Skin Fade Haircuts 101: High, Mid, & Low Styles

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Plus expert tips on how to get a fade from your barber
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Skin fade haircuts are just one of the many types of men’s haircuts you might see trending on TikTok, posted on Pinterest, or styled on your favorite celebrities. If you’re curious about getting your very own skin fade haircut, you’ve come to the right place! With the help of professional hair stylists, we’ve created this guide to explain what a skin fade is , the different styles you can wear, and steps to get and maintain the iconic cut.

Quick Overview of Skin Fade Haircut Styles

Skin fades have hair on top with the hair on the lower sides and back of the head being gradually thinned out until it ends with a strip of bald skin above the natural hairline. You can cut a high, mid, or low fade, depending on the amount of skin you want above the hairline (i.e., a high fade shows the most skin).

Section 1 of 6:

What is a skin fade haircut?

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  1. A skin fade haircut has hair on the sides and back that tapers down to bald skin. Skin fade (or bald fade ) haircuts generally have hair on the top and sides—this hair could be short, long, or medium-length. However, the hair on the sides and back is gradually thinned out into a taper that ends with a bald or “zero” fade. This effect is usually achieved with a trimmer or razor. The fade can start at various points (which is what differentiates high, mid, and low fades ), but it typically finishes above the natural hairline. [1]
    • What’s the difference between a skin fade and a taper ? A skin fade goes all the way down to the skin, and it usually finishes above the natural hairline, so that there’s a cleaner, sharper contrast. A taper, on the other hand, gradually shortens the hair until it reaches the neckline (and it doesn’t necessarily go all the way down to the skin).

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Tiffany Carnevale-Russo is a hair stylist, licensed cosmetologist, and salon manager with over 19 years of experience as a specialist in haircuts and hairstyling for men.

    Frankie Sanderson is the founder of TheStudeo and a master hair stylist who specializes in hair extensions, chemical services, and designer cuts.

    Arthur Sebastian is a professional hair stylist and the owner of Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon, where he specializes in hair styling, coloring, and Brazilian blowout services.

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Section 2 of 6:

Different Types of Skin Fade Haircut Styles

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  1. 1
    Low Skin Fade A low skin fade ends about 1 inch (25 mm) or less above the natural hairline. This 1 inch (25 mm) band of skin should be even all the way around, with the fade dipping down behind the ears and back of the head. [2]
    • Styling Variations:
      • Low Fade with Textured Top – Combine a low skin fade with natural, tousled, and textured hair on top.
      • Low Fade with Quiff – Combine a low skin fade with a quiff—a hairstyle defined by stark volume at the top and front of the head.
  2. 2
    Mid Skin Fade Mid skin fades start slightly higher up on the head. The cut starts around the brow before dropping down behind the ears and behind the back of the head (although it should only dip slightly at the back). [3]
    • Styling Variations:
      • Mid Fade with Side Sweep – Combine a mid fade with a side swept hairstyle on the top.
      • Mid Fade with Afro – Combine a mid fade with a natural afro to showcase the latter and provide a clean contrast between the two.
  3. 3
    High Skin Fade As the name implies, a high skin fade leaves the highest amount of exposed skin after the fade. The high fade will generally start around the top of the forehead and the crown at the back of the head. From there, the fade will run evenly around the head without any perceptible drop at the back. [4]
    • Styling Variations:
      • High Fade with Buzz Cut – Combine a high fade with a buzz cut on top for a completely clean, low-maintenance, and slightly edgy look.
      • High Fade with Receding Hairline – Balance the receding hair on top of your hair with a high skin fade, which can disguise your hairline for a more even look.
  4. 4
    Drop Skin Fade The category of “drop fade” can encompass both low skin fades and mid skin fades. However, the drop fade always drops down at the back of the head. For this reason, you can’t have a drop fade and a high skin fade, as high skin fades don’t feature a drop down at the nape of the neck. [5]
    • Styling Variations:
      • Drop Fade with Pompadour – Combine a drop fade with a high-volume pompadour at the front of the head.
      • Drop Fade with Slick-Back – Combine a drop fade with a slicked-back side part or textured crop.
  5. 5
    Temple Skin Fade For a temple fade, the hair tapers down to the hairline and fades to skin at the temples and the nape of the neck. You can get a temple fade with a low, medium, or high amount of skin showing, depending on your preferences. However, the temple fade always features a hairline that stays behind the ear. [6]
    • Styling Variations:
      • Temple Fade with Waves – Combine a temple fade with waves for a more textured, laid-back look.
      • Temple Fade with Curly Top – Combine a temple fade with curly hair on top to combine texture and volume with the clean lines of the fade.
  6. 6
    Burst Skin Fade Standard burst fades are cut in a semicircle shape around the ear. Then, the fade drops down behind the ear and ends on the side of the neck, but it doesn’t continue along the nape of the neck like a low or mid skin fade. You can also get a burst taper fade, where the fade at the temple is cut in a semicircle shape or “burst.” [7]
    • Styling Variations:
      • Burst Fade with Mohawk – Combine a burst fade with a mohawk style on top for a bold, edgy look.
      • Burst Fade with Mullet – Combine a burst fade with a modern mullet for a trendy and modern twist.
  7. 7
    Shadow Skin Fade A shadow skin fade features hair on the sides and back that gradually transitions from “skin” length—bald or very short—to slightly longer hair. This leaves a “shadow”-like effect, rather than a fully bald skin fade. [8]
    • Styling Variations:
      • Shadow Fade with Textured Crop – Combine a shadow fade with a textured crop to add layers to looser curls and enhance their natural volume.
      • Shadow Fade with Comb Over – Combine a shadow fade with a short comb over for a classic, low-maintenance look.
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Section 3 of 6:

