In the world of men’s haircuts, the fade isn’t a new trend — it’s been around since the 30s. Long hair on men has also been a thing for a long time.
But the combination of a fade with long hair is relatively new. This bold combo started to gain popularity in the early 2010s and has been in style since. Going for a fade with long hair is an instant upgrade. The contrast of “long on top, short on the sides” takes this style to the next level.
You’ll usually see this combo styled in a certain way. The hair on top is swept up into a thick, messy quiff, and the sides are shaved for extra flair. But there are many ways to style long hair with a fade. These less common variations may not be as popular, but they show that the style can be done beyond the usual.
Here’s a closer look at what a fade with long hair means and how to get it.
What is a Fade?
A fade is a gradual decrease in hair length on the back and sides of the head. In a fade, the hair is longer on top and shorter at the bottom, with a smooth transition.
The term “fade” is often used interchangeably with “taper,” but there’s a slight difference between the two. Don’t get confused. In practice, a fade means extremely short sides that create a more dramatic transition between hair and skin. Fades have more contrast than tapers, so they’re a bolder choice.
Also, be aware of the different types of fades. There are many, and you want to ensure you get the right one for your look. Low-fade haircuts are different from zero-fade haircuts, and both are different from drop-fade haircuts. Knowing these variations will help you communicate with your barber or stylist better.
How to Blend a Fade With Long Hair?
Blending a fade with long hair is similar to blending a fade with short hair, but there are some key differences. For the purpose of this guide, “long hair” means hair that’s 4 inches or longer.
In the end, it all comes down to how you style a fade with long hair, the length of your hair, and the style you want to achieve. There are some general rules, but they can be adjusted to your personal preference.
General Rules for Blending a Fade with Long Hair
Fade Gradation
A general rule of thumb is the longer your hair, the more gradual (and subtle) your fade should be. This way, you create a seamless transition from the longer hair on top to the shorter sides. But if you want an extremely high-contrast look, you can disregard this rule. A bold fade can be a statement piece, especially with longer hair.
Fade Types
Some fades are more common with longer hair. Low and medium fades are the most popular, as they provide a balanced look that won’t overwhelm the longer hair.
Low Fade: This type of fade starts just above the ears, creates a subtle transition, and works well with longer hair on top. It’s a versatile option for many styles.
Medium Fade: The medium fade starts at the temples and contrasts more, but still looks good with longer hair.
High fades, drop fades, and skin fades are less familiar with longer hair. These fades are for bolder and more adventurous looks as they create more contrast that can overpower the length of the hair on top.
Consider Your Hair
Your hair type also matters when blending fade with long hair.
Thick, Straight Hair: If you have thick, straight hair, you might want a shorter fade. A shorter fade will prevent the sides from looking too long and maintain the silhouette.
Thin Hair: If you have thin hair, you might want a longer fade. A longer fade will add some weight and volume to your hair, creating the illusion of thicker hair and a more cohesive look.
More Tips for Blending a Fade with Long Hair
Ask Your Barber: When blending a fade with long hair, always ask your barber. They will give you personalized advice based on your hair type, face shape, and style.
Bring Reference Photos: If you have a style in mind, bring reference photos to your appointment. This will help your barber understand what you want, and you’ll get what you want.
Try Products: Once you have your fade blended with long hair, try out different products. Pomades, waxes, and texturizing sprays will help you achieve various styles, from sleek and polished to messy and textured.
Low Fade With Long Hair
If you want a subtle fade that blends with longer hair, a low fade is a good choice. This style creates a smooth transition from the longer hair on top to the shorter sides and looks balanced and polished. Here are some examples and details of low fades with long hair.
Low Fade Spikes
One way to style a low fade with long hair is with spikes on top. This look combines the edge of spiky hair with the elegance of a low fade and is good for many occasions.
Style Details
The low fade in this style highlights the spikes on top and lets them pop. The fade starts just above the ears, creating a subtle contrast with the longer hair.
A key point of this style is the line-up, a 90-degree angle at the temples. This sharp detail adds definition to the hair and makes it look clean and polished.
The fade curves behind the ear create a seamless transition and add a touch of sophistication. This soft curve keeps the style stylish but not too dramatic.
