The mid fade haircut has become America’s go to choice for men who want that perfect balance between professional and trendy. It’s not too subtle like a low fade, yet not as dramatic as a high fade.
You’re about to discover 30 incredible mid fade styles that’ll transform your look. From classic crew cuts to modern textured designs, this guide covers every variation you need to know.
Whether you’re heading to your first job interview or just want to refresh your style, these men’s hairstyles will give you the confidence boost you deserve.
What Is A Mid Fade?
A mid fade starts its transition roughly halfway up the sides of your head. Think of it as the Goldilocks zone of fades not too high, not too low, but just right.
The fade begins around your temple area and creates a smooth gradient down to your natural hairline. This barbershop hairstyle works by gradually shortening hair length as it moves downward.
Most barbers use multiple clipper guards to achieve this seamless blend. The result? A clean, modern look that complements almost any face shape or hair type.
Difference Between Low Fade vs Mid Fade vs High Fade
Before we dive into our list, Understanding these three fade types will help you communicate exactly what you want to your barber. Each creates a completely different vibe.
Low Taper Fade starts just above your ears and creates a subtle, conservative look. It’s perfect for corporate environments where you need to keep things understated.
Mid Fade begins around your temples, offering the perfect middle ground. This medium fade gives you modern style without being too edgy for professional settings.
High Taper Fade starts near the top of your head, creating maximum contrast. It’s bold, contemporary, and definitely makes a statement.
| Fade Type | Starting Point | Best For | Maintenance |
| Low Fade | Above ears | Conservative looks | 3-4 weeks |
| Mid Fade | Temple level | Versatile styling | 2-3 weeks |
| High Fade | Upper sides | Bold statements | 1-2 weeks |
Thirty Popular Mid Fade Haircuts
Short Hair with Mid Fade
This classic and modern cut combines timeless appeal with contemporary edge. The short top keeps maintenance minimal while the mid fade adds just enough flair. Your barber will typically leave about 1-2 inches on top, creating a neat, professional appearance. It’s the perfect choice for guys who want style without the daily styling commitment.
This look works exceptionally well with hair styling mousse for a bit of texture. Just run a small amount through damp hair and you’re ready for the day. The beauty lies in its versatility dress it up for business meetings or keep it casual for weekend activities. It’s practically foolproof.
Buzz Cut with Mid Fade and Beard
The buzz cut with mid fade and beard combination screams confidence and masculinity. This military-inspired cut gets updated with modern fade techniques. Keep your buzz at a #3 or #4 guard length for the perfect balance. Any shorter and you’ll lose the contrast with your fade.
Pair this with a well-groomed beard using quality beard balm and grooming products. The key is maintaining clean lines where your fade meets your facial hair. This style requires minimal daily maintenance but needs regular touch ups every two weeks. It’s ideal for active guys who don’t want to fuss with products.
Mid Skin Fade
The mid skin fade takes things to the next level by fading down to completely bare skin. This creates maximum contrast and a razor sharp appearance. Your barber will use hair clippers zero guard to achieve that smooth skin finish. The transition from hair to skin should be seamless and gradual.
This faded sides haircut demands precision and skill from your barber. Don’t attempt this at home trust a professional for the best results. Skin fade maintenance requires visits every 1-2 weeks to keep that crisp look. But the dramatic effect is worth the extra effort.
Mid Temp Fade
The temp fade focuses specifically on your temple area, creating a subtle yet impactful style. It’s perfect for guys who want something different without going extreme. This technique gradually fades the hair around your temples while leaving the rest relatively untouched. The result is a modern twist on classic cuts.
It works brilliantly with longer styles on top, creating interesting contrast and dimension. You can experiment with different textures and lengths. The temple fade requires a skilled barber who understands facial structure. When done right, it enhances your natural features beautifully.
Side Part with Mid Fade
The side part with mid fade brings timeless sophistication into the modern era. This professional men’s haircut idea never goes out of style. Create a sharp part line using a fine tooth comb while your hair is damp. The mid fade adds contemporary edge to this classic look.
Use matte paste for men’s hair to keep everything in place without looking overly styled. A little goes a long way with this type of product. This style transitions seamlessly from boardroom to dinner date. It’s the ultimate versatile choice for the modern gentleman.
Trendy Parted Style with Mid Fade
This trendy parted style with mid fade puts a fresh spin on traditional parting. It’s less rigid than the classic side part but equally polished. Instead of a sharp line, create a more natural division using your fingers. This gives you that effortlessly cool vibe that’s so popular right now.
The mid fade provides the perfect backdrop for this relaxed styling approach. It keeps things clean while allowing personality to shine through. Experiment with the part placement to find what works best for your face shape. Sometimes moving it just an inch makes all the difference.
Spiky Hair with Mid Taper Fade
Spiky hairstyle for men gets a modern update with the mid taper fade. This textured men’s hairstyle brings back the fun without looking dated. Use a strong-hold gel or pomade to create defined spikes on top. The key is making them look intentional, not like you stuck your finger in an electrical socket.
