A mid fade haircut is a type of fade cut that starts at a level between your temples and your ears. Starting the fade halfway down gives you the benefits of length and contrast simultaneously, allowing for the perfect balance in any cut.
Everyday styling’s a breeze when you’ve got a fade like this paired with a long-top-short-sides haircut. There’d be no problem if you decide on showing off a quiff, a pompadour, a brush-back, and even a simple side part or an edgy undercut.
If you’re the type who digs short haircuts, the middle fade is still your prime choice. Believe it when you see Will Smith, Jake Gyllenhaal, Justin Bieber, and Tom Hardy’s signature looks matched with this fitting fade!
Whether you decide to keep volume, texture, or neatness for your mane – this fade always manifests how versatile it can be. With regular barber visits and trims, it’s candidly easy to maintain your desired side and back faded lengths.
Before your next hair appointment, check out these photos of popular mid fade haircuts for men!
Pushed Forward Long Top with a Mid Fade Shave
If you need a new men’s hairstyle, try this pushed-forward long top with a mid-fade shave. This style is ideal for guys interested in exploring a faded haircut or shorter, shaved sides. It’s best for men who want a bit of length on top instead of a buzz cut. Show your barber this photo if this is what you’ve been looking for!
Classic Short Pomp
The pompadour is one of the most classic cuts. It can be interpreted in many different ways, like this classic short pomp. It has been faded really low on the head and blended heavily up leaving more length for the pomp. One of the best ways to style this classic look is to use a glossy pomade. Blow dry some volume spray to get the height at the front and the pomade will give you an all-day hold.
Handsome Caesar Cut with a Mid Fade and Beard
If you’re looking for an easy style to maintain, a caesar cut with mid fade and beard is easy to look after. It has been taken down to the skin around the ears and faded up at the midpoint transitioning nicely into the top. The fringe has been cut blunt. This will make it easier for the wearer to style. For a natural finish, consider drying some sea salt spray on the top. Finish off with a good styling powder for an all-day hold.
Burst Mid Fade with a Longer Top
I really like an easy style to maintain, a burst mid-fade with longer top is right up my street. Advantages of this style are that you don’t need a lot of time to do your hair before heading out. The fade has been taken down to the skin and blended at the midpoint to keep it tight. The top has been cut short, possibly with a high grade on a clipper, to keep a uniform length. If you like this look then I would advise asking for a clipper on top but with a longer grade.
Brushed Up with a Mid Skin Fade
Ask for a zero blended up to a two, and be sure to get your haircut blended into any facial you may have. The best styling aid for this haircut is a matte clay applied to dry hair. Finish with a light-hold hairspray.
Cool-Dude Slicked Up Top
This cool-dude slicked-up top works really well for the guy that has a strong hairline and nice thick hair. When it comes to thick hair, the owners generally find it hard to deal with. The top will be cut into a short graduation and I would thin it through plus texturize it to make it easier to style. Coupled with a mid fade the whole look pieces together well. I recommend a volume spray to be dried in and finish off with a good styling powder.
Trendy Mid Fade with a Curly Thick Top
Do you have curly hair and are looking for a new, trendy haircut? Ask your stylist to give you a crop cut with a mid-fade. The crop on top gives a unique shape while keeping the length. To prevent frizz you’ll want to ask your barber about products. A leave-in conditioner will add moisture to your hair while a matte paste will keep the shape in place. You can also try a regular pomade if you prefer shine in your curly mens haircut.
Messy Top with Bangs and a Mid Fade
One of the best trending cuts for men right now is a cropped cut with a fade. This type of cut creates international texture, shape, and fullness. It’s up to you how high and short you want your fade to go. A mid-fade is a great choice if you are indecisive as it’s not too short or too high. When in doubt, ask your barber what they think may look best on you according to your face and head shape.
Clean-Cut Mid-Fade with a Messy Top
One of the most popular clean cuts at the moment is a mid fade with a messy top. This is quite an easy style to maintain with the right products. The fade has been dropped around the ears to the skin and blended nicely into the top to compliment the dark hair. You can recreate the style by drying some sea salt spray into it and finishing off with a good styling powder.
Long Wavy Hair with a Mid Fade
If you have long wavy hair and want to keep your length on top, you will need to maintain it with product. In order to keep the shape of your curls, try using a curl cream and a leave-in conditioner. Wavy hair needs a little more TLC. Pair this with a mid-drop fade and you’ll have everyone asking you where you get your haircut!
Textured Mid-Fade with a Beard Fade
With thick hair, you can create a statement style like this textured mid-fade with a beard fade. Fading the beard out and transitioning it into a skin fade keeps the sides tight. I highly recommend this for a round face shape. The sides have been disconnected to keep the top heavy and textured. You must style this every day to achieve the look, a good styling paste will give you the ultimate hold.
Faded Long Top with Short Sides
The right product is needed to create a voluminous top like this faded long top with short sides. It has been taken to the skin around the ears, blending into the top. There will be a disconnection to allow for length. Some barbers will thin the top to make it easier to keep the height in the style. I highly recommend using a volume spray dried in and finishing off with a strong paste for hold.
