Low Fade vs. Mid Fade vs. High Fade: What's Actually the Difference?

"Just give me a fade" is the least useful thing you can say to a barber, because a fade is a technique, not a look — where it starts on your head changes the entire haircut. Here's the short version.

Low fade: the fade starts just above your ears, close to your hairline. It's the most conservative option — subtle, works with almost any office dress code, and doesn't draw much attention on its own. If you want a fade but you're not ready to commit to one, start here.

Mid fade: the fade starts around the temple, roughly halfway up the side of your head. This is the one most people picture when they say "fade" — enough contrast to look sharp, not so aggressive that it reads as a statement. It's the safe, correct default for most face shapes.

High fade: the fade starts well above the temple, sometimes close to the top of your head, leaving a shorter, tighter overall silhouette with maximum contrast between the top and the sides. It's the boldest of the three and pairs well with more volume or texture on top to balance it out.

None of these are "better" — they're a dial, not a ranking. If you're not sure which one fits your face shape and hair type, that's exactly what the consultation at the start of every visit is for. Bring a photo if you have one, or just say "somewhere between low and mid" and we'll figure out the rest in the chair.