Fade haircuts with long tops have become increasingly popular among men who want a stylish, versatile look. These cuts combine the clean, sharp lines of a fade with the flexibility and volume of longer hair on top.
Whether you’re looking for a professional style for the office or a trendy look for nights out, there’s a fade haircut with a long top that’s perfect for you. Let’s explore 20 of the most stylish options:
1. Classic Pompadour Fade
The Classic Pompadour Fade is a timeless style that combines vintage charm with modern edge. This haircut features short, faded sides that gradually blend into longer hair on top, which is styled upward and backward to create the signature pompadour shape.
To achieve this look, the hair on top is left about 3-4 inches long, while the sides are faded, typically starting from a #1 or #2 guard and blending seamlessly into the longer top. The fade can be low, medium, or high, depending on your preference.
Styling the Classic Pompadour Fade requires some effort, but the results are worth it. Start with damp hair and apply a volumizing mousse or blow-dry cream. Use a round brush to blow-dry the hair upward and backward, creating volume and shape. Finish with a strong-hold pomade or wax to keep the style in place throughout the day.
This hairstyle works well for men with straight to wavy hair and is particularly flattering for those with oval, square, or diamond-shaped faces. It’s a versatile look that can be dressed up for formal occasions or styled more casually for everyday wear.
2. Textured Quiff Fade
The Textured Quiff Fade is a modern take on the classic quiff, incorporating more texture and a sleek fade for a contemporary edge. This style features longer hair on top, typically 3-5 inches, styled forward and upward to create height and volume at the front.
The sides are faded, usually starting with a #1 or #2 guard and gradually blending into the longer top. The fade can be adjusted to your liking – a low fade for a more subtle look, or a high fade for a bolder contrast.
To style the Textured Quiff Fade, start with damp hair and apply a sea salt spray or texturizing product. Blow-dry the hair while using your fingers to lift and direct it forward and upward. Once dry, use a matte clay or paste to enhance the texture and hold the style in place. The key is to create a deliberately messy, tousled look rather than a sleek, uniform appearance.
This hairstyle is ideal for men with straight, wavy, or even slightly curly hair. It’s particularly flattering for those with round or oval face shapes, as the height on top can help elongate the face. The Textured Quiff Fade is versatile enough for both casual and semi-formal settings, making it a great choice for men who want a stylish, low-maintenance look.
3. Slicked Back Undercut Fade
The Slicked Back Undercut Fade combines the sophistication of a slicked-back style with the edginess of an undercut and fade. This haircut features longer hair on top, typically 3-6 inches, which is slicked back smoothly. The sides and back are cut much shorter in an undercut style and then faded for a clean, sharp look.
The fade on this style usually starts very short, often with a #0 or #1 guard, and blends into the longer top. The transition between the short sides and long top is more abrupt than in other fade styles, creating a striking contrast.
To achieve this look, start with damp hair and apply a strong-hold gel or pomade. Use a comb to slick the hair back smoothly, ensuring there are no stray hairs or bumps. For a sleeker finish, you can use a blow dryer on a low heat setting while combing the hair back. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to keep everything in place.
The Slicked Back Undercut Fade works best for men with straight or slightly wavy hair. It’s particularly flattering for those with square or oval face shapes. This style exudes confidence and sophistication, making it suitable for formal events, business settings, or any occasion where you want to make a strong impression.
4. Messy Fringe Fade
The Messy Fringe Fade is a youthful, trendy style that combines a textured top with clean, faded sides. This cut features longer hair on top, typically 3-4 inches, with an emphasis on creating a messy, textured fringe that falls slightly over the forehead. The sides are faded, usually starting with a #1 or #2 guard and blending seamlessly into the longer top.
The key to this style is the contrast between the meticulously faded sides and the deliberately messy top. The fade can be low, medium, or high, depending on your preference and face shape.
To style the Messy Fringe Fade, start with damp hair and apply a texturizing spray or sea salt spray. Use your fingers to tousle the hair while blow-drying, creating a messy, piece-y texture. Once dry, use a small amount of matte clay or paste to enhance the texture and hold the style in place. The fringe should be styled forward and slightly to the side for a casual, effortless look.
This hairstyle works well for men with straight, wavy, or even slightly curly hair. It’s particularly flattering for those with longer face shapes, as the messy fringe can help balance facial proportions. The Messy Fringe Fade is perfect for casual settings and is popular among younger men or those in creative industries.