Beard Consideration
Notice that the beard in this style has a fade, too. Facial hair can add to the overall look, but it’s not necessary for this style. You can look good with or without facial hair.
More Tips for Low Fade with Long Hair
Product: To get the spiked look, use a strong-hold product like pomade or wax. These will help you create and maintain the shape all day.
Maintenance: Regular visits to your barber are required to keep the low fade fresh. As your hair grows, the fade will need to be touched up to maintain the lines and overall look.
Try Length: Depending on your hair type and style, you can try different lengths of the spikes on top. Longer spikes will give a more dramatic look, and shorter spikes will provide a more subtle everyday style.
Low Fade Brush Back
Brush-back is a classic modern men’s hairstyle that looks great with a low fade. This combination is sophisticated, polished, versatile, and stylish.
Low Fade Brush Back Details
Top Focus: The low fade is designed to focus on the hair on top while still having a presence. This means the fade won’t compete with the longer hair, and the brush back will be the star. The result is a clean and refined look that shows off the texture and volume of the hair on top.
Styling the Brush Back: To achieve the brush-back look, apply a styling product, such as pomade or gel, to damp hair. Use a comb or your fingers to brush the hair back from your face. You want a smooth and sleek finish that shows off the length and volume of the hair.
Versatility: The low fade brushback is very versatile. You can wear it for casual or formal occasions. You can adjust the amount of product and the sleekness to suit the occasion for a more relaxed or polished look.
Hair Type
Low fade brushback works with straight, wavy, and slightly curly hair. However, the styling technique may vary depending on your hair type. For example, those with thicker hair may need a stronger hold product to keep the style in place, while those with finer hair may use a lighter product to avoid weighting it down.
Low Fade Messy Curls
Low-fade messy curls are a great option for men with curly hair who want to show off their hair’s natural texture while still looking stylish and modern. This combination gives a playful yet polished look that can be worn for any occasion.
Low Fade Messy Curls Details
Texture: This messy look is designed to show off the texture of curly hair. The longer curls on top are dynamic and lively, and the fade on the sides is clean and contrasts with the overall style.
Low-Medium Fade: This style uses a low-medium fade, starting just above the ears and tapering down. This type of fade allows for a smooth transition from the longer curls on top to the shorter sides, creating a balanced look that’s stylish and low-maintenance.
Hard Part: Adding a hard part to the style gives a sharp detail that separates the short, neat sides from the long, messy top. The hard part can be styled to one side, creating a defined line that adds to the overall shape of the haircut.
Customization
Shorter Fade for More Contrast: If you want your curls to show more, go for a shorter fade. A shorter fade will give more contrast between the top and sides, and the curls will pop and grab attention.
Curl Length and Styling: The length of the curls on top can be adjusted to your liking. Longer curls will give a more dramatic and voluminous look, while shorter curls will give a more low-maintenance and subtle look. To style, use a lightweight curl cream or mousse to enhance the natural texture without weighing it down.
Extra Tips
Product: Use products formulated for curly hair to maintain definition and reduce frizz. Look for curl-enhancing creams or gels that hold without making the hair feel stiff.
Embrace the Messy Look: The beauty of low-fade messy curls is their relaxed and carefree vibe. Don’t be afraid to make your curls messy; this adds character and uniqueness to your look.
Mid Fade With Long Hair
A mid fade is also known as a medium fade, between subtle and dramatic. It’s not as low as a low fade, not as high as a high fade. This is perfect for those who want to blend longer hair on top with shorter sides and still look cohesive. Here are some styles that work well with mid-fade and longer hair on top.
Mid-Fade Voluminous
One style that works well with mid-fade is the voluminous look. If your hair is shorter or longer, a medium fade might be the way to go.
Length Illusion
A mid-fade creates the illusion of slightly longer hair on top, giving your hairstyle more volume. This is good for those with medium-length hair, so you have more styling options without overwhelming the overall look.
Balanced
Mid-fade keeps your hairstyle balanced. By not going for a high fade, which can make the hair on top look too top-heavy, a mid-fade ensures your overall look is harmonious. This balance is especially important for those with shorter, longer hair so the style doesn’t look disproportionate.
