Low, mid or high fade: which one should you get?

What “low”, “mid” and “high” actually mean

The names describe where the fade begins on the side of your head. The shortest length, often bare skin, sits at the bottom, and the hair gets gradually longer as it moves up.

• Low fade: starts just above the ear and follows the hairline around the back.
• Mid fade: starts roughly at the temple, halfway up the side of the head.
• High fade: starts near the top of the head where it begins to curve (the parietal ridge).

Choose by contrast

The higher the fade, the more skin shows and the stronger the contrast with the length on top. High fades look bold and very clean; low fades look polished without drawing attention to the sides.

If your workplace leans formal, a low or mid fade is the safe choice. If you wear a lot of length on top, a higher fade makes that length stand out.

Choose by head shape

Fade height changes the silhouette of your head. A mid fade flatters most shapes. A drop fade, which curves down behind the ear, suits clients who want the fade to follow the natural shape of the back of the head.

This is exactly what the consultation at the start of your appointment is for. Your barber will look at your profile and growth patterns and tell you honestly what will sit best.

Choose by upkeep

Every fade looks sharpest in the first week. Higher fades show regrowth sooner because more skin is exposed. As a guide, most clients refresh a high or skin fade every two to three weeks and a low fade every three to four.

How to ask for it

Say the height (low, mid or high), how short you want the bottom (skin, or a guard number), and how much you want off the top. A photo of a cut you like is the quickest shortcut. Our portfolio is a good place to find one.