High Fade Haircut : 15 Clean Examples + Barber How-To Video

What is a high fade haircut?

A men’s high fade haircut is characterized by a sharp contrast between very short or shaved sides and back of the head and longer hair on top. The “fade” in the name refers to the gradual transition from long to short hair as you move from the top of the head towards the neck. The “high” descriptor indicates that this transition starts higher up on the head, closer to the top, as opposed to a mid-fade or low-fade where the transition starts at a lower point.

How to do a high fade haircut

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Top: The hair on the top of the head can vary in length, depending on the desired style. It might be left long enough for styling (e.g., pompadour, quiff, or slicked back), or it could be shorter.
Sides and Back: The hair begins very short or even shaved at the highest point of the sides and back, and it fades or tapers down as you move towards the neck. This creates a noticeable contrast between the hair on top and the sides.
Transition: The fading effect is created using different lengths of clipper guards to ensure a smooth transition from the longer hair on top to the very short or shaved hair on the sides and back.

High fade haircut tutorial

Several famous individuals have sported the high fade haircut over the years. Some of them include:

David Beckham: The former footballer has tried various hairstyles throughout his career, including different variations of the fade.
Zayn Malik: The former One Direction member and solo artist has been seen with a high fade on multiple occasions.
Idris Elba: The actor has occasionally sported a sharp high fade.
Stephen Curry: The NBA superstar has worn the high fade haircut.
Neymar Jr.: The Brazilian soccer star has frequently rocked different versions of the fade haircut.

These are just a few examples, as the high fade has been a popular and versatile choice for many, both in the spotlight and out. It can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for various occasions and settings.