The mid fade haircut is a clean and cool look that works for almost every guy. It starts around the middle of the sides—right near your temples—and blends smoothly into the hair on top.
It’s not too low, not too high, just right in the middle. That’s why it’s called a “mid” fade!
This style is great because it looks neat for work but still cool enough for weekends. It fits with many haircuts, like short crops or longer styles, and it’s easy to keep looking sharp. If you want a fresh look that’s stylish but not too flashy, the mid fade is a great choice.
In this guide, we’ll show you the best mid fade haircuts that are simple, stylish, and easy to wear every day.
Popular Mid Fade Haircuts
Spiky Hair with Mid Taper Fade
This style is full of energy and edge. The top hair is styled into short, spiky layers that give it a fun and bold look.
The mid taper fade keeps the sides neat by blending the hair gradually around the temples and ears.
This smooth mid fade taper adds a clean shape without going too short, making it perfect for school, work, or play.
This mid fade taper style is perfect for a casual or cool look. It keeps things fun on top and fresh on the sides.
Short Hair with Mid Fade
Short Hair with Mid Fade is a clean and easy style that blends short sides with a neat top. The mid fade starts around the temples and gives a smooth, balanced look.
It’s simple to style, low-maintenance, and perfect for everyday wear. This cut works well for all face shapes and keeps you looking sharp without much effort.
Mid Fade with Design
This haircut adds fun and style to your look with cool lines or shapes shaved into the fade. The mid fade starts around your temples and blends down smoothly. It keeps things neat while the design makes it stand out.
Great for showing a bit of personality!
Long Curly Hair with Mid Skin Fade
Got long curly hair? This style keeps the top full and bouncy while the sides fade down to the skin.
It’s a mix of natural curls and a clean, sharp finish. The mid skin fade makes it look fresh and tidy without losing your curls’ charm.
Buzz Cut with Mid Fade and Beard
This is a simple but bold style. The hair on top is super short, the sides fade in the middle, and the beard adds a strong touch.
It’s easy to take care of and always looks clean. Perfect if you want something quick, sharp, and manly.
Mid Skin Fade
This haircut fades the sides all the way down to the skin, starting around the middle of your head. It gives a fresh, clean look and works great with short hair on top.
It’s one of the best styles if you like things tidy and easy.
Mid Temp Fade
The mid temp fade starts right at your temples and blends down gently. It makes the area around your ears and sideburns look super neat.
It’s perfect if you want a clean edge without fading too high or too low.
Trendy Parted Style with Mid Fade
This style has a nice part on one side and a smooth mid fade on the sides. It looks neat, modern, and cool for school or work.
Easy to style in the morning and perfect if you like a smart, put-together look.
Long Textured Fringe with Mid Fade
This haircut keeps the front long and messy in a good way, while the sides are faded for a clean finish.
The mid fade balances the whole look. It’s great if you like your hair to feel chill but still look fresh.
Mid Burst Fade
This fade curves around your ears like a burst of style. It looks really cool and works well with mohawks or short curls.
The burst fade adds a bit of fun without being too much—perfect if you want something different but still clean.
Mohawk with Burst Mid Fade
This bold style keeps the middle strip of hair tall and full, while the sides fade away in a round, burst shape.
It’s wild up top but clean on the sides. Great for anyone who wants to show off a confident, cool look.
Side Part with Mid Fade
A classic side part never goes out of style, and the mid fade gives it a modern twist. It’s neat, easy to comb, and perfect for any event.
This cut is great if you like to look sharp without trying too hard.
Short Slick Back with Mid Fade and Beard
This hairstyle is perfect for guys who want a clean, grown-up look without doing too much. The hair on top is slicked back with a bit of product, giving it a smooth, shiny feel.
The mid fade keeps the sides looking sharp and balanced, while the beard adds a cool and mature edge.
It’s neat, stylish, and easy to manage for everyday life or special occasions.
Mid Fade with Brushed Forward Waves
This cut is made for guys who love soft waves and texture. The top hair is styled forward with natural waves.
This adds movement and shape to the overall look. The mid fade adds a clean transition on the sides, keeping everything neat.
It’s a perfect match for wavy or curly hair, giving you a fun and relaxed style that’s still easy to wear.
Modern Mullet with Mid Fade
The modern mullet is a fun twist on a classic. The hair is longer at the back for that classic mullet look.
The mid fade on the sides adds a clean and stylish touch. The top can be textured or slightly messy for an easygoing vibe.
This cut is great if you want something different but still cool, neat, and trendy.
