Low fade haircuts have become increasingly popular among Black men, offering a stylish and versatile look that complements various hair textures and face shapes.
These cuts are characterized by a gradual taper that starts low on the head, typically just above the ears, creating a subtle yet impactful transition from shorter to longer hair. In this article, we’ll explore 20 low fade haircuts that are perfect for Black men looking to update their style.
1. Classic Low Fade
The classic low fade is a timeless choice that suits almost any face shape and hair type. This cut features a gradual fade that starts just above the ears and blends seamlessly into longer hair on top. The top can be left at various lengths, depending on personal preference.
To achieve this look, ask your barber for a low fade on the sides and back, with the fade starting about an inch above your ears. The top can be cut to your desired length, typically ranging from 1 to 3 inches. This versatile style can be worn neat and professional or textured and casual, making it perfect for both work and play.
2. Low Fade with Waves
Waves are a popular hairstyle among Black men, and when combined with a low fade, they create a sleek and sophisticated look. This style features a low fade on the sides and back, with the top hair trained into neat, uniform waves.
To achieve waves, you’ll need to start with hair that’s at least 1-2 inches long on top. Use a wave brush and pomade to train your hair into the wave pattern, brushing consistently in the same direction. The low fade adds a clean, modern edge to the classic wave style, making it a great choice for men who want a polished look.
3. Low Fade with Twists
Twists are a versatile and low-maintenance style that pairs beautifully with a low fade. This cut features a low fade on the sides and back, with the longer hair on top styled into twists.
To create this look, start with a low fade cut, leaving the hair on top at least 2-3 inches long. Section the top hair and twist small portions using a twisting cream or gel. The size of the twists can vary based on personal preference. This style works well for men with tighter curl patterns and can be maintained for several weeks with proper care.
4. Curly Top Low Fade
For men with naturally curly hair, the curly top low fade is an excellent option. This style embraces your natural texture while keeping the sides neat and tidy with a low fade.
Ask your barber for a low fade on the sides and back, leaving the hair on top longer to show off your curls. The length on top can vary, but typically ranges from 2 to 4 inches. To style, use a curl-enhancing cream or gel on damp hair and either air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer. This look is perfect for those who want to celebrate their natural texture while maintaining a polished appearance.
5. Low Fade with Defined Part
Adding a defined part to a low fade creates a sharp, clean look that’s perfect for more formal occasions. This style features a low fade on the sides and back, with a clear, straight part carved into one side of the head.
To achieve this look, ask your barber for a low fade and specify where you want the part to be. The part can be on either side of the head or even off-center, depending on your preference. The top hair can be styled in various ways – slicked back, combed over, or left more natural. This cut adds structure and definition to your hairstyle, making it a great choice for professional settings.
6. Low Fade with Afro
Combining a low fade with an Afro creates a striking contrast that celebrates natural hair texture. This style features a low fade on the sides and back, with the top hair left longer and shaped into a rounded Afro.
The key to this style is maintaining the shape of the Afro while keeping the fade clean and crisp. Regular trims are essential to keep the fade looking fresh. Use a pick or wide-toothed comb to maintain the shape of the Afro, and consider using moisturizing products to keep your hair healthy and defined.
7. Textured Low Fade
The textured low fade is perfect for men who want a more casual, lived-in look. This style features a low fade on the sides and back, with the top hair cut and styled to create a messy, textured appearance.
To achieve this look, ask your barber for a low fade and a textured cut on top. The top hair is typically left around 1-2 inches long and cut in a way that enhances natural texture. Style with a matte clay or paste, using your fingers to create a tousled effect. This relaxed style is great for everyday wear and works well with various hair textures.
8. Low Fade with Dreadlocks
Pairing dreadlocks with a low fade creates a stylish contrast between neat, faded sides and longer, textured locs on top. This style is versatile and can work with locs of various lengths.
To get this look, start with existing dreadlocks or have them professionally installed. Then, ask your barber for a low fade on the sides and back, blending seamlessly into the locs. The fade helps to keep the style looking fresh and neat, while the locs on top can be styled in numerous ways – pulled back, left loose, or even adorned with beads or wraps.
9. Low Fade with Flat Top
The flat top is a classic Black men’s hairstyle that gets a modern update when combined with a low fade. This cut features a low fade on the sides and back, with the hair on top cut and shaped into a flat, boxy shape.
To achieve this look, you’ll need at least 2-3 inches of hair on top. Your barber will cut and shape the top hair to create the signature flat top shape, while fading the sides and back low. This style requires regular maintenance to keep the shape sharp and the fade clean. It’s a bold, eye-catching look that’s perfect for men who want to make a statement.
10. Low Fade with Faux Hawk
The faux hawk is a more wearable version of the mohawk, and when combined with a low fade, it creates a stylish and edgy look. This cut features a low fade on the sides and back, with a strip of longer hair down the center of the head.
