The mid fade men’s haircut, also called the medium fade, creates a gradual taper that begins around the temples or midpoint of the head. The result is a balanced transition from longer lengths on top to shorter sides and back.
It sits between high and low fades, which is why it works with most hair types and face shapes. From boardroom professionalism to street texture, the mid fade covers a wide range of styles.
What is a Mid Fade Haircut?
A mid fade starts at the midpoint between the temples and the ears. The taper blends down the sides and back to frame the top.
The appeal of the mid fade lies in its versatility:
- Works across straight, curly, coarse, and fine hair.
- Adapts from office to off-duty.
- Complements most face shapes.
Popular Mid Fade Men’s Haircuts for 2025
Explore popular mid fade variations for 2025 across hair types, face shapes, and styling preferences.
Mid Fade Side Part
The mid fade side part men’s haircut combines a fade that starts at the temples with a defined part on top. A mid fade means the hair gradually shortens from the middle of the head down, creating a clean contrast.
This modern side part suits oval, square, and heart-shaped faces, especially with straight or wavy hair. Style by blow-drying along the part, then finish with pomade or cream. Maintenance: barber visits every 2–3 weeks.
Brush Back Mid Skin Fade
The brush back mid skin fade creates bold contrast by tapering the sides all the way down to bare skin. A skin fade means the shortest section blends into the skin, leaving nothing visible at the base. On top, hair is left three to five inches long, enough to brush back with volume using a hairdryer.
This look works best for thick, straight, or wavy hair and flatters oval or rectangular faces. Sea salt spray helps build lift, and matte paste keeps the style in place. Maintenance: touch-up every 10–14 days.
Mid Fade Buzz Cut
The mid fade buzz cut is a sharp yet simple option. The top is clipped short with clippers (usually a #2–#4 guard, or about ¼–½ inch long), while the sides taper down from the temples. Sometimes the fade drops all the way to skin for extra definition.
The fade’s mid placement makes the head shape look more balanced, especially for round faces. Styling is optional for this buzz type, though a matte cream or powder can reduce shine. Maintenance: about every 2 weeks.
Mid Fade Comb Over
The mid fade comb over blends a temple-level fade with a longer top that is styled neatly across to one side. A comb over means the hair is parted and swept sideways, creating a clean, refined shape.
With two to four inches of length on top, the style holds structure without looking heavy. It works especially well on oval, square, and heart-shaped faces and adapts to straight or wavy hair.
Style by blow-drying across the part, then set with pomade or molding paste. Maintenance: refresh the fade every 2–3 weeks.
Curly Top Mid Fade
The curly top mid fade keeps the sides short with a fade starting at temple level, while leaving the top longer to show off curls. A mid fade means the blend begins halfway up the head, framing the curls with sharp contrast.
This curly cut highlights natural texture, making it ideal for oval, diamond, and heart-shaped faces. Style by applying curl cream to damp hair, then dry with a diffuser to define the curls. Maintenance: fade touch-up every 2–3 weeks; trim the top with scissors to preserve curl shape.
Mid Drop Fade Haircut
The mid drop fade haircut curves behind the ear instead of following a straight line, giving the fade a contoured look. A drop fade means the fade literally drops down in the back, following the head’s shape for a rounded outline.
The drop fade suits oval and square faces, especially with styles that need extra space on top like pompadours or textured crops. Use a round brush and matte cream for volume, or a curl product if hair is naturally textured. Maintenance: every 2–3 weeks to keep the curve neat.
Mid Fade Spiky Haircut
The mid fade spiky haircut combines short, faded sides with a textured top styled upward into spikes. The fade begins at the temples, which keeps the haircut balanced, while one to three inches of hair on top provide enough length for spiking.
This spiky hairstyle works best with straight hair and gives round or oval faces sharper definition. Apply matte paste or lightweight gel to create separation and hold. Maintenance: trim and fade refresh every 3 weeks.
Mid Skin Fade Buzz Cut
The mid skin fade buzz cut blends a short, uniform top with sides tapered to bare skin. A skin fade means the shortest part is shaved down completely, creating maximum contrast with the top. The crown is usually clipped with a guard length of #2–#4 (¼–½ inch).
This faded buzz style flatters angular face shapes by emphasizing strong lines. It requires little or no styling, though matte powder can control shine on fine hair. Maintenance: touch-up every 2 weeks to keep the fade line sharp.
Dreadlock Burst
The dreadlock burst mid fade pairs a burst fade around the ears with longer locks on top. A burst fade means the fade fans out in a semicircle around the ear, creating a curved outline. This contour frames the dreadlocks cleanly while keeping the style fresh.
This dreads style works well on oval or diamond face shapes, balancing the volume on top. Locks follow their usual care routine, while the fade should be touched up every 2 weeks to keep the curve defined.
Mid Skin Fade
The mid skin fade is a bold option where the taper starts at temple height and blends all the way to bare skin. The clean sides create strong contrast that makes the top stand out, whether it’s curly, brushed back, or cut into a crop.
