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A classic haircut with a long history! Hair that is cut short with some growth only at the top - this particular haircut was made fashionable among the American soldiers, or GIs, in the 1940s and 1950s.
The mid fade hair was well-combed and neatly parted, highly fashionable and neat. Everything was going well for the haircut until the arrival of Elvis Presley and Beatles changed the game: Quiff and mushroom hairstyles replaced the typical military haircut.
However, it took little time before the haircut returned to fashion once again. In the period of hip hop music, i.e. eighties and early nineties, the midfade was re-launched and finally became one of the signature styles of a subculture in the form of high flattop hairstyle, also known as brushcut. "Fade" in the word "fade cut" refers to the English "to fade" and perfectly depicts the haircut style.
And how does it look at present? Over several recent years, it is already hard to picture a man without the fade haircut.
What is good about it?
Firstly, there is no need to serve in the army or belong to the group of hip-hop fans to wear the cult haircut.
This haircut has finally turned into a true hairstyle of gentlemen or businessmen and suits everyone ideally.
Depending on your individuality and preferences, the fade hairstyle may look classy, cool, or spectacular.
Moreover, it does not look quite as extreme as an undercut since its transitions to shaved parts are rather smooth.
What is a mid fade haircut?
Mid fade refers to a fade where the fade begins in the middle area of the scalp.
Mid fade contrasts with the high fade, where the fade begins from the top, and low fade, where the fade begins on the back side.
Hence, the mid fade haircut can also be called the medium fade. The style looks very clean and modern; it is popular among young males.
Fade refers to a particular hairstyle that does not involve cutting hair into one uniformed length; rather, hair fades off as it goes down.
Fade-off hair styles are those that look like there is no hair in them at all towards their ends.
It is attained by cutting hair in shorter and shorter lengths as it goes down. Electric clippers have made fade off styles more popular.
7 most popular fades in 2026
In the list below, you can find the top midfade haircuts in detail.
1. High fade
High fade is one of the newest types of fades. Its distinguishing feature is that it is done from a relatively higher part of the scalp, which is close to the temples, to be more exact.
The hairstyle requires the hair to be very short both on the back of the head and the sides. It is sometimes completely shaved. And since it is done "high up," its name is high fade.
2. Midfade
Mid fade, unlike high fade, starts halfway above the ears. Its characteristic feature is that the shorter sections of hair move downward, resulting in a perfect balance.
Midfade is also known as midfade mullet.
3. Low fades
While high fades begin from the temple area and mid fades start from the middle part of the head above the ears, low fades begin at a low point in the fade line which is generally located near the ears.
Any hairstyle and texture can wear low fades. The result is even better when worn together with longer hair on top.
4. Drop fade
The location of where to start a drop fade may vary depending on how high or low the fade will be made; however, the main feature of this haircut is that the fade line near the head's back area is set lower than the fade line at the head's sides.
There are a variety of drop fade hairstyles that you can try. You can either make it starting from the top, middle or bottom of the head then taper it at the back of your head or just go with the newly released banker mid fade combover hairstyle.
5. Midfade – skin fade
It's called "zero fade", "bald midfade" or "sides to 0." The hair is faded into a skin fade, which means that the hair is shaven off in the shortest part of the fade, thus creating an area where there is no hair left = 0mm length.
If you fancy experimenting with contrasts, then a skin fade will do just fine for you.
However, you should also know that skin fades might make large areas of your scalp more visible and these areas of the scalp are much paler than the other skin of your body, which means that you may need to use sunscreen on them.
6. Midfade taper
Like fade, the taper is also designed to create a gradual transition from short to long hair, but only in two particular locations: the base of the skull and sideburns.
7. Burst fade
The burst fades consist of a semicircle surrounding the ears. The fade line creates what is referred to as the center in the ear and circles around it in a circular pattern.
This resembles drop fades since the fade line looks like it falls behind the ear. Burst fades can be combined with any other fade to come up with interesting styles.
The modern man's guide to mid fade maintenance
Get your hands on the best way to maintain your mid fade hairstyle.
Learn about the best tips and tricks for maintaining this hairstyle using modern technology in high speed to reduce frizz and prevent scalp damage.
Continue reading to learn more!
1. High-speed dry without scorching your hair
However, many men may not know the gap between a conventional hair dryer and the current fast-paced one. It could be likened to jumping between outdated manufacturing methods and new-age industries.
While the old hair dryers were powered by burning hot electric heating elements which scorched their hair and caused extreme damage and frizz, rendering them unable to maintain any neatness in a fade, everything has changed since.
The best example in such a case would be the Laifen SE Lite Hair Dryer. This excellent high-speed hair dryer blows dry men’s hair within a few minutes using fast air velocity rather than hot flames.
2. Protect your scalp barrier
The fact that your mid fade will reveal a large portion of your scalp means that it must be protected using special care measures.
This is because regular drying methods using heat can damage your skin barrier, which will result in flaky and irritated skin just when you needed the cleanest look from your haircut.
Drying with an advanced technique, one which uses the highest possible speed and temperature control, means that your skin will not be damaged at all.
3. Use low heat hair product styling techniques
With a crisp mid fade, your goal is to style your hair with precision, especially on the top portion, which must match well with the side portions.
Using pomades, clay, or wax on damp hair makes these products lose their effectiveness.
Instead of taking too much time for these products to dry due to the lack of heat, causing you to apply more heat than necessary, you can now achieve this with modern technology by blowing fast air across the hair.
This will dry the hair almost instantly without melting the styling products.
4. Hydrate your blend line daily
As mentioned above, the part where your fade fades is very sensitive and can easily look dry and dull.
In order to maintain a good fade, ensure that you hydrate your blend line each day.
Do not use those heavy greasy products; rather go for light moisturizers that provide weightless shine without clogging your pores.
Today's trend is all about lightweight products.
Using a leave-in conditioner on your blend line will give your skin enough time to hydrate after exposing it to cold or warm blasts of air.
5. Safeguard the hair cuticle against friction
The hair on your mid-fade that protrudes on the surface is likely to suffer more wear and tear as you style it throughout the day.
The hair is vulnerable to split ends and frizzy texture if you do not handle it properly.
As soon as you step out of the shower, avoid rubbing the hair vigorously using a coarse cotton cloth as this may damage the hair cuticle.
Allow the power of air to dry your hair. By avoiding traditional high-temperature styling products, you prevent the hair cuticle from being opened.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mid fades are an extremely trendy hairstyle that is versatile and suitable for any face or hair type.
Mid fades are a style of fade in which the hair becomes gradually longer starting from the middle of the head. It can be worn together with various other hairstyles such as slick back or on top.
Also, you can try various beard styles along with it. It is advisable to seek professional help before choosing a style.
FAQs
What is a mid fade haircut for men?
A mid fade finds a good middle ground that starts the tapering of hair from the midway point of the sides and back. This is a middle ground between an unassuming low fade and a daring high fade.
What types of hair should get a mid fade?
One of the great things about the mid fade is that it can accommodate any type of hair very well. The look works perfectly with straight hair, waves, and even Type 4 curls.
When do I have to get a mid fade trimmed?
The mid fade haircut looks clean and neat only when it gets trimmed regularly. Visit the barber's chair every two to three weeks for a nice gradient. Fades go out faster compared to other men's styles.
What is the most fashionable mid fade look?
The most trendy mid fade hairstyle that you can get today is when you combine it with a messy crop or pompadour.
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