Skip to content

What to Tell Your Barber for a Low Fade

Low fade hairstyle with a curly top on a man with black coily hair and a beard, side view
Low fade hairstyle with a curly top on a man with black coily hair and a beard, back view
Low fade hairstyle with a curly top on a man with black coily hair and a beard, three-quarter view
Low fade hairstyle with a curly top on a man with black coily hair and a beard, front view
Low fade hairstyle with a curly top on a man with black coily hair and a beard, close-up of the fade from ear to temple
Side · 1 of 5

Low Fade · Side

1 of 5

Say this at the chair

A low fade with the curls kept on top: the fade starts just above the ear, sponge-ready length on top, lined up at the front.

Top
Two to four centimetres (about ¾ to 1½ inches), curls kept and defined.
Sides
Low fade starting just above the ear, skin to a number 2 (#2 guard, about 6 mm, ¼ in).
Back
Fade matched to the sides, tapered at the neck.
Styling
Curl sponge or cream on damp hair, pick for volume. Three minutes.
Grow-out
The fade needs a refresh every two to three weeks. The top can keep growing.

Guides about this cut

Briefs for similar cuts