Fade haircuts have become increasingly popular among boys and young men in recent years. These versatile styles offer a clean, modern look that can be customized to suit any personality or preference. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 20 boys fade haircut styles, providing in-depth explanations and styling tips for each look.
1. Classic Taper Fade
The classic taper fade is a timeless style that suits boys of all ages. This cut features hair that gradually shortens from the top of the head down to the neckline, creating a smooth, tapered effect. The fade typically starts above the ears and progresses downward, with the hair blending seamlessly from longer to shorter lengths.
To achieve this look, the barber uses clippers to create a gradient effect, starting with a longer guard size at the top and transitioning to shorter guards as they move down the head. The result is a clean, polished appearance that’s easy to maintain and style.
This versatile cut works well with various hair types and face shapes. It’s particularly flattering for boys with round or square faces, as the tapered sides can help elongate the face. To style, simply apply a small amount of pomade or styling cream to damp hair and comb it into place.
2. High Fade
The high fade is a bold, attention-grabbing style that’s perfect for boys who want to make a statement. This cut features very short or completely shaved sides that start high on the head, typically just an inch or two below the crown. The top is left longer, creating a striking contrast between the short sides and the fuller top.
This style works particularly well for boys with thick, coarse hair, as it helps to reduce bulk on the sides while allowing for creative styling on top. The high fade can be combined with various top styles, such as a textured crop, slicked-back look, or even curls for those with naturally curly hair.
To maintain this style, regular touch-ups every 2-3 weeks are recommended to keep the fade looking crisp. For styling, use a matte clay or pomade to add texture and hold to the longer hair on top.
3. Low Fade
The low fade is a more subtle variation of the fade haircut, perfect for boys who want a clean look without too much contrast. In this style, the fade begins lower on the head, typically just above the ears. The hair gradually tapers down from this point, creating a smooth transition from the longer hair on top to the shorter sides and back.
This style is versatile and works well with many different hair types and face shapes. It’s particularly flattering for boys with longer face shapes, as it doesn’t remove too much hair from the sides, which can help maintain balance.
The low fade can be paired with various top styles, from short and neat to longer and more textured. To style, apply a light hold gel or cream to damp hair and style as desired. This cut is relatively low-maintenance, requiring touch-ups every 3-4 weeks to maintain the fade.
4. Mid Fade
The mid fade strikes a balance between the high and low fade, offering a versatile look that suits many boys. This style features a fade that starts midway between the top of the ears and the temple area. It provides a noticeable contrast between the top and sides without being as dramatic as a high fade.
This cut works well with various hair types and face shapes. It’s particularly flattering for boys with oval or diamond-shaped faces, as it helps to accentuate their natural features. The mid fade can be combined with different top styles, such as a textured quiff, side part, or even a longer, messy look.
To maintain this style, visit the barber every 2-3 weeks for touch-ups. For styling, use a medium-hold product like a styling cream or pomade to add definition and control to the longer hair on top.
5. Skin Fade
Also known as a bald fade or zero fade, the skin fade is a dramatic style that features hair tapering down to the skin. This cut creates a high-contrast look, with the hair on top transitioning sharply to completely shaved sides and back.
The skin fade is a bold choice that works well for boys with confident personalities. It’s particularly flattering for those with strong facial features or defined jawlines, as it draws attention to these areas. This style can be combined with various top lengths and textures, from a short buzz cut to a longer, textured style.
Maintenance is key with a skin fade, as the contrast between hair and skin becomes less defined as the hair grows. Regular barber visits every 1-2 weeks are recommended to keep the look sharp. For styling the top, use a strong-hold product to create definition and maintain the desired shape throughout the day.
6. Textured Crop Fade
The textured crop fade combines a short, textured top with faded sides for a modern, edgy look. The hair on top is cut to a uniform length, typically between 1-2 inches, and is texturized to create a messy, tousled appearance. The sides are faded, with the level of fade (high, mid, or low) depending on personal preference.
This style works particularly well for boys with thick, straight hair, as it adds movement and dimension to otherwise flat-lying hair. It’s also a great option for those with round face shapes, as the textured top can add height and elongate the face.
To style a textured crop fade, apply a matte clay or texture powder to dry hair. Use your fingers to work the product through the hair, creating a piece-y, separated look. This low-maintenance style is perfect for busy boys who want a stylish look without spending too much time on their hair.
7. Pompadour Fade
The pompadour fade is a classic style with a modern twist, perfect for boys who want a polished, sophisticated look. This cut features longer hair on top that’s swept upward and back, creating volume and height at the front. The sides are faded, creating a clean contrast with the fuller top.
This style works best for boys with thicker hair, as it requires enough hair to create the signature pomp shape. It’s particularly flattering for those with longer face shapes, as the added height on top can help balance facial proportions.
To style a pompadour fade, apply a strong-hold pomade to damp hair. Use a round brush and blow dryer to create volume and shape, sweeping the hair upward and back. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to keep the style in place throughout the day.
8. Slicked Back Fade
The slicked back fade combines a sleek, polished top with faded sides for a sophisticated yet edgy look. This style features longer hair on top that’s combed straight back, creating a smooth, streamlined appearance. The sides are faded, typically with a high or mid fade for maximum contrast.
This cut works well for boys with straight to wavy hair and is particularly flattering for those with oval or rectangular face shapes. It’s a versatile style that can be dressed up for formal occasions or styled more casually for everyday wear.
To achieve this look, apply a strong-hold gel or pomade to damp hair. Use a fine-toothed comb to slick the hair straight back, ensuring there are no stray hairs or parts. For a more relaxed version of this style, use your fingers instead of a comb for a slightly messier, textured finish.
9. Faux Hawk Fade
The faux hawk fade is a bold, edgy style that’s perfect for boys who want to stand out. This cut features longer hair in a strip down the center of the head, reminiscent of a mohawk, but without the dramatic shaved sides. Instead, the sides are faded, creating a more wearable, everyday version of the punk-inspired look.
This style works well for boys with straight to wavy hair and can be particularly flattering for those with oval or diamond-shaped faces. The faux hawk can be styled to various heights and textures, depending on personal preference and hair type.
To style a faux hawk fade, apply a strong-hold product like a gel or molding cream to damp hair. Use your fingers or a comb to push the hair up and towards the center, creating the signature faux hawk shape. For a more textured look, use your fingers to piece out the hair on top.
10. Curly Top Fade
The curly top fade is a fantastic option for boys with naturally curly or wavy hair. This style embraces natural texture on top while keeping the sides and back neat with a fade. The length of the curls on top can vary, from a short, cropped look to longer, more dramatic curls.
This cut works particularly well for boys with oval, square, or heart-shaped faces. The volume on top can help balance out wider jawlines or foreheads. The level of fade can be customized to personal preference, with options ranging from a subtle low fade to a more dramatic high fade.
To style a curly top fade, apply a curl-enhancing cream or mousse to damp hair. Use your fingers to scrunch and shape the curls, defining them without creating frizz. Allow the hair to air dry or use a diffuser attachment on a hair dryer for more defined curls. Avoid over-touching the hair once it’s dry to maintain the curl pattern.
11. Buzz Cut Fade
The buzz cut fade is a low-maintenance, military-inspired style that’s perfect for boys who prefer a clean, no-fuss look. This cut features very short hair all over the head, typically cut with electric clippers. The fade adds a modern touch to this classic style, creating a subtle gradient effect on the sides and back.
This style is ideal for boys with oval or square face shapes, as it emphasizes facial features. It’s also a great option for those with thinning hair, as it creates an even, uniform look. The buzz cut fade works well with all hair types, from straight to very curly.
To maintain this style, regular touch-ups every 2-3 weeks are necessary to keep the fade looking crisp. No styling is required for day-to-day wear, making it an excellent choice for active boys or those who prefer a low-maintenance routine.
12. Comb Over Fade
The comb over fade is a versatile, classic style that combines a side-parted top with faded sides. This cut features longer hair on top that’s combed to one side, creating a sleek, polished look. The sides are faded, with the level of fade (high, mid, or low) customizable to personal preference.
This style works well for boys with straight to wavy hair and is particularly flattering for those with round or square face shapes. The side part and volume on top can help elongate the face, while the faded sides create a clean, streamlined appearance.
To style a comb over fade, apply a medium-hold pomade or styling cream to damp hair. Use a comb to create a deep side part, then comb the hair over to the opposite side. For a more relaxed look, use your fingers instead of a comb for a slightly messier finish.
13. French Crop Fade
The French crop fade is a stylish, low-maintenance cut that’s gaining popularity among boys. This style features a short, textured top with a blunt fringe (or bangs) at the front. The sides and back are faded, creating a clean contrast with the fuller top.
This cut works well for various face shapes and hair types. It’s particularly flattering for boys with larger foreheads, as the fringe can help balance facial proportions. The French crop fade is also a great option for those with fine or thinning hair, as the textured top can create the illusion of fuller hair.
To style, apply a small amount of matte clay or texture paste to dry hair. Use your fingers to work the product through the hair, creating a piece-y, textured look. The fringe can be styled straight down or slightly to the side, depending on personal preference.
14. Undercut Fade
The undercut fade combines elements of the classic undercut with a modern fade technique. This style features longer hair on top with very short or shaved sides, creating a dramatic contrast. The fade adds a smooth transition from the longer top to the shorter sides and back.
This bold style works best for boys with thick, straight to wavy hair. It’s particularly striking on those with oval or diamond-shaped faces. The undercut fade can be styled in various ways on top, from slicked back to textured and messy.
