Fade To Fresh: The Stylish Comeback Of The Low Fade

Attention, gentlemen, I’m about to put you on game. If you’re looking for a haircut that can carry you from a day at the office to a rooftop happy hour with friends, I think I have just the style for you. Have you ever considered a low fade? It’s the OG haircut that literally goes with any vibe. It’s polished enough for the boardroom, yet swaggy enough for the club. The best part is that good fades grow out gracefully, so you can stretch out cuts for 2 to 3 weeks without looking unkempt. If I’ve piqued your interest, let me show you why this cut is a game-changer.

The History of the Fade

Although the fade goes all the way back to military styles from the mid-1900s, it became a staple in Black and Latino barber culture in the ’80s and ’90s. It’s still going strong in 2025 because it strikes the perfect balance. It’s dapper enough for the office, yet chill enough to vibe out on the weekend. Barbers mastered the art of blending to draw attention to their clients’ features.

Master Barber Emmanuel Garcia states, “Low fades are great for adding definition to the jawline and can be tailored to suit various face shapes, providing a sharp and clean appearance.” The low fade, which starts just above the ear and gradually hugs the back of the head, gives crisp edges while still maintaining a natural flow. Barbers at Stromberry call it “a subtle, refined look” that looks sharp, yet understated.

The length on top can vary for versatility. In the past, low fades were always short on top, but over time that has changed, and now this cut can work well on all different hair textures. Herson Rodriguez from Blind Barber Chicago says, “A low fade allows the top length to blend naturally, visually slims and lengthens the face.”

How Barbers Create the Low Fade According to Hair Texture

Straight Hair

How your barber may approach your cut: On straight hair, the low fade will probably start just above the ears and blend subtly into the longer hair on top. Most barbers will fade from a guard #1 or #1.5 into a #2 or higher, keeping the fade soft and completely blended. The finishing touches of the cut will often be done with a razor to make sure the hairline looks sharp and detailed.

How to style: Use a matte clay or texturizing paste (like ECRU New York Dry Wax, $24) to add separation and shape.

Wavy Hair

How your barber may approach your cut: For a wavier pattern, the low fade will typically taper up gradually from the nape and sides, keeping more length at the crown to show off your wave game. Blending may involve scissors, guards #2 to 3, or even both to avoid disrupting your texture.

How to style: Enhance waves with curling gel and a lightweight oil (like Ouidad Moisture Lock Mongongo Oil, $38) for frizz control.

Curly Hair

How your barber may approach your cut: For curlier locks, a tapered low fade that gently hugs the sides and allows your curls to stay full and defined up top looks best. Your barber may use the clipper-over-comb technique and avoid cutting into the curl pattern too much. The barber will likely shape the curls and clean up the cut while the curls are popping to make sure the shape looks good when it’s in its natural state.

How to style: Reach for a curl-defining cream to form the curl pattern and keep frizz at bay (like Mielle Brazilian Curly Cocktail Curl Cream, $11.99). Keeping your curls moisturized is key to maintaining the aesthetic of this cut.

Coily or Kinky Hair

How your barber may approach your cut: For tight, coily hair, the most common approach is a low skin fade with precision edge work and texture on top. Barbers often use clippers, a trimmer, and a straight razor to sharpen the hairline (often using powders and sprays to make the hairline look fuller). With this low fade, the top is usually kept super low and brushed repeatedly to bring in the waves.

How to style: Moisturize the hair daily with a wave pomade like Deep Dish Wave Pomade ($24.99), brush with a boar bristle brush, and finally, wrap and tie your hair down with a durag in the evening to set the style for the next day.

In the men’s grooming game, the low fade is a popular, go-to cut because of how it keeps you looking on point in every situation - with minimal effort. It can be customized to flatter every face shape, it works with every hair texture, and it grows out clean as a whistle. Have I proved my case yet? Let me know if you’ll be giving the low fade a try in the comments.