Look, we’ve all been there. We looked in the mirror and hated the hairdo that was staring back at us. Take this as your sign to finally switch things up. We have the perfect way for you to change the game, aka skin fade! We have many options for you, so we are almost certain there is something in here that will tickle your fancy.

There are so many different types of skin fades to choose from, and don’t worry we’ll go through it all. No matter what kind of look you are going for or what hair type you have, we’re certain that there will be a skin fade in here somewhere that suits your needs!

What is a Skin Fade?

Let’s start by deciphering the mystery behind the skin fade. A skin fade is a haircut that gradually tapers the hair length down to the skin, creating a seamless transition from longer hair on top to a clean, shaved look at the sides and back. The fade is achieved using clippers and is carefully blended to give a smooth and polished appearance.

Skin Fade Vs Bald Fade

You may be wondering, what sets the skin fade apart from its close cousin, the bald fade? Well, the main difference lies in the length of hair at the shortest point. In a skin fade, the hair is tapered down to bare skin, giving it a smooth and seamless finish. On the other hand, a bald fade leaves a bit of stubble or shadow, adding a hint of texture and depth to the overall look.

Let’s look at a breakdown of the different characteristics of each fade to better understand the difference.

Skin Fade Characteristics	Bald Fade Characteristics
Gradual Fade Defined Look Length Variations Maintenance	No Hair Sharp Line High Contrast Slick and Modern Low Maintenance

Skin Fade Vs Taper

When it comes to choosing a hairstyle, the options can sometimes be overwhelming. Two popular choices that often come up in discussions are the skin fade and the taper. While they may share some similarities, it’s important to understand the key differences between the two to make an informed decision.

Skin Fade Characteristics	Taper Fade Characteristics
Creates a more gradual and seamless flow from longer to shorter hair. The gradual fade creates a striking contrast that adds depth and dimension to the hairstyle. If you’re aiming for a sharp and defined style, a skin fade might be the way to go.	Involves decreasing the length of the hair, but the focus is on maintaining some hair density. The hair is tapered down gradually, with the length gradually decreasing towards the neckline. Creates a more blended and natural look, with a softer transition between the longer and shorter sections of hair. If you prefer a more relaxed and effortless look, a taper might be the better choice.

Types of Skin Fade

Now that you have a good grasp of what a skin fade is and how it compares to other fade styles, let’s explore the various types of skin fades available.

High Skin Fade

This type of skin fade starts high on the sides and back, just above the temples, and tapers down to the skin, creating contrast with the longer hair on top and a high fade.

Mid Skin Fade

This fade starts a little lower on the sides and back, around the midpoint, and gradually tapers down to the skin. The result is a harmonious blend between the longer hair on top and the shorter sides, giving you a hairstyle that works well in both professional and casual settings.

Low Skin Fade

This fade style starts at the bottom of the sides and back, near the hairline, and gently fades into the skin. With a more gradual transition, the low skin fade offers a softer and more natural look. It’s perfect for those who want to clean up the edges of their hairline without making any drastic changes.

Classic Skin Fade Haircut

It makes the most sense to start with the most classic skin fade, aka classic skin fade haircut. This hairstyle features short, tapered sides that gradually blend into longer hair on top. The clean and precise lines of a classic skin fade make it a popular choice for men. Plus, keeping it a bit longer on the top and just shaving down the sides leaves more room for different styling options.

Skin Fade Taper

The skin fade taper starts with longer hair on top, gradually tapering to shorter lengths at the sides and back. This gradual transition creates a clean look that works with any hair type. The skin fade taper is especially popular among those seeking a low-maintenance haircut. The gradual fade on the sides and back draws attention to your face, making it appear more defined and chiseled. This can be particularly beneficial for those with rounder face shapes, as it creates the illusion of a more angular and structured jawline.

Drop Skin Fade

Drop into style with the drop skin fade! This edgy variation features a sharp drop in the fade around the temples and nape, creating a visually striking asymmetrical look. Pair it with a textured top or style it into a quiff for an extra dose of intrigue. If you like the look of this drop skin fade, you should also check out the shadow fade!