High Volume Brush Back with Mid Skin Fade and Beard
This style is bold and full of confidence. The top has lots of volume, brushed straight back for a full, lifted look.
On the sides, the mid skin fade fades all the way down to the skin, keeping it fresh and sharp. Add a well-shaped beard for a polished style.
It’s great for making a strong impression.
Mid Drop Fade
The mid drop fade is a clean and stylish fade that drops low behind the ear, following your natural head shape.
It starts at the middle of the head and curves downward, giving it a rounded, smooth effect. It works great with many hairstyles, from curls to crops.
If you like your haircut to be different but still easy to wear, this one’s for you.
Quiff with Mid Fade
This hairstyle mixes fun and elegance. The quiff gives you volume and height on top, while the mid fade keeps the sides short and clean.
It’s great for styling with a bit of product to keep your hair up and in place. Whether you’re heading to school, a party, or just out and about, this look gives you that extra boost of style.
Mid Fade with Twists or Coils
This look is made for guys with natural texture—whether it’s tight twists, coils, or small curls. The hair on top stays full and shaped, while the mid fade on the sides keeps the look neat and fresh.
It’s easy to care for and has lots of character. This makes it great for anyone who wants to show off their natural hair and still look stylish.
Mid Fade with Hard Part
This cut is all about clean lines and easy style. The hard part is a shaved line that adds a sharp, modern detail to the top.
Paired with a smooth mid fade, it gives your haircut more structure and personality. It’s a simple update that makes a big difference, especially if you like a sleek, polished finish.
Mid Fade with Pompadour
This one is a throwback with a modern twist. The pompadour has lots of volume, styled high and back on top. The mid fade on the sides keeps everything clean and balanced.
This haircut is great if you want something classic yet trendy. It suits guys who don’t mind putting in a bit of effort to style their hair.
💈 Looking for More Hair Inspiration?
Flat Top with Mid Fade
The flat top is a strong and bold style where the hair stands tall and flat across the top. It’s a fun, retro-inspired look that really stands out.
The mid fade keeps the sides short and smooth, giving the haircut a sharp shape overall. Best for guys who want a cool, unique cut that shows off their personality.
What Is A Mid Fade?
A mid fade is a stylish men’s haircut where the fade starts around the middle of the head, right near the temples. The hair gradually shortens on the sides and back.
This creates a clean, smooth blend into the skin or shorter hair. It’s not too high, not too low — just the perfect middle ground, which makes it easy to wear and easy to love.
This haircut, often called a “medium fade,” suits many styles on top. It works great for short, long, straight, or curly hair. The mid fade adds a sharp, modern touch while still keeping things classic. It’s a favourite in barbershops for guys who want something neat, trendy, and easy to maintain.
You can also ask your barber for variations like a skin fade, drop fade, or burst fade to make your mid fade more unique.
Whichever version you pick, the mid fade offers a neat, balanced appearance. It works well for both casual and professional settings.
Types of Mid Fade Haircuts
There are many types of mid fade haircuts that give you different looks, while still keeping that clean, blended style.
- Mid Skin Fade: The mid skin fade starts around the middle of your head and fades all the way down to the skin. It gives you a sharp, fresh look with a strong contrast between the sides and the hair on top. This style is bold, clean, and great for guys who like their haircut extra crisp and modern.
- Mid Drop Fade: The mid drop fade curves behind the ear and drops a little lower in the back. It creates a smooth, rounded shape that makes your haircut stand out. This style is perfect if you want something trendy but still easy to wear with any hairstyle on top.
- Mid Burst Fade: The mid burst fade has a cool, rounded effect that fades out around the ear in a semi-circle shape. It’s often paired with mohawks or curly styles and gives your haircut a fun, bold feel. If you want something that pops without going too wild, this fade is a solid choice.
- Mid Temp Fade: The mid temp fade focuses on the temples, tapering just the front sides of your head while leaving the back alone. It’s a small change that makes a big difference—cleaning up the edges while keeping your natural shape. Simple, subtle, and super stylish.
- Mid Taper Fade: The mid taper fade gently blends the hair around the middle of the sides and back, keeping more length compared to a skin fade. It gives a soft, clean look without going too short. This type is perfect if you want a classic fade that’s neat but not too extreme—great for school, work, or everyday wear.
How to Style the Men’s Mid Fade
Styling a mid fade haircut is easier than it looks! Whether your hair is short, long, straight, or curly, the mid fade gives you a clean base that works with almost any style on top.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you style your mid fade and keep it looking fresh every day.
1. Start with clean, towel-dried hair
Wash your hair and pat it dry with a towel. Hair that’s slightly damp is easier to shape and style. If your hair is thick or curly, apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to help control frizz.
