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Top 15 Side Fade Haircuts for Men That Are Dead On

Who does not love a side fade haircut? With its sophisticated taper and sleek finish, the side fade is unquestionably one of the best cuts around right now. It is also easy to wear and can be personalized to suit your lifestyle.

Because these fade haircuts focus on the sides of the head, men are free to choose any hairstyle they want on top. There are also plenty of options across the different types of side fades. A side fade haircut is perfect for men who want a slight edge that still feels sleek.

How to Style a Side Fade

textured quiff with low side fade

To style a side fade, you first need to settle on the look you want on top. Then follow these steps:

  • Choose a shape that suits the hair on top.
  • Ask a professional barber to guide your options.
  • Decide on the side fade haircut you prefer.
  • Leave enough length on top for your chosen styling.

The side fade works with several hairstyles that continue to evolve. Below are 15 of the best side fade haircuts for men.

1. Cropped Curls with a Low Fade

cropped curly top with low side fade

A cropped cut with a low side fade is a perfect choice for making the most of the texture on top of the head. It also helps maintain a look with short length and smart shape. It’s a simple fade haircut on the sides, with the curls making it even better.

2. Curly Blowout Fade

curly blowout fade with volume on top

The blowout fade is an incredible option among side fade haircuts for men. The exceptional look works thanks to its short sides and full volume on top. It uses a quick graduation from close-cut sides to a burst of hair above.

If your face shape is broad or round, this added height is a great way to create a slimmer appearance.

3. Crew Cut with Skin Fade

crew cut with skin fade and sharp lineup

Similar to the buzz cut, a classic crew cut also benefits significantly from a new skin fade on the sides. The tapered shave adds a more fashionable and trendier look.

It also helps give the cut more shape and style. Owing to its subtlety, this side fade does not take away from the haircut’s sharp, professional appearance.

4. Slicked-Back Fade

slicked-back hair with low side fade

The side fade haircut looks great with both medium and short hair on top. The style is chic but not overly serious, and it pairs perfectly with a subtle, sleek fade. You may also want to consider a beard to help balance your look.

5. Soft Quiff with Low Fade

voluminous quiff with low fade

The low side fade quiff has a modern and stylish look. Thanks to its balance between the short sides and fuller height on top, it delivers an awesome finish. It is an excellent choice for men with long or oval-shaped faces who prefer a low fade over a high one.

6. Comb-Over Fade with Hard Part

comb-over fade with hard part

The famous comb-over is always a refreshing choice thanks to its modernized design. Above all, the side fade comb-over with hard part offers a brilliant opportunity, especially when joined with a full top. This mix provides a look that is traditionally rooted but still feels contemporary.

7. Side-Swept Pompadour Fade

side-swept pompadour with fade

Among the best options is a side-swept pompadour fade, which allows for versatility. To nail this style, all you need is a clean fade through the sides with extra length left on top.

The fade around the ears and temples keeps the look polished, while the longer top adds height, shape, and movement.

8. Textured Faux Hawk Fade

textured faux hawk with side fade

The faded faux hawk offers a great approach to wearing a low fade along with a faux hawk. The faux hawk is a less dramatic but still classic haircut.

Even though this side fade haircut features hair styled upward in a strip from front to back, it does not rely on fully disconnected or shaved sides.

9. Buzz Cut with Skin Fade

buzz cut with skin fade

The buzz cut remains a practical haircut. So, if you have any interest in rocking this super short cut, adding a fade on the sides would surely spice things up.

Using a taper offers an excellent technique for adding style and contrast to your buzz cut. Choosing a short side fade also reveals just the right amount of skin for a clean, sharp finish.

10. Messy Pompadour with Fade

messy pompadour with side fade

The pompadour is always loved because it gives an almost perfect appearance. Doing a messy pompadour offers a stylish look that feels even more structured when worn with a fitting side fade haircut.

This hairstyle is an easy choice if you want something tidy, sharp, and still stylish.

11. Short Crew Cut with Fade

short crew cut with fade

For a sharp and clean look, the short crew cut deserves extra attention. This faded style is understandably neat, and it also keeps a modern, fresh finish at the sides.

Rocking this cut requires regular trims, as even a little extra length can completely change the style.

12. Backcombed Pompadour Fade

backcombed pompadour with low fade

The slick backcombed hair with a side fade is the best upgrade to this invariably sophisticated and sharp style.

The low bald fade is an even better choice because it maintains that signature sophistication and adds a modern aesthetic.

13. Side-Parted Undercut Fade

side-parted undercut with fade

The side-parted undercut with fade is a chic and classy side fade haircut. It is always a standout performer that appears suave, allowing several combinations and styling options.

This cut works to sharpen your appearance and leads to an impressive outcome.

14. Textured Crop with Low Fade

textured crop with low side fade

Side fade remains an excellent choice for adding a stylish touch to a short haircut.

The textured crop with a low fade on the sides progressively decreases your hair length around the ears and temples, naturally drawing the eyes upward with more focus on the top. The added texture further enhances the style.

15. Textured Curls with Side Fade

textured curly fringe with side fade

Textured curls with a side fade look best when worn neatly and refined, while still keeping a youthful feel. The combination of a short taper fade alongside textured curls can create great appeal.

FAQs on Side Fade Haircuts

How long does a fade take to grow out?

How fast a fade grows out depends on the style, but most start to lose their shape within two to six weeks.

Are faded sides and shaved sides the same?

No. A fade gradually tapers the hair shorter on the back and sides as it moves down toward the neckline.Shaved sides, on the other hand, are cut much closer and create a cleaner, more dramatic contrast with the hair on top.

Is there any difference between a zero fade and a skin fade?

There is generally no real difference between a skin fade and a zero fade. Both take the hair down extremely close to the skin.

Do you want a side fade haircut that stands out? These 15 side fade haircuts for men offer sharp shape, easy styling, and strong control. Since they suit a variety of face shapes, there is a standout option here for almost everyone.

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