How to Choose the Right Skin Fade Haircut for You

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  1. 1
    Choose a skin fade style that complements your face shape. If you want a skin fade to flatter your facial structure and enhance your natural features, you should pick a cut based on your face shape. If you’re not sure what your face tape is, take our quiz ! Then, you can consult the cheat sheet below to find the right skin fade for your face:
    • Round Face: Most flattered by a high fade with volume on top.
    • Square Face: Most flattered by a high fade.
    • Long Face: Most flattered by a low fade with a textured or longer top.
    • Oval Face: Suitable for all skin fade types —feel free to experiment or choose your style based on a different factor (e.g., hair type or texture).
  2. 2
    Cater your skin fade to your hair type and texture. It’s important to consider your hair texture before heading to the barber for a cut, says master hair stylist Frankie Sanderson. “A lot of people will look at a picture and think to themselves, ‘I want that,’ either because the model is attractive or the haircut looks attractive on the model. But they don’t actually take into consideration that their hair texture doesn’t look like that at all,” so the cut isn’t likely to turn out the same. [9] Check out this easy guide to which skin fade may work best for your hair type:
    • Thick Hair: Suited to mid or high fades with longer tops.
    • Thin Hair: Suited to low fades with a seamless blend.
    • Curly Hair: Suited to a drop or burst fade with natural texture on top.
    • Coily Hair: Suited to a temple or burst fade with natural texture on top.
  3. 3
    Find a fade that fits your lifestyle and goals. Along with the look of your skin fade haircut, you also want to choose something that works with your life—from your professional goals to a realistic upkeep routine. Here are some quick tips for the different cuts that suit different lifestyle needs:
    • For a low-maintenance cut, try a buzz combined with a mid skin fade.
    • For a creative or eye-catching look, try a high skin fade or burst fade.
    • For a more professional look, try a low, mid, or taper skin fade with a neat crop.
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Section 4 of 6:

How to Get a Skin Fade Haircut

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  1. 1
    Consider visiting a barber rather than cutting the fade yourself. Unless you have expertise in cutting hair, it’s generally best to visit a barber—especially when you’re trying out a new style. They’ll be able to help guide you toward the best cut for you, and you can also be assured that you’ll get a professional, high-quality cut. When you go to the barber, ask for a skin fade cut and make sure to “bring pictures from Google or Pinterest that show the style you’re looking for,” instructs hair stylist Tiffany Carnevale-Russo. “Pictures speak 1000 words, and they’re more explanatory than actually verbalizing what it is you’re looking for.” [10]
    • “Also, when showing your barber or stylist what it is you’re looking for, have a level of realistic expectation,” cautions Carnevale-Russo. “Just because it looks good on a certain person doesn’t mean that it’s going to fit you just as well. Take your barber or stylist’s opinions into consideration—they’re generally the best.” [11]
  2. 2
    If you decide to do the skin fade yourself , start by wetting and dividing your hair. Wet your hair so that it’s slightly damp, then divide the top part of your hair from the sides and back. Use a rattail comb to create neat, even sections, then pin down the top section with hair clips. [12]
  3. 3
    Trim the sides and back of your hair on a number one. Trim the existing edges of the hair using the number one setting—about 3mm (1/8 inch)—on your clippers. Trim around the sides and back, going over the areas until the hair is so short that you can’t use a comb to run through it. This will help to ensure an even cut when you move to the next step.
    • “Think of two, which is the longest, and zero, which is the shortest,” explains professional hair stylist Arthur Sebastian. “Then you have one or one and a half, and a little giveaway in the middle of it. That setting lets you fade the hair really nicely and seamlessly.” [13]
  4. 4
    Go over your trimmed areas with a number zero. Once the hair on the back and sides of your head is very short, go over the same areas with your razor set to zero—which is the shortest setting, and basically “skin,” according to Sebastian. [14] Completely clean up your edges (above your bottom hairline), so that they look buzzed or bald.
  5. 5
    Cut the fade line with scissors. Find the line where you want your fade to transition from shaved hair to long hair. Then, cut that fade line with scissors all around the head, being careful to keep the line even all the way around. [15]
  6. 6
    Move the clippers up the head while pushing gently. Start at the lowest point of the fade and press your clippers against your skin. Then, gently push the comb tip on the trimmer upwards. Control your strength carefully, so that the taper fades naturally and you don’t accidentally pull any hairs out. [16]
  7. 7
    Use scissors or other tools to clean up the fade line. You might be able to stop at this point, or you might not be completely happy with the smoothness of the fade line. If you want to clean up your fade, trim it with scissors or a razor until you like the look. [17]
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Section 5 of 6:

How to Maintain a Skin Fade Haircut

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  1. 1
    Get your skin fade touched up every 2-3 weeks. To keep your skin fade haircut as fresh and in proportion as possible, you’ll want to touch it up every 2-3 weeks. Ideally, you’ll book appointments with a barber for these touch-ups. However, if you decide to do them yourself, be sure to use a quality clipper and guard, and take things slowly. You can always take off more, but you can’t get trimmed hair back! [18]
  2. 2
    Moisturize your scalp to prevent dryness. It’s easy for your skin to become dry in the areas where the fade is cut very close to your skin. Apply a moisturizer daily (or as needed) to prevent dryness in the shaved areas. Try a moisturizing oil like jojoba oil or coconut oil , a scalp serum , or shea butter . [19]
  3. 3
    Use a styling product that’s made for your hair type. When it comes to styling the top of your fade, use products that suit your hair type and the type of texture you have on top of your fade. If you want a sleeker look on top, try a medium-hold pomade . For a more natural, tousled look, try a volumizing texturizing spray or matte finish cream . [20]
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Section 6 of 6:

Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Fade Haircuts

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  1. 1
    Is a skin fade suitable for all hair types? Yes, you can absolutely get a skin fade for any hair type, but you may want to execute the fade differently to suit your natural texture. A skilled barber will be able to adapt their technique and the fade type to suit straight, wavy, curly, coily, thin, or thick hair types.
  2. 2
    Can I have a skin fade with longer hairstyles on top? Yes, you can absolutely combine a skin fade with a longer hairstyle on top—it’ll likely create a more balanced and stylish look! Some common options for top styles include pompadours, quiffs, and textured crops. [21]
  3. 3
    What skin fade styles are trending in 2025? Some of the most popular types of skin fades in 2025 include the mullet-skin fade combo and the burst taper fade. Other popular skin fade combos are the pompadour, curly top, buzz cut, and natural afro. [22]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://cuttersyard.com/zero-fade-vs-skin-fade-heres-what-you-need-to-know/
      2. ↑ https://swankymalone.com/blog/mens-skin-fade-overview?srsltid=AfmBOorFyBtQ8BsQNJPmJyv4DwAv4hGft9DsvbdBEnKVspiiQCf6IJRx
      3. ↑ https://ibw.edu/blog/programs/barbering/let-me-get-a-fade-2/?srsltid=AfmBOors2i8HrRs0MOeODoaJmcfBbc-ceiE9O-SBQ8whR3zqGg39_Iaf
      4. ↑ https://swankymalone.com/blog/mens-skin-fade-overview?srsltid=AfmBOorFyBtQ8BsQNJPmJyv4DwAv4hGft9DsvbdBEnKVspiiQCf6IJRx
      5. ↑ https://www.fashionbeans.com/article/drop-fade-haircuts-men/
      6. ↑ https://www.apetogentleman.com/best-temple-fade-haircuts/
      7. ↑ https://ibw.edu/blog/programs/barbering/let-me-get-a-fade-2/?srsltid=AfmBOors2i8HrRs0MOeODoaJmcfBbc-ceiE9O-SBQ8whR3zqGg39_Iaf
      8. ↑ https://www.inthecut.ca/blog/what-is-a-shadow-fade-and-how-does-it-differ-from-a-skin-fade
      9. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      1. ↑ Tiffany Carnevale-Russo. Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ Tiffany Carnevale-Russo. Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      3. ↑ https://www.revlonprofessional.com/blog/skin-fade-haircut/
      4. ↑ Arthur Sebastian. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      5. ↑ Arthur Sebastian. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ https://www.revlonprofessional.com/blog/skin-fade-haircut/
      7. ↑ https://www.revlonprofessional.com/blog/skin-fade-haircut/
      8. ↑ https://www.revlonprofessional.com/blog/skin-fade-haircut/
      9. ↑ https://cuttersyard.com/zero-fade-vs-skin-fade-heres-what-you-need-to-know/
      10. ↑ https://cuttersyard.com/zero-fade-vs-skin-fade-heres-what-you-need-to-know/
      11. ↑ https://swankymalone.com/blog/mens-skin-fade-overview?srsltid=AfmBOorFyBtQ8BsQNJPmJyv4DwAv4hGft9DsvbdBEnKVspiiQCf6IJRx
      12. ↑ https://cuttersyard.com/zero-fade-vs-skin-fade-heres-what-you-need-to-know/
      13. ↑ https://www.hair.com/fade-haircut-ideas.html

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