20 Popular Mid-fade Haircuts for Men in 2024
Because you want to start the year with the right cut!
The mid-fade haircut, a popular and timeless classic in men’s hairstyles, effortlessly blends modern edginess with a touch of sleekness, which makes it a popular choice for those seeking a stylish and refined look. Want to learn from experts about how you can achieve this look? Check out this style guide on Mid-fade haircuts to try in 2024 and beyond.
Your Guide to the Mid-Fade Haircut
Read on to learn everything you need to know about the mid-fade haircut:
What is a mid-fade haircut?
A mid-fade haircut is a classic men’s hairstyle that features a gradual transition from short, buzzed hair on the sides and back to longer, textured hair on top. The fade begins at a point between the temples and the ears, giving it its name. Mid-fade haircuts are versatile and can be styled in a variety of ways, making them a popular choice for men of all ages and hair types.
Why should I get a mid-fade haircut?
Mid-fade haircuts are one of the most popular and sleekest hairstyles for men. Ernesto, who goes by ‘Nesto Cutz,’ is a college campus barber based in the Bronx and Cortland, New York. When weighing in on the types of haircuts he accomplishes for his clients daily, he confirms that this is the most sought-after style.
Fades consist of 80%-90% of my haircuts. It’s honestly rare to be in a situation where a customer doesn’t want one because essentially every haircut consists of some kind of gradual transition from shorter hair to longer hair. It’s a timeless look and honestly has come to be known as the societal norm when it comes to haircuts for men.
Nesto Cutz, NY
In fact, one of the first skill sets Nesto acquired when he learned how to barber was the fade because he understood how important it would be to know for his clients. As one of the few barbers available in his small college town who can service a variety of hair textures, he was inspired to hone his craft not only to work a job he was passionate about while still in college but also to be able to make a difference in his community by being able to cater to a diverse range of individuals and help them feel great about themselves.
Is there a Difference Between a Mid-Taper and Mid-Fade Haircut?
While both mid-taper and mid-fade haircuts share a common aesthetic of transitioning from short sides and back to longer hair on top, there is a subtle distinction between the two styles. The key difference lies in the level of blending between the short and long sections of hair:
Mid-Taper Haircut
A mid-taper haircut features a gradual thinning of the hair from the sideburns and neckline towards the crown of the head. This style is typically achieved using clippers for the lower sections and scissors for the top to create a seamless, balanced transition.
Mid-Fade Haircut
A mid-fade haircut involves a more pronounced transition from short to long hair. The barber uses gradually shorter guard lengths to create a gradual blend, but there is a subtle difference in hair lengths between the sides and crown.
Types of Mid-Fade Haircuts and Styles for 2024
Here are 20 mid-fade haircuts to inspire you:
1. Classic Mid-Fade Haircut
The mid-fade haircut is a classic style that is perfect for men of all ages and hair types. It features a gradual transition from short, buzzed hair on the sides and back to longer hair on top. The mid-fade is a versatile style that can be styled in a variety of ways, including a pompadour, quiff, or textured crop.
2. Short Mid Fade
A short mid-fade haircut is a modern style characterized by a gradual tapering of hair length from the middle of the head towards the neckline, creating a clean and stylish look with a subtle contrast between the top and the shorter sides and back.
Read: High and Tight: 10 Ways to Wear Your Short Fade
3. Mid-Fade for Curly Hair
This can be a great choice for men with curly hair. The fade will help to tame frizz and create a more polished look. The curly hair on top can be styled in a variety of ways, such as a pompadour, quiff, or textured crop.
4. Mid-fade for Straight Hair
For a sleek appearance with a clean transition, try this mid-fade for straight hair. Leave the top part straight for extra styling with man-buns and ponytails, or leave it short for an easy and low maintenance style.
5. Dapper Mid-Fade Haircut
The dapper mid-fade haircut is a more sophisticated style that is perfect for men who want to look their best for a special occasion. This is a great hairstyle for those with box-shaped frames.
6. Mid Fade Military Cut
This fade look is a great choice for anyone who wants a low-maintenance and professional look. This look is sleek, short, and extremely easy to maintain. Not to mention, this style looks great on hair types.
