A fade is all about the gradient. It is the smooth, seamless transition from short hair to long hair with zero visible lines. The exact style you get is dictated almost entirely by where that transition starts on your head. Here are the four primary fade heights.

The Core Fade Types

• The Low Fade: The most subtle option. The transition starts roughly an inch above your ear and neckline. It leaves plenty of weight and texture on the sides, making it a safe entry point if you are trying a fade for the first time.
• The Mid Fade: The sweet spot. The fade begins right around the temples, landing exactly in the middle of the head. It strikes a balance—offering more contrast than a low fade without exposing as much skin as a high fade.
• The High Fade: High contrast and aggressive. The fade starts near the crown of the head, taking the hair extremely short almost all the way up the sides and back. It creates a sharp disconnect between the top and the sides.
• The Drop Fade: The architectural option. Instead of wrapping around the head in a straight line, the fade is deliberately dropped behind the ear to create a smooth, curved arc. It adds motion and structure to the cut.

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