Skin Fade With Beard

Calling all bearded gents! If you want your beard to be a part of the fun, try out skin fade with a beard. The skin fade with beard is all about balance – a clean and well-groomed beard complements the sharpness of the fade. The fade should be executed precisely, gradually tapering the hair from a longer length at the top to a shorter length towards the neckline. This seamless transition creates a visually striking effect, accentuating the beard and drawing attention to your facial features.

Skin Tight Fade

If you’re aiming for a super sleek look, the skin tight fade is perfect. This cut takes the skin fade to the next level, with an ultra-short and tight fade that creates a buzzed appearance around the sides and back of the head. The short length and tight fade made maintaining hygiene and keeping cool in hot and humid conditions easier.

Comb Over Skin Fade

If you’re a fan of the classics with a twist, we’d like you to meet the comb-over skin fade. This haircut combines the comb-over with the edginess of a skin fade. A great thing about the comb over skin fade is that you can pair it with either a hard part or a soft part.

Skin Fade Curly Hair

Calling all curly-haired folks! The skin fade is not limited to straight hair. In fact, it can enhance the natural texture and volume of your curls. The skin fade curly haircuts create a contrast between the tightness of the fade and the lusciousness of the curls on top. With the right styling products and techniques, you can express your curls to the fullest.

Short Skin Fade

If a low-maintenance haircut is on your radar, you are going to want to check out this short skin fade. The short skin fade is a no-fuss option that never disappoints. This haircut focuses on keeping the hair length on top short while gradually fading down to a shorter length at the sides and back.

Skin Fade Undercut

For those who like to push the boundaries with bold hairstyles, the skin fade undercut is a daring choice. This cut combines the undercut’s shaved sides with the skin fade’s gradual taper. The skin fade undercut offers endless styling options. From intricate designs carved into the undercut to vibrant hair colors on top, this haircut is a blank canvas.

Skin Fade Mohawk

Ready to take your hairstyle to new heights? The skin fade mohawk is a bold choice. This style features a dramatic strip of longer hair running down the center of your head, with shaved or faded sides to create a bold contrast.

Long Hair Skin Fade

If you don’t want to compromise your length, we have news for you. You can still have long hair with the skin fade. This style features longer hair on top, gradually fading to shorter lengths at the sides and back. We highly recommend a low or mid-taper fade to ensure you keep as much of your luscious locks as possible.

Light Skin Fade

If you prefer a more subtle look, the light skin fade is an excellent choice. This variation features a less dramatic fade, resulting in a softer transition between the longer hair on top and the shorter sides and back. The light skin fade is perfect for those who want to keep their hairstyle low-key yet stylish. It offers a more natural and relaxed appearance.

Skin Fade Slick Back

This classic hairstyle takes a slicked-back look and combines it with the sharpness of a skin fade.

The skin fade slick back is perfect for those who want a classy yet slightly elevated look. With the right styling products and a comb, you can achieve a sleek look that works well for everyday wear.

Asian Skin Fade

The skin fade haircut has become increasingly popular among Asian men and for a good reason. The precision and sharpness of the fade complement the sleek and smooth texture of Asian hair. Whatever style speaks to you the most will work with the thick dark hair texture.

Skin Fade Haircut Black

For black men looking to make a change, the skin fade haircut black is a must-try style. This variation offers a sharp and clean fade that beautifully complements the natural texture of black hair. From tight coils to thick curls, the skin fade haircut black can enhance the visual impact of your hair.

Buzz Skin Fade

If you prefer an ultra-short and low-maintenance style, the buzz skin fade is the way to go. This haircut combines the convenience of a buzz cut with the sharpness of a skin fade, creating a clean and fuss-free look. The buzz skin fade is perfect for those who want to minimize grooming time while maintaining a stylish appearance.

Skin Fade With Hard Part

If you want to add some extra flair to your haircut, the skin fade with hard part is a fantastic option. This style features a shaved or sharply defined parting line that visually contrasts with the skin fade. The hard part adds a touch of detail and sophistication to your haircut, allowing you to make a personalized statement. Whether you prefer a deep or natural part, the skin fade with hard part is guaranteed to make your hairstyle stand out.

