Low Fade vs. High Fade: Which Tapered Haircut Is Right For You?

If you’re toying with the idea of cutting your hair shorter but aren’t quite ready to commit to a buzz cut, a fade may be a great option for you. But before you hit the barbershop or salon, you’ll need to decide whether you want a low vs. a high fade. Though these two styles share some similar features, they differ in many ways, too. Knowing what you want before you settle into the barber’s chair can help ensure you’re happy with your cut. To help, we’re explaining the differences between low fades vs. high fades, plus sharing tips on choosing the right style for your hair type, texture, and preferences.

What’s the Difference Between a Low Fade and a High Fade?

A fade haircut (also referred to as a fade or taper fade) is a style that involves trimming the hair short on the sides and keeping the top a bit longer, with a gradual transition from short to long. The dual-length style allows you to showcase your natural hair texture without having to deal with caring for (and styling) a full head of hair.

There are two main types of fade: a low fade and a high fade. The difference between a low fade haircut vs. a high fade lies in how prominent the taper is. We’ll explain more about both styles ahead.

What is a low fade haircut?

With a low fade haircut, the top of the hair is left long while the sides are cut short (but usually not completely buzzed). The shortest part of the hair typically lies about a half inch or so above the ears, and the transition from the longer top to cropped sides is gradual, rather than sudden.

What is a high fade haircut?

A high fade haircut is a more dramatic cut in which the hair is closely cropped or even shaved entirely on the sides while the top is left long. Unlike the low fade, which features a gradual taper, a high fade features a more prominent transition from short to long.

Key differences between low fades and high fades

Fade placement: With low fades, the taper begins just above the ears. High fades, as the name implies, start a bit higher up—usually, the skin just above the ears is shaved, and the hair begins to taper longer near the temples.

Overall look: Low fades feature a more subtle, gradual blend than high fades, which are high-contrast and ideal for those seeking a more dramatic style.

Maintenance: High fades are a bit higher maintenance, since maintaining the look requires keeping the sides cut short. Low fades, meanwhile, are a little bit more flexible, though regular touch-ups are still needed to keep the cut looking its best.

Best for: Both low fades and high fades are suitable for all hair types and textures. However, if you have especially thick hair, a high fade may be a better option, as the shorter sides will allow for easier styling.

What Type of Fade Should You Get?

As with most beauty-related subjects, whether or not you get a high or low fade comes down to preference. Taper fades of any length are great for anyone contemplating the big chop (the process of cutting chemically-treated hair to promote the growth of your natural hair). Shaving down the sides or back of the hair offers a personalized style without the commitment of a full buzz cut.

If you’re currently working with a lot of length, a low fade may be a great option. This in-between haircut will allow you to go shorter without committing to an ultra-dramatic change. If you’d rather keep your daily styling routine as streamlined as possible, opt for a high fade—while you may need to break out the clippers more often to keep the sides cropped, it typically requires less effort to style on a daily basis.

For those still unsure which cut is best, we recommend chatting with your barber. They should be able to provide more personalized advice based on your hair type, texture, goals, and style preferences.

How To Care For a Taper Fade Haircut

Once you pick your fade style, you’ll want to make sure your haircare routine is up to par. Fortunately, fades are pretty easy to maintain—a high-quality shampoo and conditioner and a styling product or two are usually all you need to keep your hair in good shape. Below, find a few tips to help ensure your fade haircut looks its best long after you leave the barbershop.

1. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner

No matter your hair type, texture, or length, you should kick off your haircare routine with a gentle shampoo to help remove oil and product buildup. For those with short hair, we recommend opting for a lightweight option that won’t weigh down your strands. Try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Shampoo, which is suitable for all hair types. After rinsing out the shampoo, nourish your hair with the coordinating L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Conditioner to help lock in hydration for up to 72 hours without any weigh-down. If your hair tends to get oily quickly, try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Pure Purifying Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Pure Rehydrating Conditioner instead. The salicylic acid-infused shampoo helps remove excess oil and residue, while the conditioner provides lightweight hydration for soft, healthy-feeling hair.

2. Be choosy with your styling products

As we mentioned earlier, styling a taper fade is generally pretty easy—you just need to choose the right products for your hair type. If you have fine or straight hair, simply work a hair cream or putty (we love the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty) throughout your strands and let your hair air-dry. The matte finish formula gives the hair a bit of texture while providing medium workable hold. For a sleeker (and slightly retro) look, comb the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Anti-Frizz Slick Back Cream through damp hair, then comb or brush your hair back.

If your natural texture is curly or wavy, defining your natural texture with a mousse may be your best bet. The L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse adds body and hold to help keep your curls bouncy and voluminous for up to 24 hours.

3. Keep an eye on product build-up

If you lean on styling products every day, your hair may begin to accumulate product build-up. Over time, this build-up can make your hair look limp, dull, or greasy. To help remove product residue and refresh your mane, consider adding the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Pure Oil-Erasing Serum into your routine once a week. The oil-erasing formula helps remove up to 100% of scalp residue to leave your scalp feeling clean and refreshed.

4. Schedule regular touch-ups

If you like the close-shaven look of your fade, you’ll want to touch up your cut every month or so to keep your fade even. Per the Cleveland Clinic, hair grows about four to six inches per year, or about a third to a half an inch per month. That may not seem like a lot, but when your taper is only millimeters long on the sides, even a little growth can become apparent quickly. Aim to visit the barbershop once every four weeks or so to keep your cut looking its best.

Next Up: The 7 Best Haircare Tips for Men

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris