High Fade vs Mid Fade: Find the Perfect Cut for Your Style

You’re looking for change. You’re standing in front of the mirror, with just enough hair growth to say, “Let’s freshen this up.” But now comes the big question: high fade vs mid fade? Don’t worry. We are going to break this down for you, from what each fade is about to how to tell your barber exactly what you want.

Where the Fade Starts: The Real Difference

First, let’s break down the basics.

• Mid Fade: This fade starts in or around the middle of your head. Think of the middle of your head. It’s a transition to the sides; it blends the top and sides, then blends them both together all throughout the sides; it doesn’t start too low, but it doesn’t start too high fade vs mid fade.
• High Fade: The fade starts in a high fade vs mid fade location, usually around the temples. This fade creates a much clearer juxtaposition between the hair on top and the shaved sides.

Look & Vibe: Circumstantial or an Identifier?

A mid fade gives you an eye-grabbing, clean, balanced look. It’s understated, yet still refined; perfect if you want something clean and versatile.

High Fade? Now that’s what we call a bold step. The cut itself is sexy, modern, and edgy. It works if you want a haircut that says, “Yeah, I know what I’m doing.”

Who Would Wear What?

Mid Fade Works For:

• Virtually any face shape
• Majority of hair types
• Anyone who prefers a polished look without going too crazy

High Fade Is Cool On:

• Round or square faces
• Guys who like a higher contrast modern look
• Men that want to draw your eyes up top

Style options for each cut

Mid Fade looks great with the following style:

• Quiffs
• Pomps
• Textured tops
• Side parting

The high fade looks best when paired with the following styles:

• Buzz cuts
• Faux hawks
• Slick backs
• Top styles that are really dramatic

Maintenance: How much time do you have?

• Mid Fade: Low-key. It grows out well, and you’ll have time in between appointments. You can schedule your barber visits a lot further apart than if you have a high fade!
• High Fade: More of a commitment. You’ll want a touch-up every couple of weeks to keep your contrast sharp.

Will this look be appropriate for work?

• Mid Fade: It’s 100%! It’s professional, clean, and can be worn smart-casual.
• High Fade: Depends on style. If you have a high fade and try to get a little too creative, you might want to think again if your office is old-school and buttoned-up.

Impact Factor: Where the Eye Goes

• Mid Fade: Maintains a balance across your entire head.
• High Fade: All the focus is on the top of your head, so if you have something good going on upstairs, you’ve found the one.

Finding Your Fade: high fade vs mid fade

If you are still unsure, here are some things to check out to help you determine your fade vs mid fade based on your hair type, face shape, and level of commitment you want to put into your style.

high fade vs mid fade: Based on Hair Type

• Thick Hair: A mid fade gives your hair an overall shape but doesn’t flatten it, giving you space for some volume.
• Fine Hair: A high fade creates so much height and gives the illusion of fullness on top, which is helpful for someone with thin hair.
• Curly or Coarse Hair: A mid fade has the best blending effect with natural curls and helps keep everything looking clean.
• Straight Hair: A high fade accentuates all the sharp lines and shape in your haircut and looks amazing.

high fade vs mid fade: Based on Face Shape

• Round/Square Faces: A high fade adds height, which lengthens your face.
• Oval/Heart-Shaped Faces: A mid fade maintains symmetry and balance on your head.
• Long/Narrow Faces: Stick with a mid fade if you want to keep your hair from appearing to stretch out your face even more.

high fade vs mid fade: Based on Lifestyle

• Low-Maintenance Guys: Mid fade, less trim, less grief.
• Attention to Detail Grooming Types: High fade all day; I love the razor-style sharpness fresh out of the chair.
• Office Types: Mid fade keeps it professional.
• Trendy Types: High fade screams statement.

Fade Styles: Inspiration for high fade vs mid fade

Take a look at some popular fade styles that are making waves right now.

Variations on Mid Fades

1. Mid Fade with a Quiff.

• This is a perfect style for volume, texture, and polish. A classic quiff on top and a clean mid fade on the sides add up to a cherry on top.

2. Mid Fade with a Side Part.

• Business in the front, party on the side! A heavily defined part with a mid fade is your hip, attractive go-to; worn by forage men.

3. Mid Fade with Textured Top.

• All-day tousled, messy, doing-it-without-trying hair. A mid fade is a solid choice for natural waves or a little product.

4. Curly Mid Fade.

• This cute cut lets those curls shine. The clean mid fade lets you keep shape while letting your curls take center stage.

High Fade Variations

1. High fade with slick back.

• Clean, classic, and bold! This is an everyday, everywhere look. Boardroom, boardwalk, or bar.

2. High Fade with Comb Over

• Keep the shape up top or not, the sides will be clean with the right size. It can look sharp, and it has versatility.

3. High Fade Undercut

• High drama and style, as well as the undercut, will create nice contrast to make the high fade stand out more from the high fade vs mid fade.

4. High Fade with Textured Crop

• Low maintenance from high fade vs mid fade: high reminds me of a hurricane that took the form of hair and gave you such an impact of awesome. Short sides, trendy top.

How to Talk Barber: Stop Any Miscommunication

So you picked your fade to be a high fade vs mid fade. This is where things get very hairy (pun intended) for you with the real test on how to explain this to the barber now.

Know the Terms

• Mid Fade: This fade starts at the middle of the head.
• High Fade: This generally starts somewhere around the temple area.
• Want it skin tight? Use the phrases “skin fade” or “bald fade.”

Talk Top Style

You just want to tell them:

• How much length do you want left on top?
• If you want a textured look, a part, or a slicked look.
• If it is a brand-new style, high fade vs mid fade, or if you are just into sprucing up your previous style.

Use visuals

• Seriously. A few pictures from the camera of your phone can go a long way with this. The idea you have for a “fade” might not be the same idea for a high fade vs mid fade.

Try to Ask for Guidance

• Not sure what works for you. Barbers are hair whisperers. They can speak to you about lifestyle and will have their opinion.

Want a professional fade done right? Check out the Spoke & Weal Salon Price List for expert styling and precision cuts.

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