Dirty Blonde Mid Fade
One of the most trendy styles are heavy mid fades, coupled with dirty blonde loose curls. The fade has been taken down to the skin around the back and sides and blended heavily. The heavy blend leaves weight and length on the top to style the loose curls. Styles like this can be left without any product but when you want to, use a decent styling powder if you can.
Mid Fade with a Kinky Top
As with all afro Caribbean hair, you can have a variety of textures on top depending on the length as you can see with this mid fade with a kinky top. The fade has been taken down to the skin around the ears and the base of the neck blending up into the top and lined in at the front and top. One of the best things to do is to go to an afro barber and avoid barbers without afro experience, just make sure you do your research.
Mid-Faded Curly Hair with a V-Cut
Another style making a comeback is the V Cut as can be seen in this curly hair. The top has been disconnected so the barber can create the fade transitioning into the V Cut, you can see that its been skinned to the V and then faded into the sides very quickly. This complements the curls on top which are left to hang heavy onto the fade. You will need to have regular fades to keep the shape of the fade and the V prominent.
Icy White Spiky Mid Fade
An icy white, spiky mid fade is the haircut that every guy should try. Dyeing your hair can be a great way to change up your look, and a mid fade adds that fashion-forward edge you see all over the magazines and on social media. Don’t be afraid to ask your stylist to reach for the bleach!
Modern Mid-Fade Mohawk
A mid-fade mohawk is faded really tightly to the skin around the ears and transitioned heavily into the mohawk. This is a modern twist on the classic disconnected mohawk that has brought the 70’s punk look into the modern era. This style really suits thick, dark hair as the transition stands out and you can get a good shape to the mohawk. For a matte finish, dry in some sea salt spray and use some styling powder.
Everyday Mid-Fade with a Beard
The men’s mid-fade haircut works seamlessly with a beard and thick dark hair. It has been taken down to the skin at the midpoint and transitioned up into the hair and down into the beard perfectly. The top has been cut with lots of texture to create the finished look. The fringe has been cropped shorter to match the height of the fade to create the illusion of extra thick hair. A good styling powder and sea salt spray will give you the desired finish.
Classic Short Quiff with a Skin Fade
The short quiff with a skin fade is a tidy and low-maintenance style for the busy man. It has been taken down to the skin on the back and sides and blended into the top. The top has been left relatively short but with enough length to get the quiff in at the front and sweep the rest over. To keep this style looking fresh, I would recommend a cut every 3-4 weeks. To style this cut, a variety of products can be used like mud or paste for a matte finish or a pomade for a bit of shine.
Dapper Mid-Fade Pompadour
This mid-fade pompadour has been taken down to the skin around the ears and the base of the neck. The cut and style compliment the dark thick hair as the fade transition is so prominent. As with all fades, some maintenance is required. 2-3 weeks between visits is very normal. Pomade would be best to hold your style and it will give you a nice glossy finish.
Mid Fade + Long Hair with Slicked Back Style
A clear canvas like a medium bald fade is the unmatched partner for long hair that is combed straight. It has a shadow fade effect that goes well with a slicked-back style by using wide-tooth combs to create patterns.
Very Popular Mid Fade with Waves
Waves in your crew cut are very popular, and these can be created with a comb and pomade to keep the hold. The mid fade with waves has been executed to perfection, taking the fade down to the skin and keeping it tight to the midpoint following the curve of your head shape. Not all afro hair types can achieve the wave so you will have to consult with your barber.
Mid Fade V Cut for Men
A mid fade V-cut for men is a fun variation of a mohawk. It features a blurry mid fade along the sides, leaving the back of the fade incomplete for the V-cut. This style differs from a mohawk because of how high the V-cut is done on the back. It’s definitely an edgy, fun choice when opting for different hairstyles for men.
Outstanding Short Mid Fade for Thin Hair
A short mid fade gives men’s hair an appearance of fullness. When you are suffering from thin hair, the objective is to make your hair appear more full, and that’s exactly what a short mid fade does for you. Cutting the top to somewhat blend the thinner spots with a skin mid fade is a recipe for a happy dude with thin hair.
Low-Maintenance Mid Taper Haircut
Go for a mid-fade taper haircut with length on top for a classic gentleman’s cut. The hair is long on top and swept to the side, transitioning into a mid-fade taper with a low-maintenance diffused side part. The key to sleek hairstyles for men is a high sheen pomade.
Trendy Medium Bald Fade Hairstyle
A medium bald fade hairstyle is a great option for men who prefer a short close cut. This haircut is low-maintenance and doesn’t require product, but a low sheen wax or paste is useful to keep your thicker hair tamed. Visit your stylist or barber every 3-4 weeks to maintain your hairstyle.
Super Stylish Low Mid Fade
Try a low mid fade for an edgy and super stylish cut. With a low fade, it’s best to keep more length on top to get a gradual effect of short to long. Ask your barber to line up your edges for a sharply defined hairline.
Old School Razor Fade
Try a razor fade haircut if you want to debulk your thick hair. This short mid fade razored look is clean-cut, yet stylish, and looks best on long face shapes. Ask your barber or stylist to line up your hairline for that extra wow factor.