The mid taper fade provides the perfect contrast to the textured top. It keeps the overall look balanced and contemporary. This style works best with naturally thick hair that has some body. Fine hair might struggle to hold the spiky texture all day.
Mid Fade with Brushed Forward Waves
Brushed forward waves create incredible texture and movement when paired with a mid fade. This style celebrates natural hair patterns beautifully. Work with your hair’s natural growth direction rather than fighting against it. Use a wide-tooth comb to guide waves forward and down.
A light hold mousse helps enhance your natural wave pattern without weighing hair down. Apply it to damp hair and scrunch gently. This look is perfect for guys with naturally wavy hair who want to embrace their texture. It’s casual, stylish, and surprisingly easy to maintain.
Long Textured Fringe with Mid Fade
The textured fringe with mid fade combines longer lengths on top with clean, faded sides. This creates dramatic contrast and modern appeal. Keep your fringe between 3-4 inches for the best effect. Any longer and it might interfere with your vision throughout the day.
Use texturizing products to enhance the natural movement in your fringe. Sea salt spray works wonderfully for that effortless, tousled look. This style requires regular trims to maintain the proper fringe length and fade sharpness. Plan on barbershop visits every 3-4 weeks.
Short Slick Back with Mid Fade and Beard
The slick back with mid fade and beard screams sophistication and confidence. This gentleman’s choice never fails to impress. Apply pomade to damp hair and use a fine-tooth comb to create that smooth, sleek finish. The mid fade keeps things modern and fresh.
Coordinate your beard grooming with your haircut for a cohesive look. Use quality beard grooming with fade techniques to maintain clean lines. This style works best with straight to slightly wavy hair. Curly hair might resist the slicked back look throughout the day.
Long Curly Hair with Mid Skin Fade
Long curly hair with mid fade celebrates natural texture while keeping things neat and stylish. This combination works incredibly well together. The mid skin fade provides sharp contrast to voluminous curls on top. It’s like having the best of both worlds wild and tame.
Use curl enhancing products to define your natural pattern. Avoid brushing dry curls finger comb them when damp instead. This wavy and curly hairstyle requires patience as your curls grow out. But the payoff is worth the awkward in between stages.
Mid Drop Fade
The mid drop fade follows the natural curve behind your ears, creating a unique and modern silhouette. This technique adds visual interest to any style. Unlike straight fades, the drop fade curves downward, following your head’s natural contours. It creates a more organic, flowing appearance.
This style works particularly well with longer hair on top. The curved fade line complements various textures and lengths beautifully. Ask your barber specifically for a “drop fade” regular fades follow a straight line and create a completely different effect.
Mid Burst Fade
The mid burst fade concentrates the fade around your ear area while leaving hair longer at the nape. It’s perfect for mohawks and similar styles. This technique creates a “burst” effect that radiates from behind your ear. It’s edgy without being too extreme for most situations.
The mohawk with burst mid fade is the most popular application of this technique. It softens the mohawk’s intensity while keeping it interesting. Burst fades require skilled barbers who understand the technique. Not every shop will be familiar with this specific style.
Mohawk with Burst Mid Fade
The mohawk with burst mid fade brings punk rock into the professional world. This edgy style has serious modern appeal. Keep your mohawk strip between 2-3 inches wide for the best proportions. Any wider and it starts looking less defined.
The burst fade softens the mohawk’s dramatic impact while keeping it interesting. It’s rebellion with a business casual twist. Style the mohawk strip with strong hold products to maintain its shape throughout the day. Gel or pomade works best for definition.
Modern Mullet with Mid Fade
The modern mullet with mid fade updates this controversial cut for today’s style-conscious men. When done right, it’s surprisingly sophisticated. Keep the front and sides shorter while allowing length in the back. The mid fade bridges these sections seamlessly.
This isn’t your uncle’s mullet from the ’80s. Modern versions are more subtle and refined while keeping that distinctive silhouette. Work with an experienced barber who understands how to make mullets look contemporary rather than dated.
Mid Fade with Design
Hair design fade takes your cut from ordinary to extraordinary with creative patterns and line work. This artistic approach showcases barber skill. Popular designs include geometric patterns, curved lines, and even small logos. The mid fade provides the perfect canvas for these details.
Simple designs tend to age better than complex ones. Consider how the design will look as your hair grows out. Discuss design ideas with your barber beforehand. Bring reference photos to ensure you’re both on the same page.
Pompadour with Mid Fade
The pompadour with fade combines vintage Hollywood glamour with contemporary edge. This timeless style never truly goes out of fashion. Create volume by blow-drying hair up and back while it’s damp. Use a round brush to achieve that classic pompadour shape.
The mid fade keeps this potentially overwhelming style balanced and modern. It prevents the pompadour from looking too retro. Strong hold pomade is essential for maintaining pompadour height throughout the day. Reapply as needed for touch ups.
