Most men who walk into a Manhattan barbershop and say “a fade” want the middle one. Not the skin tight drama of a high fade, not the barely there edge of a low fade. The medium fade sits right in between and works with a suit, a hoodie and a hard hat.
A medium fade haircut starts the blend about halfway up the sides of the head, around the top of the ear, and fades down to a number 1 or skin at the bottom. A short fade keeps the whole cut tighter and lower. Ask your barber for the height, the bottom guard and the length on top.
What is a medium fade haircut?
It is a fade whose transition begins around the middle of the sides, roughly level with the top of the ear or just above it. Below that line the hair steps down to a short length. Above it the hair stays longer and blends into the top.
On the head, it looks balanced. The sides are clearly short, the top has room to be styled and the fade is visible from the front and the side without taking over the whole cut. It is the cut we are asked for most, and it is a safe pick for a first fade.
It is also a good middle point if you are choosing between a low and a high fade. If you want to compare the heights side by side, our mid taper fade article shows why the middle height wins so often in Manhattan.
Who does a medium fade suit?
Nearly everyone. It works on straight, wavy and curly hair, and it suits most face shapes because the blend sits at a flattering height.
Round faces benefit because the short sides narrow the silhouette, especially with height on top. Square faces look balanced, since the fade softens the corners. Long faces should keep a little more length on the sides and avoid too much height on top. Thinning hair also looks better with a fade, since short sides make the top look fuller.
At work, a medium fade passes in most offices when it is blended well and kept tidy. It reads as grooming, not a statement. If you want to go more formal, ask for a number 2 at the bottom instead of skin, which softens the contrast.
How to ask for a medium fade
Tell your barber four things: the height, the bottom guard, the length on top and the style. “Medium fade, skin at the bottom, two inches on top, brushed back” is a clear request.
| What to say | Meaning | Typical choice |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Where the blend starts | Medium, level with the top of the ear |
| Bottom | How short the shortest part is | Skin for contrast, number 1 for softer |
| Top | Length left on top | 2 to 4 inches |
| Neckline | Shape at the back | Tapered, not blocked |
Our fade haircut is $35, and a hot towel neck finish is included on every haircut. See our fade haircuts for the full menu of low, mid, high and skin options. If you are not sure whether you want a fade or a taper, our shadow fade is the subtle choice for conservative offices.
What is a short fade haircut?
A short fade keeps the sides and the top cropped close, so the whole head looks neat and tight. The blend is gradual because there is little length to blend.
It is the ideal choice for men who want low maintenance and a clean outline. It works well with a crew cut or a short textured top, and it makes a short beard look sharp. If you are choosing between the two, read our crew cut guide. For an even shorter version, buzz cut fade ideas shows what a close crop with a low fade looks like.
Short fades grow out in a clean way, but you will see the line fading in about two weeks. If you like the sharp finish, plan to visit every two to three weeks.
How does a medium fade compare with other heights?
A low fade starts near the ear, a medium fade starts at the top of the ear and a high fade starts above the temple. The medium is the compromise, with a visible contrast and a flexible top.
A high fade is more dramatic and shows more skin, and you can read about it in our high taper fade guide. A drop fade curves behind the ear and suits tighter textures, which we cover in the drop fade guide. A low fade is the quietest and the best choice if you have never had one.
If you wear a beard, the fade can connect with it. A medium fade with a short boxed beard is one of the cleanest pairings, and you can see how to get the beard right in the short boxed beard guide.
Styling and keeping a medium fade fresh
Plan on a touch up every two to four weeks, depending on how tight you want the fade. The sides show growth first, and the blend softens before the top needs attention.
For styling, a small amount of paste or clay on dry hair is enough. Comb or push the top back, to the side or forward, depending on your hairline. Wash every other day if you use product regularly. If the fade starts to look rough between cuts, a line up and edge up at $18 resets the outline.
The Sharp Edge package, a line up plus a beard trim, is $30 and keeps the face looking sharp between full haircuts.
Book a medium fade at Deja Vu in Murray Hill
Deja Vu Barbershop is at 101 E 34th St, New York, NY 10016, between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue. A fade haircut is $35 with a hot towel neck finish, and our barbers are New York State licensed with 15+ years of experience on the team. For more combinations, see our barber packages.
We are open Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm, closed Saturday. Walk ins are welcome, or book online. Call (212) 576-1062. To compare every height before you sit down, browse the fade haircut options.
Questions readers ask
What is a bald fade haircut?
A bald fade, or skin fade, goes all the way down to bare skin at the bottom. It gives the sharpest contrast and needs the most frequent touch ups.
Who invented the fade haircut?
There is no single inventor. The fade developed in barbershops over the 20th century, with military cuts and Black barbershop traditions both shaping the style.
What does a fade haircut look like?
The hair is short at the bottom of the sides and the back and gets gradually longer as it moves up the head. The blend is smooth, with no hard line.
Can I cut a fade at home?
You can try with a good clipper and guards, but the blend is the hard part and takes practice. Most men get a better result from a barber and use home trims for the edges.
What does a mid fade look like?
The blend starts around the top of the ear and runs down to skin or a short guard. The top stays longer and is styled however you like.
What does a high fade look like?
The blend starts high on the head, near the temple, and shows more skin. It is a bold, sharp look.