5. Faux Hawk Fade
The Faux Hawk Fade is a bold, eye-catching style that offers a more wearable alternative to a traditional mohawk. This cut features longer hair on top, typically 2-4 inches, styled upward and inward to create a central ridge reminiscent of a mohawk. The sides are faded, usually starting very short (often with a #0 or #1 guard) and gradually blending into the longer top.
The fade on a Faux Hawk can be low, medium, or high, but a high fade often creates the most dramatic look, emphasizing the mohawk-like shape on top. The transition between the faded sides and the longer top is usually more gradual than in an undercut style, creating a seamless blend.
To style the Faux Hawk Fade, start with damp hair and apply a strong-hold mousse or gel. Use a blow dryer and your fingers or a comb to style the hair upward and inward, creating a central ridge. For extra hold and definition, apply a strong-hold wax or pomade, using your fingers to pinch and shape the hair into the desired faux hawk shape.
This hairstyle works best for men with straight or slightly wavy hair, as it’s easier to create the defined central ridge. It’s particularly flattering for those with oval or diamond-shaped faces. The Faux Hawk Fade is a statement style that’s great for those who want to stand out and aren’t afraid to spend some time on their hair each day.
6. Side Part Fade
Side Part Fade is a classic, sophisticated style that combines traditional barbering techniques with modern fading. This cut features longer hair on top, typically 2-4 inches, parted to one side. The sides are faded, usually starting with a #1 or #2 guard and blending smoothly into the longer top.
The defining feature of this style is the sharp, clean part, which can be created with a comb or cut in by a barber for a more pronounced look. The fade can be low, medium, or high, depending on personal preference and face shape.
To style the Side Part Fade, start with damp hair and apply a small amount of pomade or styling cream. Use a comb to create a neat part on one side of your head. Then, comb the longer section of hair to the side, following the natural direction of your hair growth. For a sleeker look, you can use a blow dryer on a low heat setting while combing. Finish with a light mist of hairspray for extra hold.
This hairstyle works well for men with straight or slightly wavy hair. It’s particularly flattering for those with square or oval face shapes. The Side Part Fade is a versatile style that’s appropriate for both professional settings and casual occasions, making it a great choice for men who want a polished, put-together look.
7. Curly Top Fade
The Curly Top Fade is a stylish option for men with naturally curly or wavy hair. This cut embraces natural texture, featuring longer curls on top, typically 2-4 inches, while the sides are faded for a clean, contrast
ing look. The fade usually starts with a #1 or #2 guard and blends seamlessly into the curly top.
The key to this style is maintaining the natural curl pattern on top while creating a sharp contrast with the faded sides. The fade can be low, medium, or high, depending on personal preference and the desired level of contrast.
To style the Curly Top Fade, start with damp hair and apply a curl-enhancing cream or leave-in conditioner. Use your fingers to scrunch and define the curls, then either air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to dry the hair without creating frizz. Once dry, you can use a small amount of curl-defining cream or light-hold gel to enhance and separate the curls for added definition.
This hairstyle is ideal for men with naturally curly or very wavy hair. It’s particularly flattering for those with round or oval face shapes, as the height on top can help elongate the face. The Curly Top Fade is a great low-maintenance option for men who want to embrace their natural texture while still maintaining a clean, modern look.
8. Brushed Back Fade
The Brushed Back Fade is a sleek, sophisticated style that combines longer hair on top with cleanly faded sides. This cut features hair on top that’s typically 3-5 inches long, brushed back away from the forehead for a smooth, polished look. The sides are faded, usually starting with a #1 or #2 guard and blending seamlessly into the longer top.
The fade can be low, medium, or high, depending on your preference and face shape. A higher fade often creates a more dramatic contrast with the longer top, while a lower fade offers a more subtle transition.
To style the Brushed Back Fade, start with damp hair and apply a volumizing mousse or blow-dry cream. Use a round brush to blow-dry the hair backwards, creating volume and a smooth finish. Once dry, use a pomade or styling cream to keep the hair in place and add shine if desired. For a more relaxed look, you can use your fingers to brush the hair back instead of a comb.
This hairstyle works well for men with straight or slightly wavy hair. It’s particularly flattering for those with oval, square, or diamond-shaped faces. The Brushed Back Fade is versatile enough for both formal and casual settings, making it a great choice for men who want a polished look that’s still relatively low-maintenance.