Wavy Quiff with Mid Taper Fade
The wavy quiff with mid taper fade celebrates natural hair texture while creating impressive height and style. It’s effortlessly cool. Work with your hair’s natural wave pattern to create the quiff shape. Don’t fight against your hair’s natural tendencies.
The mid taper fade provides subtle contrast without competing with the textured top. It’s the perfect supporting element. Use texturizing products to enhance waves and provide light hold. Sea salt spray or texturizing cream works wonderfully.
Afro Style with Mid Skin Fade
The afro style with mid skin fade celebrates natural hair texture while maintaining clean, modern lines. This combination is incredibly striking. The mid skin fade creates maximum contrast with the textured afro on top. It’s bold, beautiful, and undeniably stylish.
Use moisturizing products designed for natural hair textures. Keep your afro hydrated and healthy for the best appearance. This style requires specialized knowledge of natural hair care. Find a barber experienced with diverse hair textures.
Crew Cut with Mid Fade
The crew cut fade updates this military classic with modern fading techniques. It’s clean, masculine, and universally flattering. Keep the top between 1-2 inches for the traditional crew cut proportions. The mid fade adds contemporary appeal to this timeless cut.
This style requires minimal daily maintenance but benefits from regular touch-ups. Plan on barbershop visits every 2-3 weeks. It’s perfect for active lifestyles and hot climates. You can roll out of bed and look put together in minutes.
High Volume Top with Mid Fade
High volume brush back creates dramatic height and presence when combined with a mid fade. This style demands attention in the best way. Use a blow dryer and round brush to create maximum volume at the roots. Work against your hair’s natural growth direction.
The mid fade prevents this voluminous style from looking overwhelming. It provides necessary balance and proportion. Strong hold products are essential for maintaining this dramatic height throughout the day. Don’t skimp on quality styling products.
Types of Mid Fade Haircuts
Understanding the different hair tapering techniques helps you communicate exactly what you want. Each type creates its own unique effect.
- Skin/Bald Mid Fade removes all hair down to the skin, creating maximum contrast. It’s bold, sharp, and requires frequent maintenance.
- Taper Mid Fade gradually reduces hair length without going to bare skin. This creates a softer, more natural looking transition.
- Drop Mid Fade follows the natural curve behind your ears, creating flowing lines. It’s more organic and artistic than straight fades.
- Burst Mid Fade concentrates the fade around your ears while leaving length at the nape. It’s perfect for mohawks and edgier styles.
- Temple Mid Fade focuses specifically on the temple area, creating subtle but impactful changes. It’s understated yet modern.
Mid Taper vs Mid Skin Fade
The choice between mid taper and mid skin fade depends on your lifestyle and style preferences. Both have distinct advantages.
- Mid Taper maintains some hair length throughout the fade, creating softer transitions. It’s more conservative and requires less frequent touch ups.
- Mid Skin Fade removes hair completely, creating sharp contrast and modern edge. It’s bolder but needs more maintenance to look its best.
Consider your workplace dress code, maintenance commitment, and personal style when choosing. There’s no wrong answer just different approaches.
Professional environments might favor the subtlety of tapered fades. Creative industries often embrace the boldness of skin fades.
Maintenance requirements differ significantly. Skin fades need touch-ups every 1-2 weeks, while tapers can go 2-3 weeks between cuts.
Conclusion
The mid fade haircut offers incredible versatility for modern men who want style without compromise. From conservative crew cuts to edgy mohawks, there’s a mid fade variation for every personality.
Remember that great haircuts start with skilled barbers who understand your hair type and face shape. Don’t be afraid to bring reference photos and ask questions.
The key to rocking any mid fade is confidence and proper maintenance. Invest in quality styling products and stick to your barber appointments your hair will thank you.
Ready to transform your look? Book that barber appointment and step into your most stylish self. These 30 mid fade options give you plenty of inspiration to find your perfect match.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get my mid fade haircut touched up?
Most mid fades need maintenance every 2-3 weeks to keep that sharp, clean appearance.
What’s the difference between a mid fade and regular fade?
A mid fade starts at temple level, while regular fades can begin higher or lower on your head.
Can mid fade haircuts work with curly or thick hair?
Absolutely – mid fades actually enhance natural texture and make thick hair more manageable.
How much does a professional mid fade haircut typically cost?
Mid fade prices range from $25-60 depending on your location and barber’s experience level.
What styling products work best with mid fade hairstyles?
Pomade, matte paste, and texturizing cream are the top choices for most mid fade styles.
Tony, the founder and creative force behind Fashion Trendelle, is a seasoned digital marketer with over a decade of expertise in men’s fashion and grooming. Combining a sharp eye for trends with hands-on industry experience, he delivers cutting-edge style inspiration and practical advice for modern gentlemen. Whether he’s breaking down the latest runway looks or sharing barbershop business tips, Tony’s insights are always fresh, relevant, and tailored to help you stay ahead in the world of men’s fashion.