Styling
With a mid-fade, you can try different styles on top. Whether you like slicked-back, textured waves, or a messy quiff, mid-fade is a versatile base that works with varying textures and lengths of hair.
Extra Tips
Product: To get the voluminous look, use a volumizing mousse or spray on damp hair before styling. This will lift the roots and give more volume. For added texture, a light styling cream or pomade can enhance your style without weighing it down.
Face Shape: Mid fade is generally good for most face shapes, but it is always good to consult with your barber about what works best for you. They can help you with the fade and length on top to suit your face.
Mid Fade Blowout
If you want a super easy and stylish look, try a blowout with mid-fade. This combo is relaxed yet polished and works for casual or formal occasions.
Mid-Fade Blowout Features
Volume on Top: Blowout on top gives volume and makes your hair look lively and dynamic. This added height not only enhances your overall look but also draws attention to the texture and movement of your hair.
Curved vs. Straight Fade
When you have mid fade with the blowout, you can choose between curved fade and straight fade:
Curved Fade: A curved fade is more natural, as it follows the shape of your head and blends with the longer hair on top. This style is more subtle and creates a softer transition.
Straight Fade: Straight fade is more noticeable and creates a harsher line between the longer hair and the faded sides. This is great for those who want a bolder statement.
Extra Tips
Blowout: To get the blowout look, start with damp hair and apply a volumizing mousse or spray. Use a blow dryer with a round brush to lift the roots and volume. Direct the airflow upwards to enhance the blowout.
Product: After blow drying, use a light styling cream or texturizing spray to maintain the volume and definition. Avoid heavy products that will weigh down the blowout and kill the lift.
Mid-Fade Messy Fringe
Mid-fade messy fringe is great for those who want to look relaxed and tousled but still tidy. This style combines the messy fringe with the structured mid-fade, a balanced and stylish option for any occasion.
Mid-Fade Messy Fringe Features
Tousled Top: The messy fringe on top is tousled and carefree. This style is relaxed and perfect for casual or laid-back situations. The longer fringe can be styled to fall on the forehead or swept to the side, adding to the messy look.
Balanced Cleanliness: Mid-fade adds a touch of tidiness to the messy style. By keeping the sides shorter, the fade creates a clean contrast that frames the face and keeps you looking groomed. This balance prevents the hair from getting too top-heavy and allows the messy fringe to shine without overwhelming the look.
Versatile: Mid-fade messy fringe works for different hair types and lengths. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, this style can be customized to enhance your natural texture and give you a modern edge.
High Fade With Long Hair
When it comes to fades, high fade with long hair is the most dramatic. This bold combination contrasts the longer hair on top and the shorter sides, perfect for those who want to make a statement. Here are some styles that work with this combination:
High Fade Locs
One of the styles that features high fade is the high fade locs. This is especially defining in many black men’s hairstyles and shows the versatility of locs with high fade.
Layered Locs
A high fade looks great with layered locs. The longer hair on top stands out, while the sides are shorter. This contrast adds to the overall look and dimension of the hairstyle.
Shaved Line Detail
Adding a shaved line to the fade gives the look an angular, edgy feel. This detail creates a sharp contrast between the locs and the faded sides, making the hairstyle more interesting to look at.
Subtle Options
If you want a more subtle approach, you can opt for a drop fade instead of a high fade. A drop fade gradually lowers the fade towards the back of the head, giving a softer transition while still providing a stylish contrast with the locs.
Extra Tips
Maintaining Locs: Regular maintenance is key to keeping your locs looking fresh and healthy. Retwist the roots as needed and moisturize the locs to prevent dryness.
Product: Use lightweight products for locs to maintain the shape and prevent buildup. Avoid heavy products that can weigh hair or cause residue.
High Fade Messiness
High fade messiness is an extremely high-contrast look, with a severely tousled top and extremely high faded sides. This bold style is for those who want to make a statement and go carefree and edgy.
High-Fade Messiness Features
Severely Tousled Top: The top of this style is messy and tousled. This is achieved by using products that add texture and volume so that the hair looks like it’s not styled at all. The tousled top is playful and perfect for casual or adventurous occasions.