By sharpening the jawline and cheekbones, this skin fade style is especially flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces. Style with matte paste for texture or pomade for polish. Maintenance: every 10–14 days.
Executive
The executive mid fade blends a clean temple-level fade with a neatly styled top, usually brushed back or parted to the side. The executive label refers to its business-friendly finish, refined enough for a professional hairstyle but still modern.
Hair on top is kept three to four inches long for controlled styling, which works best on straight or slightly wavy textures. Use a light pomade or cream to hold shape without stiffness. Maintenance: fade touch-up every 2–3 weeks keeps it sharp.
Mid Fade Haircut for Short Hair
The mid fade haircut for short hair is a simple, low-maintenance style where the fade starts at temple height and tightens cropped cuts like the Caesar or French crop. This fade removes weight at the sides, keeping the look clean while the top stays short and tidy.
This short cut is especially effective for men with round faces, since the tighter sides add length to the profile. A small amount of matte paste can define the fringe if desired. Maintenance: barber visit every 2–3 weeks.
Mid Fade Faux Hawk
The mid fade faux hawk creates a ridge of height through the center while the sides fade down from temple level. A faux hawk is a toned-down version of the mohawk, keeping the middle spiky without shaving the sides completely.
Two to four inches of hair on top is enough to shape the hawk, making it ideal for oval or round faces that benefit from extra height. Style with matte clay or paste for lift and texture. Maintenance: fade every 2–3 weeks.
Modern Mid Fade Mullet
The modern mid fade mullet updates a retro cut by pairing sharp faded sides with longer hair in the back. The fade curves neatly around the ears at temple height, keeping the profile clean while still leaving length at the rear.
Wavy or curly hair shows this mullet cut best, though straight textures can be layered for flow. Sea salt spray adds grip to the back, while matte cream shapes the front. Maintenance: fades every 2 weeks; longer back trims less often.
Mid Fade Design
The mid fade design turns the sides into a canvas, combining a fade that drops to skin with etched patterns or lines. A design means barbers shave artistic details into the fade, from sharp graphics to subtle curves.
The top is usually kept short or medium so attention stays on the artwork. Straight or wavy hair makes designs most visible, though curls can work with sharper etching. Maintenance: designs last 1–2 weeks before softening.
Mid Fade Pompadour
The mid fade pompadour fuses vintage style with modern sharpness. The fade begins just above the ears while the top is left longer, usually four to six inches, and blown upward and back into a rounded shape.
The pompadour is a classic look that builds height in front, flattering oval and heart-shaped faces. Blow-dry with a brush for lift, then set with pomade or cream for shine and hold. Maintenance: fade touch-up every 2–3 weeks.
Burst Mid Fade Mohawk
The burst mid fade mohawk pairs a curved fade around the ears with a strip of longer hair through the center. A burst fade means the taper fans out in a semicircle behind the ear, giving the haircut a bold, rounded outline. The mohawk section can be worn curly, spiked, or brushed up for height, making it versatile.
This look suits oval and square faces, where the arc and central volume sharpen features. Style with curl cream for coils or matte clay for spikes. Maintenance: barber visit every 2 weeks to keep the burst fade clear.
Mid Taper Fade
The mid taper fade softens the edges by narrowing the hair around the sideburns and neckline instead of fading to skin. A taper means the shortest hair is still visible, giving a more conservative finish than a skin fade.
This taper style works well on square faces, where a gradual taper reduces harsh angles. It fits cropped cuts or longer combed styles, and requires minimal product, matte cream or powder is enough. Maintenance: touch-ups every 3–4 weeks, longer than a skin fade.
Mid Fade Samurai Bun
The mid fade samurai bun combines a clean fade at temple level with longer hair tied into a bun on top. The fade removes bulk at the sides, while at least six inches of length on top allows the bun to tie securely.
Inspired by the traditional warrior style, it works best for men with straight or slightly wavy hair who want a mix of discipline and individuality. A lightweight cream helps control flyaways and keep the bun neat. Maintenance: fade every 2–3 weeks; top trims only as needed.
Mid Temp Fade
The mid temp fade focuses the taper around the temples, tightening the hairline while leaving more fullness on the sides. A temp fade (short for temple fade) highlights the corners near the forehead and cheekbones, giving the cut a sharper frame without removing too much bulk.
This temple fade suits oval or round faces that benefit from more definition. Styling is minimal, matte paste or cream can add separation on top. Maintenance: every 2–3 weeks.
Mid Fade Slick Back
The mid fade slick back pairs a fade starting just above the ears with longer hair combed straight back. The slicked back hair leaves three to five inches on top, styled with a brush or comb for a smooth finish.
This slick back variation works best on medium to thick straight hair and flatters oval and square faces by emphasizing symmetry. Pomade or cream provides shine and control. Maintenance: fade touch-up every 2–3 weeks, top trims every month.
Mid Burst Fade
The mid burst fade creates a rounded fade that curves out around the ears at mid height. A burst fade means the taper forms a semicircle instead of a straight line, giving the sides more contour.