9. Textured Crop Fade
The Textured Crop Fade is a modern, edgy style that combines a short textured top with cleanly faded sides. This cut features hair on top that’s typically 1-2 inches long, cut in a way that enhances natural texture. The sides are faded, usually starting with a #1 or #0 guard and blending into the longer top.
The key to this style is the contrast between the textured, often slightly messy top and the clean, sharp fade on the sides. The fade can be low, medium, or high, with higher fades creating a more dramatic look.
To style the Textured Crop Fade, start with damp hair and apply a texturizing product like sea salt spray or a matte clay. Use your fingers to work the product through your hair, tousling and lifting to create texture. You can either air dry for a more natural look or use a blow dryer for added volume. Once dry, use a small amount of matte paste or clay to enhance the texture and hold the style in place.
This hairstyle works well for men with straight, wavy, or even slightly curly hair. It’s particularly flattering for those with oval or square face shapes. The Textured Crop Fade is a great low-maintenance option for men who want a stylish, modern look without spending too much time on their hair each day.
10. Long Fringe Fade
The Long Fringe Fade is a bold, eye-catching style that combines a dramatic long fringe with cleanly faded sides. This cut features longer hair on top, typically 3-5 inches, with an emphasis on a long fringe that can be styled in various ways. The sides are faded, usually starting with a #1 or #2 guard and blending into the longer top.
The fade can be low, medium, or high, depending on personal preference and face shape. A higher fade often creates a more striking contrast with the long fringe.
To style the Long Fringe Fade, start with damp hair and apply a volumizing mousse or blow-dry cream. Use a round brush to blow-dry the fringe, creating volume and shape. The fringe can be styled forward for a more dramatic look, swept to the side for a softer appearance, or even styled upward for a quiff-like effect. Finish with a light-hold hair spray or texturizing product to keep the style in place while maintaining movement.
This hairstyle works best for men with straight or slightly wavy hair. It’s particularly flattering for those with oval or diamond-shaped faces. The Long Fringe Fade is a versatile style that can be adapted for both casual and more formal settings, making it a great choice for men who like to change up their look.
11. Mohawk Fade
The Mohawk Fade is a bold, edgy style that combines the dramatic look of a mohawk with the clean lines of a fade. This cut features a strip of longer hair running from the forehead to the nape of the neck, typically 2-4 inches in length. The sides are faded very short, often starting with a #0 guard and gradually blending into the longer mohawk strip.
The fade on a Mohawk Fade is typically high, creating a stark contrast between the shaved sides and the longer central strip. This contrast is what gives the style its dramatic, eye-catching appearance.
To style the Mohawk Fade, start with damp hair and apply a strong-hold gel or mousse. Use a comb and blow dryer to style the central strip of hair upward and slightly backward, creating height and definition. For extra hold and a more dramatic look, you can use a strong-hold wax or pomade to spike up the hair in the mohawk strip.
This hairstyle works best for men with straight or slightly wavy hair, as it’s easier to create the defined central strip. It’s particularly flattering for those with oval or diamond-shaped faces. The Mohawk Fade is a statement style that’s perfect for those who want to stand out and aren’t afraid of bold looks. It’s most suitable for casual or creative environments.
12. Swept Back Fade
The Swept Back Fade is a sleek, sophisticated style that combines longer hair on top with cleanly faded sides. This cut features hair on top that’s typically 3-5 inches long, swept back from the forehead for a smooth, polished look. The sides are faded, usually starting with a #1 or #2 guard and blending seamlessly into the longer top.
The fade can be low, medium, or high, depending on your preference and face shape. A higher fade often creates a more dramatic contrast with the swept-back top, while a lower fade offers a more subtle transition.
To style the Swept Back Fade, start with damp hair and apply a volumizing mousse or blow-dry cream. Use a round brush to blow-dry the hair backward, creating volume and a smooth finish. Once dry, use a comb to sweep the hair back, then apply a medium-hold pomade or styling cream to keep the hair in place and add shine if desired. For a more relaxed look, you can use your fingers to sweep the hair back instead of a comb.
This hairstyle works well for men with straight or slightly wavy hair. It’s particularly flattering for those with oval, square, or diamond-shaped faces. The Swept Back Fade is a versatile style that’s suitable for both formal and casual settings, making it a great choice for men who want a polished, put-together look that’s still relatively low-maintenance.
13. Textured Spikes Fade
The Textured Spikes Fade is a modern, edgy style that combines a spiky textured top with cleanly faded sides. This cut features hair on top that’s typically 2-3 inches long, cut in a way that allows for spiky styling. The sides are faded, usually starting with a #1 or #0 guard and blending into the longer top.
