Short fade haircuts have become increasingly popular for their stylish appearance and low-maintenance nature. These cuts combine the edgy look of a fade with the practicality of short hair, making them perfect for those who want to look great without spending hours on styling.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 chic short fade haircuts that are both trendy and easy to maintain.
1. Classic Short Fade
The classic short fade is a timeless look that suits almost everyone. This cut features hair that’s shorter on the sides and back, gradually blending into slightly longer hair on top. The fade typically starts very low, near the ears and neckline, and seamlessly transitions upwards. This versatile style works well for both casual and formal settings, making it an excellent choice for professionals and fashion-forward individuals alike.
To maintain this look, regular trims every 3-4 weeks are recommended to keep the fade crisp and the overall shape neat. Styling is minimal – a small amount of pomade or wax can add texture and hold to the longer hair on top.
2. High and Tight Fade
The high and tight fade is a military-inspired cut that’s gained popularity in civilian circles. This style features extremely short hair on the sides and back, with a more abrupt transition to slightly longer hair on top. The fade starts higher on the head, typically above the temples, creating a bold and striking contrast.
This cut is incredibly low-maintenance, requiring little to no styling products. However, to keep the distinct look of the high fade, you’ll need to visit your barber every 2-3 weeks for touch-ups.
3. Textured Crop Fade
The textured crop fade combines the edginess of a fade with the modern appeal of a textured top. The sides and back are faded, while the hair on top is left longer and cut in a way that enhances natural texture. This style works particularly well for those with thick or wavy hair.
To style, use a small amount of sea salt spray or texturizing powder on damp hair, then allow it to air dry or use a diffuser for added volume. This cut requires trimming every 4-6 weeks to maintain its shape.
4. Buzz Cut Fade
The buzz cut fade takes the traditional buzz cut to the next level. Instead of a uniform length all over, this style incorporates a fade on the sides and back. The top is typically buzzed to a length between 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch, while the sides gradually fade to skin.
This is one of the lowest maintenance styles on our list. It requires no daily styling and can be maintained at home with clippers if you’re comfortable doing so. However, to keep the fade looking sharp, a barber visit every 2-3 weeks is ideal.
5. Pompadour Fade
The pompadour fade combines classic 1950s style with modern fading techniques. The hair on top is left longer and styled upwards and backwards, creating volume and height. The sides and back are faded, creating a striking contrast with the voluminous top.
This style requires more maintenance than some others on our list. Daily styling with a blow dryer and strong-hold pomade is necessary to achieve the signature pompadour look. Regular trims every 3-4 weeks will keep the fade and overall shape looking crisp.
6. Crew Cut Fade
The crew cut fade is a shorter version of the classic crew cut, incorporating a fade on the sides and back. The hair on top is cut short, typically between 1/4 inch to 1 inch in length, and is usually longest at the front, gradually getting shorter towards the crown.
This low-maintenance style requires minimal styling – a small amount of matte paste can add some texture if desired. Trims every 3-4 weeks will keep the fade and the top looking neat.
7. Slicked Back Fade
The slicked back fade combines the sleek look of slicked-back hair with the modern edge of a fade. The top is left longer, typically 2-3 inches, while the sides and back are faded. The longer hair on top is then styled back for a polished appearance.
To style, apply a strong-hold gel or pomade to damp hair and comb it back. This look requires regular maintenance, with trims every 3-4 weeks and daily styling.
8. Faux Hawk Fade
The faux hawk fade is an edgy yet wearable version of the mohawk. The hair on top is left longer and styled upwards and towards the center, creating a “faux” mohawk effect. The sides are faded, enhancing the mohawk-like appearance.
Styling requires some effort – use a strong-hold product and either your fingers or a comb to style the hair upwards and towards the center. Regular trims every 3-4 weeks will maintain the fade and the overall shape.
9. Caesar Cut Fade
The Caesar cut fade modernizes the traditional Roman-inspired Caesar cut. The hair on top is cut to a uniform length, typically about 1-2 inches, with a straight fringe. The sides and back are faded, creating a contemporary twist on this classic style.
This low-maintenance cut requires minimal styling – a small amount of matte clay can add some texture if desired. Trims every 4-6 weeks will keep the fade and fringe looking sharp.
10. Skin Fade
The skin fade, also known as a bald fade, is characterized by hair that gradually fades to skin level on the sides and back. This creates a striking contrast with the longer hair on top, which can be styled in various ways.