This faded style pairs well with bold tops like mohawks, curly crops, or pompadours because the arc adds movement to the silhouette. It flatters oval and heart-shaped faces by balancing the profile. Maintenance: barber visit every 2 weeks to keep the burst shape defined.
Textured Crop Mid Fade
The textured crop mid fade blends short, faded sides with a layered top cut for natural movement. A crop means the hair is cut close and forward, often with a slightly choppy fringe. The mid fade removes bulk at the temples, sharpening the outline.
This textured style suits oval and square faces and works best on straight or wavy hair. Style with matte clay, finger-shaping for texture. Maintenance: trims every 3 weeks.
Mid Fade Hard Part
The mid fade hard part adds definition by combining a temple-level fade with a shaved line that separates the top from the sides. The hard part is a barbered line etched into the scalp, giving the style a graphic divide.
A hard part and mid fade work well on comb overs or crops, making the haircut look more structured. Straight or slightly wavy hair holds the part best, and pomade or paste keeps the top sleek. Maintenance: refresh every 2–3 weeks to keep the part visible.
Mid Fade Textured Quiff
The mid fade textured quiff blends a temple-level fade with a longer top styled upward and back. A quiff is a lifted front section that adds volume, giving the haircut a retro-inspired shape. The mid fade balances the extra height by keeping the sides neat.
This quiff style flatters round and oval faces, elongating the profile. Blow-dry with sea salt spray for lift, then finish with matte paste. Maintenance: fade every 2–3 weeks.
Tousled Hairstyle
The tousled mid fade combines a clean taper on the sides with a looser, textured top. Tousled simply means the hair is styled to look slightly messy, giving a relaxed finish. The fade keeps the outline sharp while the longer crown adds movement, making it ideal for oval or heart-shaped faces.
Wavy hair works naturally, while straight hair can be roughed up with salt spray. Maintenance: fade refresh every 2–3 weeks; top trims as needed.
Mid Fade with Waves
The mid fade with waves blends a temple-level fade with the wave hairstyle carved into the top. In this context, waves refers to short, ripple-like patterns brushed into coarse or curly hair using a brush and durag. The fade frames the waves, giving the cut clean edges and a balanced look.
This wave variation works best for oval or square faces, where the taper highlights symmetry. Daily brushing and moisturizer keep the wave pattern defined. Maintenance: fade refresh every 2 weeks.
Windswept Hairstyle
The windswept mid fade pairs a mid-level taper with longer hair on top styled back and outward. Windswept simply means the top looks pushed by the wind, with natural flow and texture.
This windswept style works well for men with straight or wavy hair and suits oval or heart-shaped faces that benefit from added height. Use sea salt spray and matte cream to hold direction without stiffness. Maintenance: fade every 2–3 weeks; trim the top monthly.
Mid Fade vs Low Fade vs High Fade
The mid fade haircut sits between the two other popular fade placements: low and high. A low fade begins just above the ears, blending subtly into the top for a softer, more classic look. A high fade starts much higher, near the crown, creating dramatic contrast with the hair on top.
The mid fade lands in the middle, beginning around temple height. This makes it versatile: sharper than a low fade but less extreme than a high fade, which is why barbers recommend it as the most balanced option.
How to Ask Your Barber for a Mid Fade
Getting the right fade comes down to clear communication. Here’s how to make sure your barber understands what you want:
- Say “mid fade” clearly. Explain that you want the fade to start around temple height.
- Mention the top length. Let them know how much hair you want to keep, whether it’s short for a buzz or longer for styling.
- Describe the neckline. Decide if you prefer a natural neckline, a skin fade, or a clean taper finish.
- Show a photo. Bringing a picture is the fastest way to match your vision.
- Ask for advice. A good barber will guide you on what works best for your face shape and hair type
Recommended Hair Products for Mid Fade Haircuts
The right products make styling easier and help maintain the fade’s shape:
- Sea Salt Spray: Adds natural texture and lift before blow-drying.
- Matte Paste or Clay: Provides hold with a dry finish, perfect for textured crops or quiffs.
- Pomade: Gives shine and control for slick backs or comb overs.
- Styling Cream: Light hold that keeps the top soft and natural.
- Powder: Quick volume and separation, ideal for refreshing between washes.
Barbers often suggest starting light with product and adding more only if needed. This keeps the haircut looking effortless instead of over-styled.
Elevating Your Style with a Mid Fade
The mid fade haircut is one of the most versatile looks in modern men’s grooming. By tapering the sides at temple height, it creates a balanced outline that works across hair types and face shapes. Whether paired with waves, a messy fringe, or a pompadour, the mid fade provides clean edges while leaving room for individuality.
The style’s strength lies in its adaptability. A barber can tailor the fade to enhance sharpness, soften proportions, or highlight texture. With routine upkeep every two to three weeks and a few well-chosen products, the mid fade remains sharp, flexible, and consistently in step with men’s style trends.