The key to this style is the contrast between the spiky, textured top and the clean, sharp fade on the sides. The fade can be low, medium, or high, with higher fades creating a more dramatic look.
To style the Textured Spikes Fade, start with damp hair and apply a strong-hold gel or mousse. Use your fingers to work the product through your hair, lifting and separating to create spiky texture. You can use a blow dryer for added volume and to set the spikes in place. Once dry, use a small amount of matte paste or clay to enhance the texture and hold the spikes. The key is to create defined spikes that aren’t too uniform – a slightly messy, textured look is ideal.
This hairstyle works well for men with straight or slightly wavy hair. It’s particularly flattering for those with round or oval face shapes, as the height on top can help elongate the face. The Textured Spikes Fade is perfect for casual settings and is popular among younger men or those who want a bold, edgy look.
14. Layered Top Fade
The Layered Top Fade is a versatile style that combines a longer, layered top with cleanly faded sides. This cut features hair on top that’s typically 3-5 inches long, cut in layers to add movement and texture. The sides are faded, usually starting with a #1 or #2 guard and blending seamlessly into the longer top.
The layering on top is key to this style, as it allows for various styling options and adds natural volume and movement. The fade can be low, medium, or high, depending on personal preference and face shape.
To style the Layered Top Fade, start with damp hair and apply a volumizing mousse or texturizing spray. Use a round brush to blow-dry the hair, focusing on creating volume at the roots. Once dry, you can style the top in various ways – tousled and messy for a casual look, swept back for a more polished appearance, or even with a side part for a classic touch. Finish with a light-hold hairspray or texturizing product to maintain the style while allowing for movement.
This hairstyle works well for men with straight, wavy, or even slightly curly hair. It’s particularly flattering for those with oval or square face shapes. The Layered Top Fade is a versatile style that can be adapted for both casual and more formal settings, making it a great choice for men who like to change up their look.
15. Asymmetrical Fringe Fade
The Asymmetrical Fringe Fade is a bold, modern style that combines an uneven fringe with cleanly faded sides. This cut features longer hair on top, typically 3-5 inches, with an emphasis on an asymmetrical fringe that’s longer on one side. The sides are faded, usually starting with a #1 or #2 guard and blending into the longer top.
The key to this style is the asymmetry of the fringe, which adds an edgy, avant-garde touch to the look. The fade can be low, medium, or high, with higher fades creating a more dramatic contrast.
To style the Asymmetrical Fringe Fade, start with damp hair and apply a volumizing mousse or blow-dry cream. Use a round brush to blow-dry the fringe, creating volume and emphasizing the asymmetrical shape. Style the longer side of the fringe forward or to the side, depending on your preference. Finish with a light-hold hair spray or texturizing product to keep the style in place while maintaining movement.
This hairstyle works best for men with straight or slightly wavy hair. It’s particularly flattering for those with oval or diamond-shaped faces. The Asymmetrical Fringe Fade is a statement style that’s perfect for those who want to stand out and experiment with more daring looks. It’s most suitable for casual or creative environments.
16. Voluminous Curls Fade
The Voluminous Curls Fade is a stylish option for men with naturally curly hair who want to embrace their texture. This cut features longer curls on top, typically 3-5 inches, while the sides are faded for a clean, contrasting look. The fade usually starts with a #1 or #2 guard and blends seamlessly into the curly top.
The key to this style is maintaining and enhancing the natural curl pattern on top while creating a sharp contrast with the faded sides. The fade can be low, medium, or high, depending on personal preference and the desired level of contrast.
To style the Voluminous Curls Fade, start with damp hair and apply a curl-enhancing cream or leave-in conditioner. Use your fingers to scrunch and define the curls, then either air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to dry the hair without creating frizz. Once dry, you can use a small amount of curl-defining cream or light-hold gel to enhance and separate the curls for added definition and volume.
This hairstyle is ideal for men with naturally curly hair. It’s particularly flattering for those with round or oval face shapes, as the height and volume on top can help elongate the face. The Voluminous Curls Fade is a great option for men who want to showcase their natural texture while still maintaining a clean, modern look.
17. Slicked Side Fade
The Slicked Side Fade is a sleek, sophisticated style that combines longer hair on top with cleanly faded sides. This cut features hair on top that’s typically 3-5 inches long, slicked to one side for a smooth, polished look. The sides are faded, usually starting with a #1 or #2 guard and blending seamlessly into the longer top.
