The difference between a low, mid and high fade is where the fade starts. On a low fade the short part begins just above the ear; on a mid fade it begins halfway up the side; on a high fade it begins near the temple. The higher the fade, the more of the side is cut short, the more contrast there is with the top, and the sooner it needs a touch-up.
Low vs mid vs high fade: side by side
| Low fade | Mid fade | High fade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it starts | Just above the ear, following the hairline | Halfway between ear and temple | Near the temple |
| Contrast | Subtle | Balanced | Bold |
| Side length kept | Most | About half | Very little |
| Best face shapes | Oval, oblong, square | Round, oval, square | Round, square |
| Best hair | All types, including thinner hair | Medium to thick, all textures | Thick, curly and coily |
| Barber visits | Every 3 to 4 weeks | Every 2 to 4 weeks | Every 2 to 3 weeks |
| Workplace | Most conservative | Usually fine | Depends on setting |
| Good first fade? | Yes | Yes | Only if you want a bold look |
How to tell the three heights apart
Look at the side of the head and find two landmarks: the top of the ear and the temple.
- Low: the fade finishes just above the ear.
- Mid: the fade finishes about halfway between the ear and the temple.
- High: the fade finishes at or near the temple.
Barbers place these lines slightly differently, so the most reliable way to get what you want is to touch the spot where you want the fade to stop and bring a side-on photo.
Skin, taper and drop: how they combine with height
Height is only one choice. The others are:
- How short the bottom goes: a skin fade goes to bare skin; a regular fade stops at a #0, #1/2 or #1.
- How much area is faded: a taper only shortens the sideburns and neckline. See skin fade vs taper fade and our taper haircut guide.
- The shape of the line: a drop fade curves down behind the ear; a burst fade arcs around the ear.
So “a mid skin drop fade” means a fade that starts mid-height, goes to skin at the bottom, and curves down behind the ear.
Clipper guard numbers
| 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 low fade has the most room to blend, so it often runs from a #1 up to a #3 or #4. A high fade has less room, so it usually blends from skin or #0 up to a #1 or #2.
Which fade should you choose?
Choose a low fade if…
- it is your first fade, or you want something subtle;
- you work somewhere conservative;
- your face is long, or your hair is fine or thinning;
- you want the longest time between barber visits.
Choose a mid fade if…
- you want a clean, modern look that is noticeable but not extreme;
- your face is round or oval;
- your hair is medium to thick and you want less bulk on the sides.
Choose a high fade if…
- you want maximum contrast and a bold look;
- your hair is thick, curly or coily and you want the top to stand out;
- you are happy to see your barber every two to three weeks.
Still unsure? Answer a few questions in our fade selector, or check which fades suit your face in the face shape guide.
What to tell your barber
Give three details: height, how short the bottom goes, and the top.
“A [low / mid / high] fade, starting [point to the spot], down to a [#1 / #0 / skin] at the bottom, blended up to a [#2 / #3]. On top, [how much to take off and how you style it].”
More wording is in how to ask your barber, or build a script with the barber instruction generator.
Frequently asked questions
Which fade is most popular?
Low and mid fades are the most commonly requested because they suit the widest range of faces and settings.
Which fade lasts longest?
A low fade, because less of the head is cut very short, so grow-out takes longer to notice.
Can I go from a high fade to a low fade?
Yes, but you need to let the sides grow for a few weeks first, since a barber can’t add length back.
Is a taper the same as a low fade?
No. A taper only shortens the sideburns and neckline. A low fade blends the whole back and sides, starting low.
See every style in our fade haircuts for men guide.