Skin Fade Textured Fringe

For those who want to keep their hair on-trend without compromising on style, the skin fade textured fringe is the ideal choice. This haircut features a longer, textured fringe that beautifully contrasts with the short fade at the sides and back of the head.

When you have a fringe haircut, it’s important to use styling products to help get that loose fringy texture, such as:

1. Sea salt spray
2. Hair wax
3. Styling cream
4. Gel

Skin Burst Fade

This variation of the skin fade features a burst of longer hair at the top of the fade, creating a visually striking look. The skin burst fade adds a touch of uniqueness to your overall appearance. Depending on your preference, you can go for a sharp and defined burst or a softer and more blended style.

Skin Fade Messy Top

If you’re a fan of carefree styles, the skin fade messy top is calling for you. This haircut features longer hair on top that is styled in a tousled and textured manner, creating a relaxed and laid-back appearance.

A quick tousle with your fingers and a touch of texturizing product are all you need to achieve the perfectly imperfect look.

Skin Fade Crew Cut

The skin fade crew cut combines the appeal of the traditional crew cut with the modern aesthetics of a skin fade. This haircut is characterized by short, tapered sides that gradually blend into longer hair on top. The result is a clean look that is perfect for men who prefer a low-maintenance yet stylish hairstyle.

Skin Fade Man Bun

Looking to add a touch of bohemian flair to your skin fade haircut? Well, you’re in the right place. The skin fade man bun combines the clean look of a skin fades with the casual aesthetics of a man bun. The skin fade man bun features a skin fade on the sides and back, with the hair on top left long enough to be tied into a bun.

If you’ve never worn your hair up before, you might be unsure of how to do a man bun, but we’ve got you covered.

What you need:

• Hair ties or elastic bands
• Brush or comb
• Hair product (optional)
• Bobby pins or hair clips (optional)
• Blow dryer (optional)
• Mirror

Once you have all your tools, it’s time to follow the steps, such as:

1. Start with clean, dry hair. If your hair is clean but not dry, use a blow dryer to dry it completely. If your hair is clean and damp, you can towel dry it or let it air dry.
2. Use a brush or comb to detangle your hair and remove any knots or tangles. This will make it easier to create a smooth man bun.
3. Use your fingers to gather your hair into a high ponytail at the crown of your head. You can use a comb to create a straight part or a more natural look.
4. Once you have gathered your hair, use a hair tie or elastic band to secure the ponytail in place. Make sure the hair tie is tight enough to hold the ponytail securely but not too tight that it causes discomfort.
5. Once you have gathered your hair, use a hair tie or elastic band to secure the ponytail in place. Make sure the hair tie is tight enough to hold the ponytail securely but not too tight that it causes discomfort.
6. Once you have twisted the ponytail into a bun, use another hair tie or elastic band to secure the bun in place. Make sure the hair tie is tight enough to hold the bun securely.
7. If you have any loose ends or flyaways, use bobby pins or hair clips to tuck them into the bun and secure them in place.
8. If desired, you can use a small amount of hair product, such as pomade or wax, to smooth down any stray hairs and add shine to your man bun.
9. Once your man bun is in place, use your fingers to adjust the shape and position of the bun. You can also use a mirror to check the back of your head and make any necessary adjustments.

Side Part Skin Fade

Combining the appeal of a side part with the modern aesthetics of a skin fade, this haircut is a favorite among gents. To achieve the side part skin fade, your barber will create a clean parting on one side of your head. The longer hair on top is then styled to the side, adding volume and texture to the look. The skin fade on the sides and back creates a sharp contrast that showcases the sleekness of the side part.

Middle Part Skin Fade

If you want to be on par with the trends, the middle part skin fade is just what you need. This haircut takes inspiration from the popular middle part hairstyle and adds a fresh twist with a skin fade on the sides and back. The middle part skin fade is characterized by a clean center parting that divides the hair evenly on both sides of the head. The longer hair on top is styled to create texture and volume, resulting in a trendy and fashion-forward look. The skin fade on the sides, and back adds boldness and visual interest to the hairstyle.

