There are a lot of different types of haircuts to choose from these days. If you’re looking for a new style, you might wonder if you should go with a mid fade or high fade haircut.
The main difference between a mid fade and a high fade haircut is the level of the fade. Mid fades gradually fade in length around one inch above the ear. High fades, on the other hand, gradually taper off in length at the level of the temples.
In this blog post, we will make a mid vs high fade haircut comparison. I’ll also discuss who each of these haircuts is for and help you decide which one is right for you!
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Mid Fade Haircut
A mid fade haircut is a great option if you’re looking for something that’s not too drastic. This fade starts an inch above the ear and gradually tapers down.
The barber will have to start the guideline at the corner of the eyebrow to ensure an even fade. After that, the fading process is similar to all fades; the barber will use a no guard to go one inch above the ear and blend it down.
He will then use one guard open to go half an inch higher. The last step is to use a two-guard open to go an inch above the hairline and blend it all the way down. This will create a clean, sharp look that’s perfect for those who want a subtle fade.
High Fade Haircut
High fade starts from the very top portion of your side hair. Only the top of your head is covered in thick hair, and the fading begins from the very top of your sides all the way down. The hairline often moves in a straight line from the front of the head to the back or it can drop (high drop fade).
The hair covers only about 1.5 to 2 inches of your head from the top, and then it nearly completely disappears. The fade does not prevent you from enjoying any fashionable hairstyles.
Some people enjoy having a bald appearance, while others go a step further by drawing designs on the back of their heads. The hair in this scenario typically creates a high fade style at the sides before dropping at the back.
The instructions for making the high fade are similar to the mid fade; the only difference is where the fade starts to taper down.
Who Should Get a Mid Fade?
A mid fade haircut is a good choice for those who want something subtle and low-maintenance.
Read Also: How To Maintain A Fade Haircut For Longer
Mid fades are very stylish, perfect for young men and for men around 30-40 years of age and make them look much younger.
It is also perfect for those with round faces as it will help to add structure.
This is an ideal option for you if you have thick, black or curly hair. The mid fade will help to thin out your hair and make it more manageable.
Who Should Get a High Fade?
The high fade haircut is a great choice for those who want to make a statement. This is the fade for you if you’re looking for a bold, attention-grabbing style. This haircut is also a good choice if you have thick hair that’s difficult to manage.
The high fade will help thin out your hair and make it easier to style.
A high fade gives a person with beards a well-groomed look. The fade will help to create a clean and sharp line around the beard. It gives you a smooth transition and draws attention to the beard. I would also recommend it for those with oval or long faces. It will help to add structure and make your face appear more balanced.
Finally, high fades are better for men with receding hairlines because it starts from the temples. Therefore, most side hair is shaven or very short. Combine this with a buzz cut and you will look amazing. A good example would buzz cut number 3 with a high skin fade. If I had thinning hair I would do this.
Mid vs High Fade: How To Choose Between The 2
There are a few factors that you should take into account before choosing between mid and high fade haircuts. Here are the most important:
Preferences
Obviously, this one is the most significant. No one can really tell you which one to choose. Choose the one that makes you more confident. Confident men are attractive.
Do You Want to Stand Out?
Some people want to be the center of attention while others are calm and ”invisible”.
High fades, obviously, draw more attention. The vast majority of your side hair is very short. Pair this with a buzz cut and a nice ducktail beard and you look extremely badass.
On the other guy, if you don’t like attention choose a mid fade haircut. More specifically, don’t go for a mid skin fade but ask for a number 1 mid fade with long hair on top.
Thinning Hair
As we have briefly discussed above, if you have a receding hairline, a high fade is better for you. In my opinion, a high fade paired with a buzz cut is your best option.
If you have very short hair on top people won’t know you are going bald. It seems that it is your choice to cut your hair short.
Best Hairstyles with Mid Fade
There are endless possibilities when it comes to styling your hair with a mid fade. These options include:
Mid-Fade Taper
This is a classic hairstyle that will never go out of style. The mid-fade taper is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance yet stylish hairstyle.
Mid-Fade Pompadour
This is a great option for those who want to add some height and volume to their hair. The pompadour will help to create the illusion of thicker hair.
Mid-Fade Comb Over
The comb-over is a classic hairstyle that’s perfect for those who want a clean and polished look. The mid-fade will help to create a sharp and defined line.
Mid-Fade Slick Back
This is a great hairstyle for those who want to add some texture and dimension to their hair. The mid-fade will help to create a subtle yet stylish look.
Best Hairstyles with High Fade
The best hairstyles that you could have with high fade are:
High Taper Fade
The fade stars on your head’s crown create the most striking contrast among the other cuts. This is a great alternative for those who wish to experiment with longer hairstyles at the top.
It works really great with afros and pompadour. Nevertheless, don’t reserve a high fade for exclusively long hairstyles. Short hairstyles like the crew cut and caesar haircut can be worn with this cut.
High Skin Fade
This edgy and trendy hairstyle is perfect for those who want to make a statement. The high skin fade will help to create a clean and sharp line.
High Bald Fade
The bald fade is a great choice for those who want a bold, attention-grabbing style. This haircut is also a good choice if you have thick hair that’s difficult to manage.
High Temp Fade
The temp fade is a great choice for those who want to add some texture and dimension to their hair. The high temp fade will help to create a subtle yet stylish look.
Final Thoughts
When choosing between a mid vs. high fade haircut, it really depends on your personal preference. The mid fade is a perfect choice if you want to look stylish and have long hair on top.
The main difference between the two haircuts is the placement of the fade. Ultimately, it comes down to what style you’re going for and what look you think will suit you best.
I hope this article was helpful in guiding you to make the best decision for your next haircut.
If you have any comments or questions feel free to comment down below and we will be happy to get back to you.
Until next time,
Stay safe,
Tasos
Tasos Moulios is the founder of Beardlong. He loves trying different beard and hair styles and blogs about them. The tips he shares come from his own experience and love for what he does.