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20 Cool High Top Fade Haircuts

While there are plenty of great barbershops out there to provide you with a traditional cut, some guys may want to try something a little different. That’s where high top fade haircuts come in. If you are still choosing how high to go, compare a low fade vs. high fade. Popularized in the late 1980s and early 1990s, it is still making some waves and has been on trend for several years.

Furthermore, the fade creates a sharp contrast between the shorter sides and the longer top, giving you a sophisticated and trendy look. Plus, it is easy to style and can be tailored to suit any face shape.

However, a fade cut with a hi-top is definitely not for everyone, but it is unquestionably worth considering if you’re looking for a stylish and cool haircut.

High Top Fade Haircuts You Can Try

1. Ponytail with a Drop Fade

high top drop faded haircut
Dragon Images/Shutterstock.com

Drop fade haircuts are a great way to change your look without going through the hassle and expense of a full-blown hair transformation. This ponytail style is perfect for those who want to add some funky, edgy style but still want something that can be pulled off easily.

2. Pigtails with a High Top Fade

high top fade with pigtails
Luna Vandoorne/Shutterstock.com

This hi-top hairdo features a pigtail on top of your head styled with skin fades on the side. The best part about this style is that it’s effortless, so you don’t have to worry about it looking perfect all the time.

3. Spiky High Top 

Spiky High Top Fade
@vahid_silva

Trimming on the sides and back creates a clean and sharp contrast, which is good enough to make you look younger even if you have silver facial hair. The spiky fade style is achieved by cutting off sections of your hair to keep the top high, and then spikes are created by working a strong-hold gel or wax through the top, using a blow-dryer for extra lift.

4. Rounded Pompadour Fade 

high top faded pompadour

Pompadour fade style for long top hair is versatile enough to suit nearly any face shape and can be adapted to any hair type. It is also flattering on all skin tones, making it a great choice for anyone looking to update their look.

5. Curly High Top Fade

Curly High Top Fade
@pabruh_cutz

This hairstyle is a great option for those who have naturally curly hair, as it will help to accentuate your curls. This hi-top fade on curly hair is also versatile enough to be worn in a variety of settings, from the office to the night out.

6. Faded High Flat Top 

High Flat Top Fade for Matured Men
@dogboxbarbershop

People with medium-thick hair will have plenty of volume and definition with the faded high flat top hairstyle. It combines a classic high and tight with a fade on the side. The trimmed upper part gives you a natural look, while the level, upright top makes it more structured than a pompadour.

7. High Swept-Back Top with a Skin Fade

Raised textured hair swept back above a skin fade
@sachabulich

Whether you are looking for a casual or formal look, the swept-back haircut gives you the opportunity to style in different ways. The longer hair on top will need some hair gel or hair cream to keep the hair in place, while the trimmed faded side will rock you with a clean look.

8. Long Spike with a Shaved Side

high top fade with beard
Gerain0812/Shutterstock.com

If you’re looking for a new style that is unique and daring, then you should consider fading your side and growing the front hair into a long spike. Whether you are going for a rebellious vibe or just want to experiment with a new look, this style is perfect for you.

9. Blurry Fade with a Bun

High Top Fade with Bun
@simply.faded_

This hairstyle can add some length and texture to the hair without spending hours in the salon. The blurry fade can be worn with a suit for a more formal look or with jeans and a t-shirt for a more relaxed look. In addition to that, the man bun gives a moderate volume, and the thinned side ensures that the hair is well-groomed and styled.

10. Upright Locs with a Fade and Line-Up

Black men with short upright locs above faded sides and a sharply edged hairline
@polocutz

If you’re looking for an affordable way to add some life to your loc style while achieving a clean and sharp look, try faded lineups. These styles rely on thinned hair on the side and a razor edge on the forehead.

11. Red-Orange High Top with a Shaved Line

Multi-Colored High Top Fade
@moohammad_hamze

If you’re looking to add extra spice to your hairstyle and want to try something unique, you can try a fiery top with a razored line. The red hue sets it apart from other hairstyles and can increase confidence and uniqueness.

12. Flat-Top Afro with a Curved Shaved Line

High Top Fade with Design
@lolodocorte_

While a high flat top adds volume and thickness to the hair, the designed lineup adds dimension and personality. It is perfect for those who want to add a little edge to their appearance, and it’s also a great way to show off your natural hair texture.

13. Copper Comb Over with a Skin Fade

High Top Fade with Hard Part
@erikathebarba

This style creates a sharp contrast between the short sides and the longer top, while the part adds a bit of a classy look. This particular hi-top fade with part hairstyle is best suited for those with straight or slightly wavy hair, and you can use a hair gel or cream for a more elegant look.

14. Flared High-Top Afro Fade

Hip Hop High Top Fade
@leo_santos_cabeleireiro

The hip-hop style afro fade is a great choice for people who want to show off their natural African hair. Whether you’re looking for a bold, new look for yourself or you want to stand out from the crowd, these styles are sure to turn heads.

15. Brushed-Up High Top

Brush Up High Top Fade
@alejandro_visualvip

The brushed-up hairdo is an effortless style, which you can do every day in no time. It features a high fade that is blended on the top, which is then styled up and away from the face. The result is a clean and sophisticated look that can be dressed up or down as needed.

16. High Top Braids

High Top Fade with Cornrows
@ophelia__7

The high top braids with fade are great for people with medium to long hair, and they can add some glamorous style to their look. However, it is a bit hard to maintain as you need to use hair products to keep the hair clean.

17. Fluffy Afro High-Top Fade

High Top Fade Afro
@@afro_fade_connects

The fade will add a modern touch to your classic African-American hi-top hairstyle. Whether you wear it in a traditional Afro style or in a more contemporary style, this faded haircut can be a great option for any African-American man.

18. Purple Undercut Fade

Dyed High Top Fade
@asprilla_barber

The key to pulling off a dyed faded undercut with a high top is making sure that the color is well-coordinated. Further, pairing your purple hair with muted clothing is both eye-catching and stylish, eventually making the style stand out.

19. Silver-Tipped Flat-Top Fade

High Flat Top Fade with Dyed Tips
@tigrao_stylus_barber_

This style is great for those who want to keep their hair color looking fresh but don’t want to commit to a full hair dye job. The dyed tips will certainly add some extra flair to make your hairstyle more dramatic.

20. Compact Coily High-Top Fade

Nappy High Top Fade
@stillpicasso

This compact coily high-top fade keeps the natural coils dense and shaped on top. The faded sides keep the outline clean and defined.

All in all, the high top fade is a versatile haircut that can be styled in a number of ways to suit any man’s taste. Whether you’re looking for a classic or modern look, it is a great option. With so many different ways to style this haircut, you’re sure to find a look that you love.