The fade can be low, medium, or high, depending on your preference and face shape. A higher fade often creates a more dramatic contrast with the slicked-over top, while a lower fade offers a more subtle transition.
To style the Slicked Side Fade, start with damp hair and apply a strong-hold gel or pomade. Use a comb to create a deep side part, then comb the longer section of hair over to one side, following the natural direction of your hair growth. For a sleeker look, you can use a blow dryer on a low heat setting while combing. Finish with a light mist of hairspray for extra hold.
This hairstyle works well for men with straight or slightly wavy hair. It’s particularly flattering for those with oval or square face shapes. The Slicked Side Fade is a versatile style that’s appropriate for both professional settings and formal occasions, making it a great choice for men who want a polished, put-together look.
18. Textured French Crop Fade
The Textured French Crop Fade is a modern take on the classic French crop, incorporating more texture and a sleek fade for a contemporary edge. This style features a short, textured top with a straight fringe, typically 1-2 inches long. The sides are faded, usually starting with a #1 or #2 guard and gradually blending into the longer top.
The key to this style is the contrast between the textured top and the clean fade on the sides. The fade can be low, medium, or high, depending on your preference and the desired level of contrast.
To style the Textured French Crop Fade, start with damp hair and apply a texturizing product like sea salt spray or a matte clay. Use your fingers to work the product through your hair, tousling and lifting to create texture. Focus on creating a slightly messy, piece-y texture on top. The fringe should be styled forward, either straight across or slightly to the side. Finish with a small amount of matte paste or clay to enhance the texture and hold the style in place.
This hairstyle works well for men with straight, wavy, or even slightly curly hair. It’s particularly flattering for those with oval or square face shapes. The Textured French Crop Fade is a great low-maintenance option for men who want a stylish, modern look without spending too much time on their hair each day.
19. Wavy Top Fade
The Wavy Top Fade is a stylish option for men with naturally wavy hair or those who want to add some texture to their look. This cut features longer wavy hair on top, typically 2-4 inches, while the sides are faded for a clean, contrasting look. The fade usually starts with a #1 or #2 guard and blends seamlessly into the wavy top.
The key to this style is enhancing and defining the natural wave pattern on top while creating a sharp contrast with the faded sides. The fade can be low, medium, or high, depending on personal preference and the desired level of contrast.
To style the Wavy Top Fade, start with damp hair and apply a wave-enhancing cream or sea salt spray. Use your fingers to scrunch and define the waves, then either air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to enhance the wave pattern without creating frizz. Once dry, you can use a small amount of texturizing paste or cream to enhance and separate the waves for added definition.
This hairstyle is ideal for men with naturally wavy hair but can also work for those with straight hair willing to put in some extra styling effort. It’s particularly flattering for those with oval or square face shapes. The Wavy Top Fade is a versatile style that can work for both casual and more formal settings, depending on how it’s styled.
20. Long Swept Fringe Fade
The Long Swept Fringe Fade is a bold, modern style that combines a dramatic long fringe with cleanly faded sides. This cut features longer hair on top, typically 4-6 inches, with an emphasis on a long fringe that’s swept to one side. The sides are faded, usually starting with a #1 or #2 guard and blending into the longer top.
The key to this style is the length and styling of the fringe, which adds a touch of drama and sophistication to the look. The fade can be low, medium, or high, with higher fades creating a more striking contrast with the long fringe.
To style the Long Swept Fringe Fade, start with damp hair and apply a volumizing mousse or blow-dry cream. Use a round brush to blow-dry the fringe, creating volume and shape. Sweep the fringe to one side, allowing it to fall naturally over the forehead. For a more polished look, you can use a flat iron to smooth the fringe. Finish with a light-hold hair spray or texturizing product to keep the style in place while maintaining movement.
This hairstyle works best for men with straight or slightly wavy hair. It’s particularly flattering for those with oval or diamond-shaped faces. The Long Swept Fringe Fade is a versatile style that can be adapted for both casual and more formal settings, making it a great choice for men who want a modern, eye-catching look.
In conclusion, these 20 stylish fade haircuts with long tops offer a wide range of options for men looking to update their style. From classic looks like the pompadour and quiff to more modern styles like textured crops and asymmetrical fringes, there’s a fade haircut to suit every taste and hair type. Remember, the key to pulling off any of these styles is regular maintenance and proper styling. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different products and techniques to find what works best for you and your chosen style.