The Easiest Way to Style and Shape an Afro Fade

We're spilling the secrets to getting the perfectly textured Afro haircut.

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afro fade: sponge curls final look

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The art of styling an afro fade involves an effective technique and the correct products. And guess what? We’re sharing the formula with you! Before we do so, though, understand that there are some things you can do at night to make your morning styling session quick and easy. For one, moisture is key. If you’re not one to wash your hair every day, the steam for your shower is sufficient to soften and add moisture to your hair. After showering, run an oil like coconut oil through your hair to lock in moisture. Secondly, consider sleeping on a silk pillowcase to prevent dry, tangled hair. Otherwise, you’ll be spending a lot more time picking your hair to detangle it in the morning.

How to Style and Shape an Afro Fade

 

Below, we demonstrate how to shape an afro fade. Picking it out isn’t the only way to style and reshape your hair! Read on to discover how you can use these styling tips at home to style your afro fade in just 10 minutes or less:

1

Pick hair to detangle before styling.

Using an afro pick, pick your hair to detangle before styling. Here’s a tip: This is best to do after the shower as the steam softens the hair, making it easier to detangle and comb through.

afro fade: pick hair
2

Apply a softening cream and scrunch into hair.

Scoop a finger-tip amount of AXE Natural Look: Softening Control Cream, then rub it between your palms. This particular cream is ideal for creating natural looks, which makes it perfect for creating this natural style on your ‘fro. Using both hands, squeeze the cream into your hair in a scrunching motion to wake your texture up and create your style. This method helps build texture as you reshape your afro fade with your hands.

afro fade: apply softening cream
3

Define curls with a sponge brush.

It’s best to use tools to help create and define the texture you want. For this look, use a sponge brush on your hair in a circular motion to define your curls. A sponge brush (available at local drugstores and hair supply stores) can help you achieve soft and chunky curls.

afro fade: sponge curls
4

Final look!

There you have it! A well-groomed and super defined afro fade haircut.

afro fade: sponge curls final look

Afro Fade Hairstyle Inspiration

Now that you know how to style your afro fade haircut, it’s time to decide the exact look you want to go for. Check out some of our top style inspirations for this look.

1. Fade with Beard

guy with fade and beard
Make your beard stand out with a fade haircut.

If you have a beard, a fade haircut can make your facial hair stand out. To emphasize it, even more, keep your afro short.

Keep your beard moisturized by using SheaMoisture Men Maracuja Oil & Shea Butter Beard Balm. This balm will help define, smooth, and shape facial hair.

2. Braided High Fade

guy with braided fade
Tie your braids into a ponytail for a unique look.

Want to try something new with your face haircut? Put your hair into braids and tie them up into a ponytail.

3. Buzz Cut Style

buzz cut fade
Keep your afro cropped to a buzzcut.

If low maintenance is your thing, this buzz-cut style may be the look for you. You can still sport the fade look even with a closely cropped length like this.

4. Mini Afro Fade

guy with mini afro fade
Opt for a mini afro.

Want the look of an afro without a lot of maintenance? Try out a mini afro fade. This style shows off the natural volume of your hair in a way that’s easy to take care of.

For a more defined look, apply SheaMoisture Men Argan Oil & Shea Butter Defining Cream. This product helps keep your hair smooth and moisturized while providing shine and lightweight hold.

5. Short Afro Fade

guy with short afro fade
Try out a shorter look.

This short afro fade look emphasizes the difference between the two lengths, making your hair on top appear longer.

6. Brushed-Out Taper Fade

brushed out afro fade
Brush out your style!

Want a look that stands out, but also shows off your natural hair? Brush out your afro fade for a look that is effortless yet stylish all at the same time.

7. Overgrown Afro

overgrown fade haircut
Opt for an overgrown fade.

Just because you have a long afro doesn’t mean you can’t opt for a fade haircut too. Show off the length you got by keeping your strands longer on top and having them get gradually shorter towards the nape of your neck.

8. High Top Fade

high top fade cut on natural hair
Show off your natural volume.

Afros bring so much natural height to your look. We say if you can achieve the style, why not show it off? Make the height of your easier to take care of by opting for a high top fade style.

9. Dreadlock Fade

guy with brushed out fade
Try dreadlocks with your look!

If you aren’t feeling a braided look, but still want to do something different with your afro fade, try dreadlocks. Your hair will need a bit of length before dreadlocking it, but once it’s set you can easily dreadlock new hair growth to keep up the style.

10. Short Fade

short afro fade haircut
Go for a short look for minimal styling.

Just because you like wearing your hair short doesn’t mean you can’t wear an afro fade too. Pair your cropped cut with a full beard and you’ll have a look that’s ready for any occasion.

From short afro fade haircuts to grown-out fades, there are a huge variety of ways you can sport this look!

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