Bold Mid Fade Crop Top
A mid fade crop top offers a bold look while still being appropriate for a professional setting. The taper starts between your temples and ears, without being too dramatic. Mid fades are an overall flattering haircut, especially for round face shapes, because they take away width from the sides.
High Top and Medium High Fade
A high top and medium-high fade are ideal for coarse kinky hair. This type of hair can be difficult to deal with and forget about styling. If you are not into a short hairstyle this will be a great option for you if you have coarse to kinky hair.
High-Mid Fade with Shaved Part
A high-mid fade with a shaved part makes for a fresh combover option. Not too low yet not a high makes this tight military haircut stand out. The length on top gives plenty of styling options. If you grow the top out a bit more try styling it more like a pompadour.
Mid-Low Fade for Afro Curls
A mid-low fade for afro curls is pure perfection for black men. Not only do you have plenty of length to play with, but you’re also razor sharp with no hair in the way. Opt for a skin-tight taper along your temple and nape area, and don’t forget the slightly tapered area over your ears to leave a clean overall style.
Vintage Low Mid Fade with a Side Part
A low mid fade paired with a side part is a sharp yet elegant haircut. The razor-sharp precision on the side part, mixed with the elegant combover style makes for a style fit for a date night or board room.
Hard Part Comb Over with Medium Skin Fade for Thick Hair
A hard part haircut with a medium skin fade creates a majestic frame for the brushed-up or comb over top to really be the star of the cut. Of course, a smooth medium fade shave around your head must be done to balance out your whole look. Gentlemen with thick hair will enjoy wearing this cut.
Short Top Crew Cut with Mid Taper Fade
Geometric edges give this mid taper fade haircut the shape it needs to appear all tidy against the full-on crew cut. Even with a short trim, your top can be styled in any manner, like side-swept, as seen in this picture.
Mid Fade Hairstyle for Black Men with Short Waves
Yes, you can add waves on your short hair with a neat-looking mid-fade haircut for black men. Get the latest clean-up with neat edges, a zero shave around your head, and some distinct waves. The line-up is what makes it even sharper.
Clean Mid Fade Cut on Curly Hair
A clean, shaved arch sets a wonderful stage for the medium fade haircut for curly hair to stand out. Just make sure to trim the sides short enough, then leave your curly top long to show off your texture better.
The Medium Fade Quiff on Straight Hair
The medium mid fade hairstyle is the essential partner of this brushed-up quiff that has longer hair on top. The surgical line on the fade further highlights the short sides. When styling such a mid fade with a long top, use a hair wax with a matte finish to build the structure of your style well.
Edgy Disconnect Undercut with Mid Bald Fade
A mid bald fade plus the textured wavy mohawk-like hairstyle is separated with a blunt line. Sweeping your hair to the front makes it fashion-forward and innovative. A disconnected mid fade on a short textured haircut like this is a men’s haircut that’s revolutionary and brings masculinity to another level.
The Mid Drop Fade on Wavy Short Hair
Even with short hair, you can still achieve your desired mid drop fade haircut that gradually lowers behind your ears. You’ll just need a little bit of layering and texture. Style this mid fade with waves and clean up along your temples and your beard for an overall connected look.
The Long Top Pompadour with Mid Fade Sides
A high pompadour and mid fade make a great combination that works for men with thicker hair. This is a mid skin fade pompadour with lots of texture, and I really love classic cuts like this because they allow for a modern approach to style with a classic look. This cut is great for guys with wider faces. The long narrow top will square out the corners of your head and thin your face out.
Messy Hair with Mid Zero Fade
The layers are much more evident with this mid fade cut. Even a shorter trim is like a simple fade but contributes to a tidier cut. This look is a drop fade undercut and the best thing about this cut is the drop fade itself. In my experience, it complements your head shape better than just a low fade.
The Classy Buzz Cut with Mid Skin Fade
This is a very clean mid fade cut and smart look.  I love the straight-cut fringe with just enough length left so that it can also be worn messy and still look very cool and natural. The skin fade is smart and timeless, giving a very masculine touch to a crop. This is a very easy haircut to maintain if you have straight hair. Get a light hold product to keep it in place and maybe some hairspray. If you have curly hair, blow-dry the hair forward, then use a strong dry-look clay.
The Faux Hawk Crop Haircut with Mid Fade
The faux hawk cut with a mid fade is a very modern cut that can also be discreet. It’s also a very versatile cut because it can be made in any type of hair (smooth, curly, or wavy). The main feature of faux hawk types of haircuts for men is the convenience and the ease of combing since it’s a messy cut. My main tip when styling men’s haircuts are to use matte effect ointments or powdered ointment. And always remember to pull your tuft to separate the threads and make it fall on the forehead.
Textured Spiky Hair + Medium Fade
Check out how evenly the contrast from the mid fade and the beard fade is flowing throughout the whole head. The spiky hair texture is what makes this all stand out. Adding the right amount of texture and style will allow you to have the right balance with the fade and style. This medium taper hairstyle was created to fits guys with long oval face shapes. Men without sharp edge-ups or receding hair help to add more volume and density to your hair.
