If you're aiming for your upcoming hairstyle to make a statement, you might want to contemplate this striking high-contrast appearance.
A low fade will emphasize the hair on top while retaining a high amount of presence. (In other words, the fade won’t distract from the top too much.)
In the realm of men's hairstyles, the fade isn't a recent trend—it has been around since the 1930s or so. Similarly, long hair on men has been fashionable for some time.
However, combining a fade with long hair is relatively new. This bold fusion gained popularity in the early 2010s and has largely remained stylish since then.
Sporting a fade with long hair instantly adds flair to your look. This is because of the striking contrast that elevates the traditional "long on top, short on the sides" approach.
This combination is often styled in a specific manner. Typically, the hair on top is swept up into a thick, tousled quiff, while the sides frequently feature shaved patterns.
Nevertheless, there exist numerous methods to style long hair alongside a fade. While these less daring variations may not be as prevalent, they showcase the versatility of this style.
Let's delve deeper into what precisely constitutes a fade with long hair and explore how you can achieve the desired look.
WHAT DEFINES A FADE?
A fade is characterized by a gradual transition in hair length along the back and sides of the head. In a fade, the hair is longer at the top and progressively shorter towards the bottom.
Although the terms "fade" and "taper" are frequently used interchangeably, there exists a subtle discrepancy between them, so it's important not to conflate the terms.
In practice, a fade entails extremely short sides, creating a distinct transition between hair and skin. Additionally, fades typically exhibit more pronounced contrast compared to tapers.
It’s important to be aware of the different types of fades out there. There’s a huge variety, and you don’t want to get the wrong type of fade.
For example, low fade haircuts are different from zero fade haircuts, and both those are different from drop fade haircuts.
HOW DO YOU BLEND A FADE WITH LONG HAIR?
A fade with long hair is pretty similar to a fade with short hair, but there are a couple of significant differences here.
Ultimately, styling a fade with long hair will depend on the length of your hair and the style you want.
There are some guidelines here, but they can be broken.
It’s a general rule that the longer your hair is, the more gradual (and more subtle) your fade should be. However, if you’re after an extremely high-contrast look, then you can ignore this rule.
There are also specific types of fades that are most commonly paired with longer hairstyles. Low and medium fades are the most common.
It’s less common to see a high fade, drop fade, or skin fade. These are reserved for bolder, more adventurous hairstyles.
Finally, hair types play a role here. If you have thick, straight hair, you might want a shorter fade so that your sides don’t look too long.
Similarly, if you have thin hair, you might want to add some weight to your hair by going for a longer fade.
LOW FADE WITH LONG HAIR (3 EXAMPLES)
If you’re after a fade with longer hair and want to keep it pretty subtle, a low fade is best. Here are some examples of low fades with long hair.
LOW FADE SPIKES
This style uses a low fade to make the spikes on top stand out.
This includes a line up — that crisp 90-degree hair on the temple — and gently curves behind the ear. Notice how the beard has a gentle fade as well (though you don’t need facial hair for this style).
LOW FADE BRUSH BACK
The brush-back style is a staple of contemporary men’s hair, and it’s often paired with a fade.
LOW FADE MESSY CURLS
This messy look is perfect for guys with curly hair who want to show off their hair’s texture.
A low-medium fade and a hard part allow the short, neat sides to contrast with the long, messy top.
Of course, you can go with a shorter fade if you want your curls to pop even more.
MID FADE WITH LONG HAIR (3 EXAMPLES)
A mid fade (also called a medium fade) provides balance. It’s not as subtle as a low fade but not as dramatic as a high fade. Here are some styles that utilize a mid fade with longer hair on top.
MID FADE VOLUMINOUS
If your hair is on the shorter end of the long spectrum, a medium fade might be for you.
It will make the hair on top look slightly longer, but your overall hairstyle will still look balanced. (Pairing a high fade with this length of hair can result in a look that’s too top-heavy.)
MID FADE BLOWOUT
If you’re after a super easygoing look, try a blowout with a medium fade.
The blowout on top creates a ton of volume and the fade counters that. A curved fade will have a more natural appearance, while a straight fade will be more noticeable.
MID FADE MESSY FRINGE
Mid fades are also great for adding a bit of tidiness to an otherwise messy style.
With its tousled top and long fringe, this style is extremely messy, yet the fade cleans it up nicely. (Again, the fade isn’t so extreme that the style becomes too top-heavy.)
HIGH FADE WITH LONG HAIR (6 EXAMPLES)
When it comes to fades, pairing a high fade with long hair will give you the most contrast. Here are some styles that use this combination.
These layered locs use the high fade plus a shaved line to create angular, contrasting sides. For a bit more subtlety, you could opt for a drop fade.
HIGH FADE MESSINESS
This intensely high-contrast look features a severely tousled top and extremely high faded sides.
The fade is also a skin fade, meaning it goes down to skin level. This makes it even more noticeable and creates much more contrast than a regular high fade.
HIGH FADE LOOSE QUIFF
The quiff is one of the most popular men’s hairstyles, and there are countless variations.
This one features a loose and messy quiff with the hair going in all directions. The high faded sides counter this by adding some neatness that ties the look together.
HIGH FADE FANTASY STYLE
If you’ve got extremely long hair — I’m talking longer than chin length — check out this style.
This fantasy-inspired look features a unique high fade that’s even from top to bottom. (However, it’s still a high fade because it starts high on the head.)
HIGH FADE SIDE SWEPT
Like the previous one, this style features long hair on top that’s brushed to one side and a high fade.
However, the key differences are that the hair is shorter here, and the fade is a high drop fade. It’s a bit less dramatic, but it’s still a bold one.
HIGH FADE TOP KNOT
While the top knot (or man bun) was once extremely controversial, it’s now a bit more commonplace.
It’s still not for everyone, but the top knot is a great way to easily rock long hair.
This even fade provides a balanced contrast, but you could go with a regular high fade to emphasize the top more.
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