Jim Shaw, multi-award-winning men’s hairdresser, shares his top five trending fade hair cuts for the year, offering versatile styles for everyone.
Fade haircuts are experiencing unprecedented popularity, with numerous variations including the high fade, medium fade, low fade, and skin fade. This wide array ensures a perfect style exists for everyone, regardless of their face shape, hair type, or texture. Below, Jim Shaw, owner of TONI&GUY Billericay and a multi-award-winning men’s hairdresser, outlines five of the top trending fade hair cuts this year, along with his expert tips for styling them effectively.
1. Taper Fade
A taper fade features hair that remains longer on the top of the head, gradually tapering down the sides and neck. This style does not shave down to the skin like a skin fade; instead, it maintains some length around the sides and neck for a softer, more natural-looking transition. This is an excellent choice for those who appreciate a clean look and enjoy the fade style but prefer a less harsh alternative. For a sophisticated finish, Jim suggests styling this haircut sleekly, using a comb alongside a pomade or gel for hold as well as a high-shine result.
2. High Fade
A high fade offers a sharp contrast, combining very short, faded sides with longer hair on top. This fade typically begins at or above the temples and requires regular maintenance to keep the sides short, preserving that distinctive contrasting look. Given the longer length on top, this style looks fantastic when paired with volume. Jim recommends blow-drying the hair upwards with a brush for added lift, then applying a paste through the hair for more volume and definition.
3. Hard Part Fade
The hard part fade combines a shaved line, known as a hard part, created using clippers or a razor, to separate the hair to the side of the head. This is paired with a fade that features longer hair on top, gradually shortening towards the sides and back of the head. To define the part effectively, smooth, sleek styling works well; use a pomade or gel with a comb to achieve a polished finish.
4. High and Tight Fade
The high and tight fade draws inspiration from military cuts, featuring super short sides and back that are shaved very high and close to the head before gradually blending into the longer length on top. This is a short hairstyle, making it easy to maintain and requiring little to no styling. However, due to its shorter length, this cut will necessitate more regular visits to the salon or barbershop to ensure it always looks its best and maintains a strong contrast between the short sides and back and the longer top. Jim suggests distributing a pomade or wax through the top of your hair with your fingers for added texture.
5. The French Crop Fade
For those who wish to include a fringe in their fade hairstyle, the French crop fade haircut offers the perfect choice. This style features a straight fringe across the forehead, as well as a clean, seamless fade at the sides and back. It presents a sharp, contrasting look that appears incredibly stylish and contemporary, particularly suiting individuals with strong facial features they want to highlight. To give the fringe added texture, Jim likes to leave it to air dry, misting in some texturising spray and using his fingers to help air dry the hair whilst imparting added texture and body. Matte clays and pastes are also excellent products to use on dry hair for this look, giving it an effortless finish.
