Medium fade hairstyles have by now become a firm staple in men’s grooming. These cuts are not too bold and not too subtle, and are stylish, versatile and practical. The medium fade is a great fade that can be hot or cold, classic or modern.
What Is a Medium Fade?
The medium fade is a medium cut trim between the high fade’s twisted dramatic taper and bassiany low fade. It gradually tapers the hair halfway up the sides and back, but the hair line is a clean line. It goes with almost any face shape and looks good with just about any hairstyle on top — including big, textured crops or a nice pompadour.
The medium fade is also a practical medium. It allows the overall hairstyle to be sharp and light weighted and the bulk around the sides can be reduced thereby offering versatility for casual and formal settings.
Top 10 Medium Fade Hairstyles for Men
The Classic Medium Fade
The classic medium fade is classic and versatile and great for a man who prefers simplicity. This cut works great for straight or slightly straight hair and there’s a seamless gradient here blending into a longer top. The clean edges and lack of maintenance make it go to choice.
Medium Fade textured crop
A mid fade done alongside a textured crop work wonders to deliver a sleek and very trendy look. This has a blunt crop on top, so it’s good for the thicker headed men.
Medium Fade Slicked Back Top
Vintage style lovers the slicked back top with medium fade is a sophisticated look. For the guys with straighter hair texture, this style easily spiffs up from the office and can take you from day to night outings.
Curly Hair Medium Fade
This look shines from Curls, as the medium fade provides structure while allowing for the top’s natural texture to show through. If your curls are tight or loose, this style traps bulk on the sides while highlighting your mixed texture.
Pompadour with Medium Fade
The modern pompadour is a big top with prominent sides. This one is great for men that sport thick and straight hair and want a bold, stylish look.
Spiky Medium Fade
Spiky medium fade is great because it adds volume and texture and adds a little size on top of just sort of fine or thin men. For a modern, upbeat appearance, it’s a favorite.
Medium Fade with a Hard Part
A hard part—a slick sharp shaved line—elevates your medium fade. This detail is great for our comb overs, faux hawk, or even textured styles to add a neat edge to any cut.
Low Afro with Medium Fade
The medium fade compliments the natural shape of the low Afro for those rocking a low Afro. The gradual taper puts a Greek slant on those textures while also tamping down the Afro’s thickness for a clean silhouette.
Medium Fade with a Fringe
Streets styles inspired looks often include fringes. Medium fade with textured fringe creates a fabulous hair cute for men with wavy or thick hair, because it looks trendy and fashionable.
Undercut Medium Fade
If you’re after something a little more edgy, the undercut medium fade offers a high contrast shave combined with a stylish top. The bold look is just right for experimenting, highlights, intricate designs or unique textures.
Why Choose a Medium Fade?
It isn’t only a haircut, it’s a sign of personal expression. Versatile enough to suit any personal aesthetic from classic refinement to current sensibilities, its expression is as subtle as one like. The medium fade is a great foundation for however you choose to style your hair whether it’s for a polished pro look.
In case you’re ready to step your grooming game up, just remember to take the medium fade into consideration, it could be just the cut for you!
Mia Patel is a grooming expert focused on men's health and skincare, sharing advice on products, routines, and tips for a polished look.