Read: 20 Military Haircuts Celebs Can’t Get Enough Of
7. Mid-Fade Long on Top
Looking to show off your natural hair texture? Try this mid-fade look with a top long enough to style in a multitude of ways, including braids, a ponytail, a man-bun, and so much more.
8. Mid-Drop Fade
This more dramatic style is perfect for men who want to make a statement. The fade starts low on the sides and back and drops down to the nape of the neck to create an edgy and fashion-forward look.
9. Mid Skin Fade
The mid-skin fade haircut is the most extreme version of the fade, with the sides and back buzzing down to the skin. This creates a very bold and edgy look. The ideal hairstyle for anyone with afro-textured hair.
Read: How to Style High Skin Fade Haircut On Afro Hair
10. Comb Over Mid Fade
The comb-over mid-fade haircut is a classic hairstyle that is perfect for men who want to cover up a hairline or thinning hair. The sides and back are buzzed short, and the hair on top is combed over to create a voluminous look.
11. Mid Bald Fade
If you want to start fresh on your hair or are experiencing balding yet want to keep your hair looking styled, the mid-bald fade haircut is the perfect look. The sides and back are buzzed down to the skin as it gradually fades from the top to bottom.
12. Mid Taper Fade
The mid-taper fade haircut is a versatile style that is perfect for men with all types of hair, creating a clean and professional look. This style continues to appear stylish as it grows out as well.
Read: 18 Edgy, Cool and Stylish Low Taper Fade Haircuts for Guys
13. Top Mid-Fade for Cornrow
The top mid fade for cornrow haircut is a stylish and versatile style that is perfect for those with textured hair who want to show off their protective hairstyles. The sides and back are buzzed short, and the cornrows are styled on top of the head.
14. Low Mid Fade
The low-mid fade is versatile and suits various head shapes, including oval, round, and square-shaped heads, providing a balanced and stylish appearance for individuals seeking a sleek and polished look.
15. Mid-Fade Pompadour
Are you in search of a refined and sophisticated look? Look no further than the pompadour style, renowned as the epitome of timeless elegance in the realm of hairstyles. Crafted with precision and characterized by its elevated volume at the crown, the pompadour combines a classic look with a modern flair.
Read: 10 Pompadour Fade Hairstyles to Consider this Season
16. Mid-Fade with Fringe
The mid fade with the fringe haircut is a stylish and modern look that is perfect for adding a touch of personality to their hair. The fringe is styled over the forehead. This helps to create a youthful and edgy look. This style is also great for those with longer faces who might want to conceal their forehead shape.
17. Mid-High Fade
The mid-high fade is a variation of the classic mid fade that starts higher on the sides and back with the hair on top left longer than usual. This allows for a wider range of styling options, such as textured crops.
Read: 16 Unique High Fade Haircuts Men Want this Season
18. Mid Fade with Dreadlocks
The mid fade with dreadlocks haircut is a unique and stylish look that is perfect for men who want to show off their protective hairstyle. This look creates a striking contrast between the layers of loc’d hair.
19. Mohawk Mid Fade
The Mohawk mid-fade haircut is a bold, edgy look with buzzed short sides and hair on top styled into a mohawk. This is a classic, edgy look that just gets better with time!
20. Mid Fade Blow Out
The mid-fade blowout is characterized by short, buzzed sides with a top expertly styled into a blowout, resulting in a voluminous, textured appearance that captivates attention and leaves a lasting impression.
Products to Help You Style Your Mid-Fade Haircut
1. AXE Apollo Clean & Strong 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner
This gentle formula is great for all hair types and is an easy way to care for and maintain fade haircuts.
2. AXE Urban Messy Look: Flexible Paste
Want to shape your hair without having too firm of a hold? Try this flexible paste hold for versatile styling.
3. AXE Texturizing Cream
Add some extra texture to the top of your fade with this texturing cream that is especially great for short hair types. This cream provides a strong hold and is perfect for creating a sleek, polished look.
Want to learn how to achieve more fade haircuts like this look? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter below to be the first to learn about all the latest hair trends.
