The skin fade is a bold and modern haircut that will effortlessly taper the sides and back shorter for a sleek, smooth finish. Also known as a zero or bald fade, skin fades are clean, low-maintenance cuts for guys who want striking contrast to complement their volume and texture. Some of the latest and most flattering men’s hairstyles come with bald faded sides to create the perfect fashion-forward aesthetic.
For an edgy approach, ask your barber for a short high skin fade to achieve a masculine and casually cool vibe. A low or mid-faded cut can be a suitable choice for classy, timeless looks.
Before visiting the barbershop, browse these awesome examples of skin fade haircuts to inspire your next look.
Trendy Men’s Skin Fade Haircuts
Comb Over with Low Fade
The comb over with a low fade is a timeless style that exudes sophistication. This look features longer hair on top, neatly combed to one side, with a gradual fade starting low on the sides and back. The addition of a hard part accentuates the contrast between the voluminous top and the faded sides, creating a polished appearance. To style, use a medium-hold pomade and a fine-toothed comb to sweep the hair smoothly to the side. This versatile cut works well in both professional and casual settings.
Faux Hawk with Medium Skin Fade
For those seeking a bolder look, the faux hawk with a medium skin fade offers an exciting option. This style combines the edginess of a mohawk with the wearability of a more conventional cut. The hair on top is left longer and styled upward and towards the center, creating a hawk-like appearance. The sides feature a medium skin fade that blends seamlessly into the longer top section. A hard part can be added to create even more definition. Use a strong-hold styling product to keep the faux hawk in place throughout the day.
High Top with Low Skin Fade and Design
The high top with a low skin fade is a striking style that’s perfect for those who want to make a statement. This cut features a dramatic contrast between the tall, boxy top and the closely faded sides. The low skin fade starts just above the ears and gradually blends into the skin. A hard part can be incorporated to add extra definition, and a custom design can be shaved into the faded area for a truly unique touch. This style works particularly well with thick, textured hair and can be customized to suit different face shapes.
Ivy League with Short Taper Fade and Beard
The Ivy League cut is a classic style that never goes out of fashion. This sophisticated look features short to medium-length hair on top, styled with a side part, and gradually tapered sides. Adding a hard part and a short taper fade gives this timeless cut a modern twist. Pairing it with a well-groomed beard creates a balanced, masculine appearance. To style, use a light-hold product and comb the hair neatly to the side. This versatile cut is perfect for both formal and casual occasions.
Brushed Up and Back with Low Skin Fade
For a youthful and trendy look, consider the brushed up and back style with a low skin fade. This cut features longer hair on top that’s styled upward and slightly backward, creating volume and texture. The sides are faded low, providing a clean contrast to the fuller top. A hard part can be added to enhance the separation between the top and sides. Use a texturizing product and a blow dryer to achieve the desired lift and movement. This style is ideal for those who want a fashion-forward appearance with minimal maintenance.
Quiff with Disconnected Undercut Fade
The quiff with a disconnected undercut fade is a bold and stylish choice for the fashion-conscious man. This cut features longer hair on top styled into a voluminous quiff, with the sides cut very short in an undercut style. The fade adds a gradual transition from the skin to the longer hair on top. A hard part creates a stark contrast between the quiff and the faded sides. To style, use a strong-hold product and a blow dryer to create height and volume in the quiff. This eye-catching look is perfect for those who want to stand out from the crowd.
Buzz Cut with Low Skin Fade and Line Up
For those who prefer a low-maintenance yet stylish look, the buzz cut with a low skin fade and line up is an excellent choice. This military-inspired cut features very short hair all over, with a low skin fade on the sides and back. The addition of a line up, where the hairline is sharpened and straightened, adds a crisp, clean finish. A subtle hard part can be incorporated to add an extra touch of style. This cut is ideal for men with strong facial features and those who want a no-fuss hairstyle that still looks sharp.
Skin Fade with Long Hair on Top
This versatile style combines the edginess of a skin fade with the flexibility of longer hair on top. The sides and back are faded down to the skin, while the top is left significantly longer. This contrast allows for various styling options on top, such as a messy textured look, a sleek comb-over, or a voluminous quiff. Adding a hard part creates a clear distinction between the faded sides and the longer top. This cut is perfect for those who want the best of both worlds – the cleanness of a fade and the styling versatility of longer hair.
Casual Ivy League with Low Fade
The casual Ivy League with a low fade offers a relaxed take on the classic Ivy League cut. This style features a slightly longer top compared to the traditional Ivy League, allowing for a more tousled, effortless look. The sides are gradually faded, starting low near the ears. A hard part can be added to give the style more definition and a modern edge. To style, use a light-hold product and tousle the hair with your fingers for a casual, lived-in appearance. This cut is perfect for those who want a refined look with a touch of laid-back charm.
Bleached Blonde Spiky Hair with High Skin Fade
For those looking to make a bold statement, the bleached blonde spiky hair with a high skin fade is an attention-grabbing choice. This edgy style features bleached blonde hair on top, styled into spikes or textured peaks. The sides are faded high, creating a dramatic contrast with the longer, lighter top. A hard part can be added to further emphasize this contrast. To style, use a strong-hold product to create and maintain the spiky texture. This daring look is perfect for those who aren’t afraid to stand out and express their personality through their hair.