2. Choose your styling product
Use the right product based on the look you want:
- Pomade or gel for a slick or shiny style
- Clay or wax for a matte, textured finish
- Cream or mousse for soft hold and natural flow
Pick a light hold for casual styles or strong hold for sharp, sculpted looks.
3. Shape the top to match your style
The top is where you get to be creative. Comb it back, spike it up, brush it forward, or leave it messy—it’s all up to you. The mid fade keeps the sides neat, so whatever you do on top will stand out more.
4. Keep the fade fresh
The fade doesn’t need much daily styling, but you should visit your barber every 2–3 weeks to keep the blend clean. A quick edge-up or taper tune-up will help your haircut look sharp and balanced.
5. Optional: Add a beard or lineup
Pairing your mid fade haircut with a beard or clean line-up adds extra detail to your look. Ask your barber for a lineup or skin fade at the temples for a bold finish.
Final Tips:
- Use a blow dryer for volume or direction if needed.
- Don’t use too much product—it’s better to add a little at a time.
- Nighttime? Use a satin cap or brush down to keep your style in place.
The Evolution of the Mid Fade Hairstyles
The mid fade didn’t just appear overnight—it grew slowly over time. Back in the 1940s and 1950s, soldiers wore short, clean haircuts that faded around the sides.
It wasn’t called a mid fade back then, but that’s where the idea started. In the 1960s and 70s, barbers got creative with clippers. They blended the sides smoothly and added more shape and style to haircuts.
By the 1980s, fades became super popular—especially in hip-hop culture. People wanted sharp lines and clean fades, and the mid fade became one of the best choices. In the 1990s, the mid fade got more attention as a nice middle style—not too high, not too low. It worked with all kinds of looks.
In the 2000s and 2010s, the mid fade became a barbershop favourite. It looked good on nearly everyone.
Today, in the 2020s, the mid fade is one of the most popular men’s haircuts. You can mix it with curly hair, straight hair, beards, or even longer styles. It’s clean, cool, and easy to keep looking fresh. That’s why the mid fade keeps getting better with time.
Our Thoughts on the Mid Fade Haircut
The first time I got a mid fade haircut, I was a little nervous. I had always picked basic styles, but I wanted something new that still looked clean.
When the barber started blending the sides around the middle of my head, I could already see how fresh it looked. It wasn’t too high or too low—just the perfect balance.
After the cut, I looked in the mirror and smiled. It made my face look sharp, and the top part of my hair was easy to style. I could leave it messy, comb it back, or even spike it up a little.
It felt cool but not over-the-top. Since then, I’ve stuck with the mid fade. It’s easy to keep up, it works with almost any look, and honestly—it just makes me feel more confident.
Conclusion
The mid fade haircut is more than just a trend—it’s a clean, balanced style that works for almost everyone.
It gives a fresh and modern look. It’s easy to maintain, simple to style, and looks good on all face shapes and hair types.
If you’re looking for a haircut that’s cool, neat, and always in style, the mid fade is a smart choice. Once you try it, there’s a good chance you’ll stick with it—just like many others have.
FAQs About Mid Fade Haircut
What is better, mid or low fade?
It really depends on what kind of look you like. A low fade starts lower near the ears and gives a softer, more subtle blend—great for a classic or professional style. A mid fade starts around the temples and gives a cleaner, more balanced look with a bit more edge. Both are great—it just comes down to your personal style and how bold or simple you want your haircut to be.
Is mid fade attractive?
Yes, the mid fade is very attractive! It’s clean, stylish, and works with all kinds of hair—short, long, curly, or straight. The smooth blend around the sides makes your face look sharper and neater, which is why many guys choose it. It’s one of the most popular haircuts in barbershops today because it looks good on almost everyone.
How long does a mid fade last?
A mid fade usually stays looking fresh for about 2 to 3 weeks. After that, the fade starts to grow out, and the clean blend isn’t as sharp. A quick trip to the barber for a touch-up can bring it right back. It’s a low-maintenance style but looks best when kept trimmed regularly.
Can a mid fade work with any hairstyle?
Yes, that’s one of the best things about a mid fade! It works with so many styles—spiky hair, curls, slick backs, messy tops, or even long fringes. The fade on the sides keeps everything clean, so you can be creative with the top however you like.
Is a mid fade good for first-time haircuts?
Definitely! A mid fade is a great choice if it’s your first time trying a fade. It’s not too high or too low, so it gives a nice balance. It looks neat and stylish without being too bold. This makes it perfect for school, work, or trying something new.
