A high fade starts near the temples, at or just below the point where the side of the head begins to curve toward the top, and blends down to very short hair or skin. Most of the side and back is cut short, so the contrast with the hair on top is strong.
It is the boldest of the three fade heights. It looks sharp and deliberate, draws attention to the top, and suits men who like a clean, athletic or military-inspired look.
High fade at a glance
| Where the fade starts | Near the temples, around where the head starts to curve toward the top |
| Best for | Round and square faces; thick, curly and coily hair; men who want high contrast |
| Hair density | Best on thick hair; on fine hair the top can look thin next to very short sides |
| Length on top | Anything from a buzz to a tall pompadour, flat top or high top |
| Maintenance | Barber visit roughly every 2 to 3 weeks |
| Styling difficulty | Easy on the sides; depends on the top |
| Workplace friendly | Depends on the setting; bolder than a low or mid fade |
Where a high fade starts
On a high fade the shortest section covers most of the side of the head, with the blend finishing up near the temple or the top corner of the head. From the front, very little side hair is visible. Compare the heights in our low vs mid vs high fade guide, or see the gentler mid fade and low fade.
Clipper guard numbers for a high fade
| Guard | Hair length left |
|---|---|
| #0 (no guard) | Very close; the exact length depends on the clipper and its lever position |
| #1/2 | 1/16 inch |
| #1 | 1/8 inch |
| #2 | 1/4 inch |
| #3 | 3/8 inch |
| #4 | 1/2 inch |
A high fade usually starts at #0 or skin at the bottom and blends up to a #1 or #2 near the temple, because there is less vertical space to work with. A high skin fade takes the bottom to bare skin; a high and tight is a military-style variation with a very short top as well.
Popular high fade variations
High skin fade
Bare skin at the bottom and a very short blend up to the top. It gives the most contrast of any fade and needs frequent touch-ups.
High and tight
A classic military cut: very short or skin sides with a short, flat top. It is the lowest-maintenance way to wear a high fade.
High fade with a pompadour or quiff
The short sides make a tall top stand out. See our pompadour guide.
High fade with a textured crop or Edgar
A short, blunt or choppy fringe over a high fade reads as sharp and modern. See the textured crop and Edgar cut guides.
High top fade and high fade with afro or twists
Coily hair holds shape well above a high fade. Our black men hairstyles for short hair guide shows several.
Who a high fade suits
- Round faces: very short sides with height on top lengthen and slim the face.
- Square faces: pairs well with a strong jawline.
- Thick, curly or coily hair: removes bulk from the sides and lets the top hold its shape.
- Men who like a bold, clean look and don’t mind regular barber visits.
Who might prefer a different fade
- Long or oblong faces: short sides plus a tall top can make the face look longer; a low fade is usually better.
- Fine or thinning hair: the contrast makes a thin top more noticeable. See haircuts for receding hairlines.
- Visible scars or bumps on the scalp: short sides show them; a longer guard at the bottom helps.
- Conservative workplaces: a low fade or taper is safer.
How to ask your barber for a high fade
“I’d like a high fade that starts up near my temples. Take the bottom to the skin [or: a #0] and blend it up to a #2 at the top of the sides. Keep about four inches on top so I can style it up and back.”
Show the barber exactly where the top of the fade should finish, and bring a side-on photo. For more help, see how to ask your barber or use the barber instruction generator.
How long a high fade lasts
Because most of the side is very short, grow-out shows within 1 to 2 weeks. Most people with a high fade book every 2 to 3 weeks; a high skin fade may need a clean-up sooner.
Styling products
- Pompadour or quiff: pre-styling spray, a blow-dry, then a strong-hold pomade.
- Textured crop or Edgar: matte paste or clay.
- Coily tops, high tops and twists: moisturizer, curl cream or twisting cream.
- Sides: keep the scalp moisturized and use sunscreen on skin fades in strong sun.
Common high fade mistakes
- Choosing it for a long face without adjusting the top. Keep the top shorter or flatter.
- Skipping upkeep. A grown-out high fade loses its shape fast.
- Harsh line where the fade meets the top. Ask for a smooth blend unless you want a deliberate disconnect.
Frequently asked questions
Is a high fade the same as a high and tight?
No. A high and tight is a specific military cut with a very short top; a high fade can have any length on top.
High fade or mid fade?
A high fade gives more contrast and more upkeep. A mid fade is the balanced middle option. See low vs mid vs high fade.
Can I get a high fade with long hair on top?
Yes, and the contrast makes a long top the focal point. Just keep the top in proportion with your face shape.
Which fade should I pick?
Try our fade selector, or browse every style in our fade haircuts guide.