Modern Mullet with Skin Fade
The modern mullet with a skin fade is a contemporary take on the classic 80s style. This updated version features shorter hair on top and sides, with longer hair at the back. The sides are faded down to the skin, creating a clean, modern look. A hard part can be added to separate the top from the faded sides. This style allows for various styling options on top, from sleek and neat to messy and textured. The modern mullet is perfect for those who want to blend retro vibes with current trends.
Messy Quiff with Low Skin Fade and Part
The messy quiff with a low skin fade and part is a stylish, effortless-looking cut that’s perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed aesthetic. The top is left longer and styled into a loose, textured quiff, while the sides feature a low skin fade. A hard part is added to create a clear separation between the messy top and the clean sides. To style, use a texturizing product and tousle the hair with your fingers for a casual, lived-in look. This style works well for both day and night, offering a perfect balance of neat and disheveled.
High Skin Fade
The high skin fade is a bold, minimalist style that’s perfect for those who prefer a clean, low-maintenance look. This cut features very short hair on top, with the sides and back faded high up the head, blending into the skin. A hard part can be added to create some visual interest and definition. This style is ideal for those with strong facial features, as it draws attention to the face. It’s also a great choice for hot climates or for men who lead active lifestyles and want a fuss-free haircut.
Thick Longer Top with Short Fade and Beard
This style combines a longer, textured top with a short fade on the sides and a well-groomed beard. The contrast between the fuller top and the faded sides creates an interesting visual dynamic. A hard part can be added to further emphasize this contrast. The longer top allows for various styling options, from a messy, tousled look to a more polished appearance. The addition of a beard balances out the overall look, creating a rugged yet sophisticated appearance. This style is perfect for those who want to showcase their thick hair while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic.
Puffy Side Brushed Up Style with Mid Fade
For those blessed with thick, voluminous hair, the puffy side brushed up style with a mid fade is an excellent choice. This cut features longer hair on top, styled upwards and to the side for maximum volume. The sides are faded to a medium length, creating a nice contrast with the fuller top. A hard part can be incorporated to add definition and separate the voluminous top from the faded sides. To style, use a volumizing product and a blow dryer to create lift and movement. This eye-catching style is perfect for those who want to showcase their hair’s natural volume and texture.
Short Afro with Low Skin Fade
The short afro with a low skin fade is a stylish and manageable option for men with naturally curly or kinky hair. This cut features a short afro on top, which showcases the hair’s natural texture, while the sides are faded low for a clean, modern look. A hard part can be added to create a clear distinction between the textured top and the faded sides. This style is relatively low-maintenance and works well in both casual and professional settings. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to embrace their natural hair texture while maintaining a neat, polished appearance.
Burst Skin Fade
The burst skin fade is a unique and eye-catching style that offers a fresh take on the traditional fade. This cut features a fade that ‘bursts’ outward around the ears, creating a distinctive arc shape. The hair on top is left longer, allowing for various styling options. A hard part can be incorporated to add even more definition to the look. This style works particularly well for those with round or oval face shapes, as it can help elongate the face. The burst fade offers a perfect blend of edgy and sophisticated, making it suitable for both casual and more formal settings.
Long Crew Cut with Mid Skin Fade
The long crew cut with a mid skin fade is a modern twist on the classic crew cut. This style features longer hair on top, typically 1-2 inches in length, which allows for more styling versatility. The sides are faded to a medium height, creating a nice balance between the longer top and the faded sides. A hard part can be added to create a clear separation and add a touch of sophistication. This cut is easy to maintain and style, making it a great choice for men who want a polished look without spending too much time on their hair each day.
Mid Skin Drop Fade
The mid skin drop fade is a stylish variation of the traditional fade that offers a unique and eye-catching look. This cut features a fade that starts at a medium height on the sides and gradually ‘drops’ lower towards the back of the head. The top is left longer, allowing for various styling options. A hard part can be incorporated to add definition and create a clear distinction between the longer top and the faded sides. This versatile style works well with different hair types and face shapes, offering a perfect blend of edgy and sophisticated.
Sharp Burst Skin Fade
The sharp burst skin fade is ideal for the guy that wants an easy look. Using only clippers, the top is kept short and neat while the sides are taken into the skin to show the world that your style stays one step ahead of everyone else.
Low Skin Fade
The low skin fade is a classy and versatile haircut for guys who need a universally flattering and professional look with some edge. The low fade can work with short to medium hairstyles, providing contrast and flair that adds intrigue. Whether you’re styling a comb over, quiff or crop, a low skin faded cut will elevate your style for a clean look.
Hard Side Part with Mid Skin Fade
A hard side part is a modern cut that plays on a classic style. Precise and sharp, this stylish look is achieved like your standard comb over, but with a line shaved in at the part with trimmers, adding a stark contrast. Paired with a mid skin fade, you’ll create a voluminous style that lasts all day.