To style a faux hawk, apply a strong-hold gel or pomade to the center strip of hair and use your fingers or a comb to style it upwards and towards the center. The low fade provides a clean backdrop that makes the faux hawk stand out. This versatile style can be made more or less dramatic depending on how you style the top.
11. Low Fade with Slick Back
The slick back low fade is a sophisticated style that works well for both casual and formal occasions. This cut features a low fade on the sides and back, with longer hair on top that’s styled backwards for a sleek look.
To achieve this style, you’ll need at least 3-4 inches of length on top. Apply a strong-hold gel or pomade to damp hair, then use a comb to smooth the hair backwards. The low fade provides a clean contrast to the sleek top, creating a polished, put-together appearance.
12. Low Fade with Buzz Cut
For those who prefer a low-maintenance style, the buzz cut with a low fade is an excellent choice. This cut features very short hair all over, with a subtle low fade on the sides and back for added definition.
To get this look, ask your barber for a buzz cut on top (typically with a #1 or #2 guard) and a low fade on the sides and back. The fade adds a touch of style to the otherwise simple buzz cut, creating a clean, masculine look that requires minimal styling.
13. Low Fade with Sponge Twists
Sponge twists are a popular style among Black men with short to medium-length hair, and they pair beautifully with a low fade. This style features a low fade on the sides and back, with the longer hair on top twisted into small coils using a hair sponge.
To create this look, start with a low fade cut, leaving the hair on top about 1-2 inches long. Use a hair sponge (a special tool with small holes) to twist the top hair into coils. The low fade keeps the sides neat while the sponge twists add texture and interest to the top.
14. Low Fade with Pompadour
The pompadour is a classic style that gets a modern twist when combined with a low fade. This cut features short, faded sides with longer hair on top that’s swept upwards and backwards to create volume at the front.
To style a pompadour, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry the hair upwards and backwards, using a round brush to create lift at the roots. Finish with a strong-hold pomade to keep the style in place. The low fade provides a clean contrast to the voluminous top, creating a striking and sophisticated look.
15. Low Fade with Cornrows
Cornrows are a traditional African hairstyle that looks fresh and modern when paired with a low fade. This style features a low fade on the sides and back, with the longer hair on top braided into neat, straight rows.
The number and size of the cornrows can vary based on personal preference and hair length. The low fade adds a contemporary edge to the classic cornrow style, making it a great option for men who want to embrace their cultural roots while maintaining a modern look.
16. Low Fade with Bleached Tips
For those who want to add a pop of color to their look, consider a low fade with bleached tips. This style features a low fade on the sides and back, with longer hair on top that’s bleached at the ends.
The contrast between the dark roots and light tips creates a striking effect, especially against the clean backdrop of the low fade. This style works well with various hair textures and can be customized with different colors for a more personalized look.
17. Low Fade with Textured Crop
The textured crop is a trendy style that pairs well with a low fade. This cut features short, faded sides with slightly longer hair on top that’s cut and styled to create a messy, textured look.
To achieve this style, ask your barber for a low fade on the sides and back, with the top cut to about 1-2 inches in length. The top hair should be cut in a way that enhances natural texture. Style with a matte clay or paste, using your fingers to create a tousled, piece-y effect.
18. Low Fade with High Top
The high top fade is a classic 90s style that’s made a comeback in recent years. When combined with a low fade, it creates a striking, retro-inspired look. This cut features a low fade on the sides and back, with the hair on top left much longer and shaped into a flat, boxy shape.
The height of the high top can vary based on personal preference, but it typically stands at least 3-4 inches tall. Regular maintenance is key to keeping the shape sharp and the fade clean. This bold style is perfect for those who want to make a statement with their hair.
19. Low Fade with 360 Waves
360 waves are a popular style among Black men, and when combined with a low fade, they create a sleek, polished look. This style features a low fade on the sides and back, with the hair on top trained into a 360-degree wave pattern.
Achieving 360 waves requires dedication and consistent brushing. Start with hair that’s about 1-2 inches long on top. Use a wave brush and pomade to train your hair into the wave pattern, brushing consistently in a circular motion. The low fade adds a clean, modern edge to the wave style.
20. Low Fade with Frohawk
The frohawk is a fun and edgy style that combines elements of an Afro and a mohawk. When paired with a low fade, it creates a bold, eye-catching look. This cut features a low fade on the sides and back, with a strip of longer, Afro-textured hair down the center of the head.
The length and width of the frohawk can be customized to suit your preference. Style the top hair using a pick or wide-toothed comb to enhance volume and shape. This versatile style can be made more or less dramatic depending on how you shape and style the top.
In conclusion, low fade haircuts offer a wide range of possibilities for Black men, from classic and professional styles to bold and edgy looks. Whether you prefer to embrace your natural texture or experiment with different styling techniques, there’s a low fade variation to suit every taste and hair type. Remember to consult with a skilled barber who understands Black hair textures to find the best style for your face shape and lifestyle. With proper maintenance and styling, these low fade haircuts can help you look your best and express your personal style.