While the fade itself is very low-maintenance, it does require frequent touch-ups, typically every 1-2 weeks, to maintain the crisp transition from skin to hair.
11. Textured Quiff Fade
The textured quiff fade combines the volume of a quiff with the edginess of a fade. The hair on top is left longer, typically 2-3 inches, and styled upwards and slightly backwards. The sides and back are faded, creating a stark contrast with the voluminous top.
Styling requires some effort – use a blow dryer and a texturizing product to create volume and texture in the quiff. Regular trims every 3-4 weeks will maintain the fade and overall shape.
12. French Crop Fade
The French crop fade is a stylish and low-maintenance option. It features a short, textured top with a blunt fringe, while the sides and back are faded. This creates a neat, clean look that’s easy to style and maintain.
To style, simply apply a small amount of matte clay or paste to add texture to the top. Trims every 4-6 weeks will keep the fade and fringe looking sharp.
13. Ivy League Fade
The Ivy League fade, also known as the Harvard clip or Princeton, is a slightly longer version of the crew cut with a fade. The hair on top is left long enough to part, typically about 1-2 inches, while the sides and back are faded.
This versatile style can be worn neatly combed for a polished look or tousled for a more casual appearance. Regular trims every 3-4 weeks will maintain the fade and overall shape.
14. Flat Top Fade
The flat top fade is a bold, retro-inspired cut. The hair on top is cut to stand upright and create a flat surface, while the sides and back are faded. This creates a striking, geometric appearance that’s sure to turn heads.
Styling requires some effort and usually involves a strong-hold gel or pomade and careful combing to achieve the flat top effect. Regular trims every 2-3 weeks are necessary to maintain the precise shape of this cut.
15. Side Part Fade
The side part fade combines the classic sophistication of a side part with the modern edge of a fade. The hair on top is left longer, typically 2-3 inches, and parted to one side. The sides and back are faded, creating a clean, polished look.
To style, apply a pomade or gel to damp hair and comb into place, creating a defined part. This style requires regular maintenance, with trims every 3-4 weeks to keep the fade and overall shape looking crisp.
16. Burst Fade
The burst fade is a unique variation where the fade radiates outward from behind the ear, creating a ‘burst’ effect. This style leaves more hair at the nape of the neck and on top, creating an interesting and edgy look.
This cut is relatively low-maintenance but requires regular touch-ups every 2-3 weeks to maintain the distinct burst fade effect.
17. Textured Spiky Fade
The textured spiky fade combines the edginess of spiky hair with the cleanness of a fade. The hair on top is cut to about 1-2 inches and styled into spikes, while the sides and back are faded.
To style, use a strong-hold product and your fingers to create spiky texture on top. This style requires regular trims every 3-4 weeks to maintain the fade and overall shape.
18. Curly Top Fade
The curly top fade is perfect for those with naturally curly hair. The curls on top are left longer, typically 1-3 inches, while the sides and back are faded. This creates a nice contrast between the textured top and the clean sides.
To style, use a curl-enhancing cream or gel on damp hair and either air dry or use a diffuser. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks will keep the fade looking fresh and prevent the curls from becoming too unruly.
19. Messy Top Fade
The messy top fade is a relaxed, casual style that’s perfect for those who prefer a less structured look. The hair on top is left longer, typically 2-3 inches, and styled in a deliberately messy way. The sides and back are faded, creating a nice contrast with the tousled top.
To style, apply a texturizing product to damp hair and use your fingers to create a messy, tousled look. This low-maintenance style still benefits from regular trims every 4-6 weeks to maintain the fade.
20. Uniform Fade
The uniform fade, also known as a bald fade or zero fade, features hair that’s the same ultra-short length all over the top, gradually fading to skin on the sides and back. This creates a clean, minimalist look that’s extremely low-maintenance.
No daily styling is required for this cut, but it does need frequent touch-ups, typically every 1-2 weeks, to maintain the crisp fade and uniform length on top.
In conclusion, these 20 chic short fade haircuts offer a range of styles to suit different preferences and hair types, all while providing the ease of low-maintenance care. Whether you prefer a classic, polished look or something more edgy and modern, there’s a short fade haircut that’s perfect for you. Remember, the key to keeping any fade looking fresh is regular maintenance – be prepared for more frequent barber visits to keep your chosen style looking its best.