining a polished appearance.
6. Faux Hawk Fade
The faux hawk fade is a more subtle variation of the mohawk, perfect for those who want an edgy look that’s still office-appropriate. This style features faded sides with a strip of longer hair on top that’s styled to resemble a mohawk, but without the dramatic shaved sides.
To achieve this look, ask for a fade on the sides and back, leaving the hair on top longer, typically around 2-3 inches. Style the top hair upwards and towards the center, creating the illusion of a mohawk. Use a texturizing product for a messier look, or a stronger hold gel for a more defined style.
7. Curly Mohawk Fade
For men with naturally curly hair, the curly mohawk fade is a fantastic way to embrace your texture while sporting an edgy style. This cut features faded sides with a strip of longer, curly hair on top that forms the mohawk.
To style a curly mohawk fade, apply a curl-enhancing cream to damp hair and either air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer. Once dry, use your fingers to shape the curls into a mohawk-like strip. This style works particularly well for men with tight, coily curls, as the natural volume adds height and drama to the mohawk.
8. Spiky Mohawk Fade
The spiky mohawk fade is a high-impact style that’s sure to turn heads. This cut features very short, faded sides with a strip of longer hair on top that’s styled into dramatic spikes.
To achieve this look, you’ll need at least 3-4 inches of length on top. Apply a strong-hold gel or pomade to damp hair, then use your fingers or a fine-toothed comb to create spikes, working from the front to the back. For extra hold, you can use hairspray to set the style. This bold look is perfect for those who aren’t afraid to make a statement with their hair.
9. Braided Mohawk Fade
The braided mohawk fade combines the edginess of a mohawk with the intricate styling of braids. This versatile style can work with various hair types and lengths, making it a popular choice among men looking for a unique look.
To create this style, start with a fade on the sides and back, leaving a strip of longer hair on top. The top section can then be braided in various ways – from a single, thick braid running down the center to multiple smaller braids. This style works particularly well for men with longer hair, as it allows for more intricate braiding patterns.
10. Disconnected Mohawk Fade
The disconnected mohawk fade features a stark contrast between the faded sides and the longer hair on top, with no gradual transition between the two. This creates a bold, eye-catching look that’s perfect for men who want to make a statement.
To achieve this style, ask your barber for a high fade on the sides and back, with a clear line of demarcation between the fade and the longer hair on top. The top section can be styled in various ways, from a sleek, combed-back look to a more textured, messy style. This versatile cut can be adapted to suit different face shapes and personal styles.
11. Undercut Mohawk Fade
The undercut mohawk fade combines elements of the popular undercut style with the edginess of a mohawk. This style features very short or shaved sides with a longer strip of hair on top that extends from the forehead to the nape of the neck.
To get this look, ask your barber for an undercut on the sides and back, with a fade effect if desired. The top section should be left longer, typically around 3-4 inches. Style the top hair into a mohawk shape using a strong-hold product. This style works well for men with straight or wavy hair and can be adapted to various lengths on top.
12. Mohawk Fade with Design
For those who really want to stand out, a mohawk fade with a design is the perfect choice. This style combines the bold look of a mohawk fade with intricate designs shaved into the faded sides.
The design possibilities are endless – from simple lines and geometric shapes to more complex patterns and even images. Work with your barber to create a unique design that reflects your personality. Remember that this style requires regular maintenance to keep the design looking sharp.
13. Long Mohawk Fade
The long mohawk fade is a dramatic style that’s not for the faint of heart. This cut features faded sides with a strip of much longer hair on top, often reaching several inches in length.
To style a long mohawk fade, you’ll need at least 4-6 inches of length on top. The longer hair can be styled in various ways – slicked back for a sleek look, spiked up for maximum impact, or left loose for a more relaxed vibe. This style works well for men with thick, straight hair, as the length and volume create a striking contrast with the faded sides.
14. Mohawk Fade with Highlights
Adding highlights to a mohawk fade is a great way to add dimension and visual interest to your hairstyle. This technique involves lightening sections of the mohawk strip, creating a multi-tonal effect that catches the light and draws attention to the style.
Highlights can be subtle or bold, depending on your preference. For a more natural look, opt for highlights just a few shades lighter than your natural hair color. For a more dramatic effect, consider brighter colors or even vivid, unnatural hues. Remember that maintaining highlights requires regular touch-ups and special care to keep the color looking fresh.
15. Afro Mohawk Fade
The Afro mohawk fade is a fantastic option for men with naturally kinky or coily hair. This style combines the volume and texture of an Afro with the edgy silhouette of a mohawk and the clean lines of a fade.
To achieve this look, the sides are faded short while a strip of hair is left longer on top and shaped into a mohawk. The length of the top can vary, but it’s typically left long enough to show off the natural texture of Afro hair. This style can be shaped with a pick or comb and may require the use of moisturizing products to maintain the health and shape of the hair.
16. Slicked Back Mohawk Fade
The slicked back mohawk fade offers a more polished, sophisticated take on the mohawk style. This cut features faded sides with a longer strip of hair on top that’s styled backwards, creating a sleek, streamlined look.
To style this cut, apply a strong-hold gel or pomade to damp hair, then use a comb to smooth the hair backwards. For a more defined look, you can create a part on one or both sides of the mohawk strip. This style works well for men with straight or slightly wavy hair and can be adapted for professional settings.
17. Mohawk Fade with Shaved Sides
For those who want to go all out with their mohawk, consider a mohawk fade with completely shaved sides. This bold style features a strip of longer hair on top with the sides shaved down to the skin, creating a dramatic contrast.
The shaved sides can be maintained with a razor for the cleanest look, or allowed to grow out slightly for a softer effect. The top can be styled in various ways, from spiky and edgy to smooth and sleek. This high-impact style is perfect for those who want to make a bold fashion statement.
18. Textured Mohawk Fade
The textured mohawk fade adds an element of rugged charm to the classic mohawk style. This cut features faded sides with a strip of longer hair on top that’s cut and styled to create a messy, textured look.
To achieve this style, ask your barber for a textured cut on top, using techniques like point-cutting or razor-cutting to create varied lengths and add texture. Style with a matte clay or paste, using your fingers to create a tousled, lived-in look. This style works well for men with thick, straight hair, as the texture helps to add volume and movement to the mohawk.
19. V-Shaped Mohawk Fade
The V-shaped mohawk fade adds an interesting geometric element to the traditional mohawk style. This cut features a fade on the sides that comes to a point at the back of the head, creating a V-shape when viewed from behind.
The top is left longer to form the mohawk, which can be styled in various ways. This unique take on the mohawk fade is perfect for men who want a style that looks great from all angles. The V-shape at the back adds an extra element of interest and can be customized to be more or less pronounced depending on your preference.
20. Mohawk Fade with Beard
For the ultimate in masculine style, consider pairing your mohawk fade with a well-groomed beard. This combination creates a striking contrast between the clean lines of the fade and the fullness of the beard.
The key to pulling off this look is to ensure that both the hair and beard are well-maintained. The fade should be kept clean and sharp, while the beard should be regularly trimmed and shaped to complement the mohawk. This style works particularly well for men with fuller beards, as it creates a balanced look between the hair on top and the facial hair.
In conclusion, the fade mohawk offers a wide range of possibilities for men looking to make a bold statement with their hair. Whether you prefer a classic, spiky look or a more modern, textured style, there’s a fade mohawk variation to suit every taste and hair type. Remember to consult with a skilled barber to find the best style for your face shape and hair texture, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to find your perfect look.