Extremely High-Faded Sides: The sides of the style have extremely high fade, which means the hair is cut very short, sometimes up to the temples or even higher. This creates a big contrast between the long, messy hair on top and the shorter sides, highlighting the texture and volume of the hair on top.
Skin Fade: In this style, the fade is often skin fade, which means it goes down to the skin level. This type of fade makes the transition even more dramatic and creates more contrast than a regular high fade. Skin fade adds to the edginess of the look, perfect for those who want to make a statement.
High Fade Loose Quiff
A high-fade loose quiff is a stylish and modern haircut that combines the classic quiff with a twist. One of the most popular men’s hairstyles, quiff, has many variations, and this style stands out for its relaxed and laid-back vibe.
High Fade Loose Quiff Features
Loose and Messy Quiff: The top of this style is a loose and messy quiff. The hair is styled to go in many directions, creating a playful and dynamic look. This tousled effect adds movement and texture, perfect for those who want to look laid-back yet stylish.
High Fade Fantasy Style
If you have very long hair—longer than chin length—try the high fade fantasy style. This bold look combines the high fade with the drama of long hair, resulting in a one-of-a-kind hairstyle.
High-Fade Fantasy Style Features
Very Long Hair: This style is for those with long hair that goes past the chin. The length gives you many styling options, from sleek and straight to wavy or curly, to express your personal style.
Unique High Fade: This style’s high fade is special because it has an even transition from top to bottom. While it starts high on the head, the fade is blended smoothly, creating a seamless look that enhances the overall style. The evenness adds a modern touch and ensures the fade doesn’t overpower the long hair.
Fantasy Inspired: The high-fade fantasy style often takes inspiration from fantasy themes, so it’s perfect for those who want to be adventurous or artistic. This style is great for those who express themselves through their hair.
Additional Tips
Maintain Length and Health: With long hair, you have to prioritize hair health. Regular trims are necessary to prevent split ends and maintain the shape of the hairstyle. Use deep conditioning treatment to keep your hair moisturized and looking good.
Style: The long hair on top can be styled in many ways to fit your mood or occasion. You can wear it down for a laid-back look, pull it back into a ponytail for a more refined look, or braid it for a twist. Try different styles to see what works for you.
High Fade Side Swept
High fade side swept is a stylish and modern haircut that combines the sophistication of longer hair on top with the clean lines of high fade. It is perfect for those who want to look polished but still edgy.
High Fade Side Swept Features
Long Hair on Top: Same as the previous styles, this has longer hair on top that’s brushed to one side. The side-swept look adds sophistication and can be styled in many ways, from sleek and polished to textured and messy.
Shorter Hair Length: Unlike the high fade fantasy style, the hair on top in this style is shorter. This makes it easier to maintain, but it still has enough length to create the side-swept effect. The shorter length also makes it more refined, making it perfect for casual and formal occasions.
High Drop Fade: The fade in this style is a high drop fade, meaning it starts high on the head but drops lower towards the back. This type of fade is less dramatic than a traditional high fade but still bold. The drop fade adds a twist to the overall style, making it more modern.
High Fade Top Knot
A high-fade top knot is a stylish and modern haircut that combines the practicality of a top knot (or man bun) with the clean lines of a high fade. The top knot was once taboo, but now it’s more accepted in men’s fashion. This style is perfect for those with long hair who want a chic and easy way to manage their hair.
High Fade Top Knot Features
Top Knot or Man Bun: The top knot is when you gather your hair into a bun or knot at the crown of the head. This style allows you to manage long hair while keeping it away from your face and neck, perfect for many activities. The top knot can be styled tight for a sleek look or loose for a more relaxed vibe.
Emphasize the Top: If you want to emphasize the top knot even more, you can go for a regular high fade instead of an even fade. A regular high fade will create more contrast and make the top knot the focal point of the style.
More Style Tips
Top Knot: Start with clean and dry hair. Gather your hair at the crown of your head and tie it with a hair tie. For a more refined look, twist the hair before wrapping it into a bun. For a more relaxed look, let some strands fall loose around your face.