Pompadour Skin Fade

The pompadour has long been a staple of men’s hairstyles. Combining the appeal of a pompadour with the edginess of a skin fade, the pompadour skin fade offers a contemporary take on a classic. The pompadour skin fade features shorter sides and a longer, voluminous top that is styled back to create height and lift.

Skin Fade Fohawk

The fohawk, also known as the faux hawk, is a bold hairstyle. Combining the edginess of a fohawk with the sleekness of a skin fade, the skin fade fohawk is a fantastic choice for those who want to make a statement. The skin fade fohawk features shorter sides and a longer strip of hair running from the front of the head to the back. This strip of hair is styled upwards to create the signature fohawk look. The skin fade on the sides, and back adds an element of contrast and highlights the fohawk.

Skin Fade With Braids

If you’re looking to add a little something extra to your locs, consider incorporating a skin fade into your look. The combination of a skin fade with braids creates a visually striking hairstyle that is both unique and stylish. The shaved downsides do a great job of making the braids stand out and be the center of attention.

Military Skin Fade

The military skin fade takes inspiration from the clean hairstyles commonly seen among military personnel. This haircut offers a no-nonsense, low-maintenance, stylish, and practical option. The military skin fade features a high skin fade on the sides and back, with shorter hair on top styled neatly and close to the head.

Blonde Skin Fade

If you’re a fan of experimenting with hair color, consider pairing a skin fade with a stunning blonde hue. The blonde skin fade offers a vibrant look. If you choose the right blonde for your skin tone and the right skin fade for your hair type, you’ll be looking like a million bucks!

Skin Fade Edgar

The skin fade Edgar is a haircut that takes inspiration from the popular Edgar haircut and adds a modern twist with a skin fade on the sides and back. This combination creates an eye-catching look. The skin fade Edgar features a sharp and defined line along the hairline, creating a distinctive shape that adds visual interest to the haircut.

Skin Fade with Pompadour

The skin fade with pompadour combines two classic hairstyles to create a look that is both timeless and fashionable. The skin fade with pompadour features a skin fade on the sides and back, with longer hair on top styled into a pompadour. The pompadour is achieved by brushing the hair upwards and back to create height and volume. The skin fade adds an element of contrast and showcases the sleekness of the pompadour.

Razor Skin Fade

The razor skin fade offers a sharp look that is perfect for gentlemen who appreciate the attention to detail. This haircut is achieved using a razor to create clean and precise lines, resulting in a polished, refined hairstyle. The razor skin fade features a gradual blending of the hair from the sides and back into the longer hair on top, creating a seamless transition. The use of a razor adds an element of precision and sharpness to the haircut.

Skin Fade with Waves

If you’re blessed with naturally wavy hair, consider pairing it with a skin fade for an eye-catching look. The skin fade with waves offers a dynamic hairstyle that showcases the natural texture and volume of your hair. The skin fade with waves features a gradual blending of the hair on the sides and back into the longer, wavy hair on top.

Skin Fade Perm

If you’re looking to add volume and texture to your hair, consider pairing a skin fade with a perm. The skin fade perm features a skin fade on the sides and back, with the hair on top permanently curled to create texture and volume. The contrast between the tight curls on top and the shorter sides and back adds visual interest and showcases the uniqueness of the hairstyle.

Skin Fade Blowout

The skin fade blowout is a hairstyle that offers a sense of volume and movement. Combining the sleekness of a skin fade with the textured and voluminous aesthetics of a blowout, this haircut is perfect for those who like to put time and effort into their hair. The skin fade blowout features a skin fade on the sides and back, with longer hair on top styled to create volume and texture. The hair on top is blown out using a hairdryer and a round brush, creating a sense of movement and adding fullness to the hairstyle.

You Are Made For A Fade

There you have it, a guide to the world of skin fade haircuts. From classic crew cuts to daring fohawks, there’s a skin fade style for every gentleman. Experiment with different variations and let your hair do the talking.