To style an undercut fade, apply a strong-hold product to damp hair. For a sleek look, comb the hair back or to the side. For a more textured appearance, use your fingers to tousle the hair on top. Regular touch-ups every 2-3 weeks are necessary to maintain the sharp contrast between the top and sides.
15. Quiff Fade
The quiff fade is a modern, stylish cut that combines volume on top with clean, faded sides. This style features longer hair at the front of the head that’s styled upward and backward, creating height and movement. The sides are faded, providing a neat contrast to the fuller top.
This cut is ideal for boys with medium to thick hair and works well with various face shapes. It’s particularly flattering for those with longer face shapes, as the volume on top can help balance facial proportions.
To style a quiff fade, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair. Use a round brush and blow dryer to create volume and shape at the front, styling the hair upward and slightly back. Finish with a medium-hold pomade or styling cream to define the quiff and hold it in place.
16. Spiky Top Fade
The spiky top fade is a fun, edgy style that’s perfect for boys who want to make a statement. This cut features longer hair on top that’s styled into spikes, while the sides and back are faded. The level of fade can be adjusted to personal preference, from a subtle low fade to a more dramatic high fade.
This style works well for boys with straight to slightly wavy hair and is particularly suited to those with oval or diamond-shaped faces. The spiky texture on top can add height and create the illusion of a longer face shape.
To achieve this look, apply a strong-hold gel or styling paste to damp hair. Use your fingers to create spikes by pinching small sections of hair and pulling them upward. The spikes can be uniform in height or varied for a more textured look. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to ensure the style holds throughout the day.
17. Messy Top Fade
The messy top fade is a relaxed, effortless-looking style that’s perfect for boys who prefer a more casual appearance. This cut features longer, textured hair on top that’s styled in a deliberately tousled manner. The sides and back are faded, creating a neat contrast with the messier top.
This style works well for various hair types and face shapes. It’s particularly flattering for boys with fine hair, as the messy texture can create the illusion of fuller, thicker hair. The messy top fade is also a great option for those with round face shapes, as the added height on top can help elongate the face.
To style, apply a texturizing product like sea salt spray or texture powder to damp hair. Use your fingers to tousle and scrunch the hair on top, creating a piece-y, disheveled look. Allow the hair to air dry for a natural finish, or use a diffuser attachment on a hair dryer for added volume.
18. Side Swept Fade
The side swept fade is a versatile, sophisticated style that suits boys of all ages. This cut features longer hair on top that’s swept to one side, creating a smooth, polished look. The sides are faded, with the option to choose a high, mid, or low fade depending on personal preference.
This style works best for boys with straight to wavy hair and is particularly flattering for those with oval or oblong face shapes. The side-swept top can help balance facial features and create a softer overall appearance.
To style a side swept fade, apply a medium-hold styling cream or pomade to damp hair. Use a comb to create a side part, then sweep the hair across the forehead to the opposite side. For a more relaxed look, use your fingers instead of a comb to create a softer, less defined sweep.
19. Textured Fringe Fade
The textured fringe fade combines a longer, piece-y fringe with faded sides for a modern, edgy look. This style features textured hair on top that’s cut into a fringe (or bangs) at the front, while the sides and back are faded. The fringe can be styled straight down or swept to the side, depending on personal preference.
This cut works well for boys with straight to wavy hair and is particularly flattering for those with longer face shapes or larger foreheads. The textured fringe can help balance facial proportions and add a youthful, trendy touch to the overall look.
To style, apply a small amount of texturizing paste or clay to dry hair. Use your fingers to piece out the fringe, creating a textured, separated look. The fringe can be styled straight down for a more dramatic appearance, or swept slightly to the side for a softer look.
20. Mohawk Fade
The mohawk fade is a bold, eye-catching style for boys who aren’t afraid to stand out. This cut features a strip of longer hair running from the forehead to the nape of the neck, with the sides faded very short or to the skin. The mohawk strip can vary in width and length, from a narrow, subtle strip to a wider, more dramatic version.
This style works best for boys with straight to slightly wavy hair and can be particularly striking on those with oval or diamond-shaped faces. The mohawk fade is a versatile cut that can be styled in various ways, from a sleek, slicked-back look to a more textured, spiky appearance.
To style a mohawk fade, apply a strong-hold gel or pomade to damp hair. For a classic mohawk look, use a comb to style the hair upward and slightly backward, creating a fin-like shape. For a more relaxed version, use your fingers to tousle and spike the hair along the mohawk strip. Regular touch-ups every 2-3 weeks are necessary to maintain the sharp contrast between the mohawk and the faded sides.
In conclusion, fade haircuts offer a wide range of stylish options for boys of all ages. From classic and subtle styles to bold and edgy looks, there’s a fade haircut to suit every personality and preference. Remember that regular maintenance is key to keeping these styles looking sharp, so schedule regular visits to the barber to maintain the fade and overall shape of the cut. With the right cut and styling techniques, any boy can rock a fantastic fade haircut that expresses his unique style and personality.