The drop fade features a modern twist on the classic fade, defined by its curved line that drops behind the ear. The drop fade adds contour, structure and a sharp finish to a wide range of hairstyles. This style is extremely versatile and works well for those seeking a subtle, professional look or those looking to try out bold, trendy styles.
What is a Drop Fade?
A drop fade is a haircut where the taper drops lower behind the ear, following the natural curve of the head. This style creates more of a contrast than a regular fade, adding depth and shape to the face. The drop fade works well with many hairstyles including curls, waves, pompadours, quiffs and buzz cuts.
Drop Fade vs Regular Fade
The difference between the drop fade and regular fade is that a regular fade follows a straight line around the head, whereas the drop fade lowers at the back and curves around the ear. A drop fade is great for those seeking a more stylish, defined look that frames the head shape.
Key Considerations for a Drop Fade
Hair Type
The drop fade works well on almost all hair types, especially straight, wavy and curly. Textured hair determines whether the fade looks sharp or blended.
Face Shape
A drop fade is great for those with round faces as it can help elongate the face by adding height. Pairing the drop fade with a beard or longer top will help balance square and oval faces.
Maintenance Level
Drop fades need barber visits every 2-3 weeks to stay sharp.
Personal Style
Drop fades can be adapted to everyone’s personal style. Opt for a subtle drop fade for a more professional look or if you are looking for something bolder, incorporate a design on to the drop fade.
11 Stylish Drop Fade Haircuts
1. Classic Drop Fade
The classic drop fade features a faded line that curves downward behind the ear, following the natural curve of the head, rather than maintaining a straight, horizontal line. This style creates a softer, more contoured look and adds depths, offering a more stylish and natural appearance. Seen on celebrities such as Jack Harlow.
Best for – the classic drop fade is a great option for those with oval, square or round faces who want a more structured look.
Styling tip – blow-dry the longer top for more volume and finish with a pomade or clay for structure.
2. Drop Fade with Curly Top
A drop fade with a curly top features a progressively shorter length of hair on the sides and back which curves down in a noticeable ‘drop’ pattern towards the nape of the neck. The top is left long enough to style defined curls, which creates a dynamic contrast between the neat, structured sides and the voluminous curls on top. Seen on celebrities such as Michael B. Jordan.
Best for – this is a great option for those with naturally curly hair who want to showcase their hair’s volume and texture.
Styling tip – define the curls with a curl cream or sea salt spray, then use a scrunching technique to encourage volume.
3. Low Drop Fade
This low maintenance style features a gradual blend from long hair on top to short hair on the sides, starting low on the head and curving down and behind the ears in a continuous line. The fade begins low on the sides of the head, just above the hairline and curves to create a clean and polished appearance. Seen on celebrities such as Zayn Malik.
Best for – the low drop fade is a great option for those with finer hair as it can help add volume and fullness.
Styling tip – for a more defined finish, apply a clay to the hair and shape with your fingers.
4. High Drop Fade
The high drop fade features very short hair on the sides and back, with the fade line starting high near the temples and curving downward around the ears and back to create a dramatic drop shape. The fade provides a striking contrast between the longer hair on top and the short sides and back. Popularised by celebrities such as Brad Pitt.
Best for – this is a great style for those with diamond and square faces as the high fade can accentuate sharp angles.
Styling tip – use a sea salt spray or mousse to add grip and texture.
5. Drop Fade with Pompadour
This stylish haircut features a voluminous, high-swept pompadour on top combined with a fade that curves down behind the ears. The drop in the fade adds a contemporary edge to the traditional pompadour which results in a noticeable contrast. This style is extremely versatile and can be adapted to be sleek or textured. Seen on celebrities such as Zac Efron.
Best for – this style works best for those with medium to thick hair as it provides the volume needed for a pompadour.
Styling tip – blow-dry the hair upwards and use a round brush for more volume, finish in place with a pomade or paste to shape the front of the hair.
6. Drop Fade with Quiff
A drop fade with quiff incorporates a short, tapered fade on the sides and back that curves and drops lower behind the ears. The top hair is left long, to be styled into a voluminous quiff. This provides a strong contrast between the clean-cut sides and the long top. Seen on celebrities such as Tom Holland.
Best for – this style works best for those with straight to wavy hair that can hold volume.
Styling tip – apply a volumising product and focus on the roots for lift and then shape the quiff upwards and forwards.
7. Drop Fade Buzz Cut
The drop fade buzz cut combines a uniform, very short buzz cut on the top with a fade that curves downwards and dips lower behind the ear. This style blends classic and modern elements which creates a neat, clean appearance. Seen on celebrities such as Travis Kelce.
Best for – this is a great option for those looking for a low-maintenance, neat look.
Styling tip – regular trims every 2-3 weeks will keep the style looking fresh.
8. Mid Drop Fade
This style features a fade that starts midway down the sides and back of the head, extending downwards and curving naturally behind the ear. The hair on top remains longer which allows more versatility when styling. The fade begins at the middle of the head, around the temples and seamlessly blends into the longer hair on top. Seen on celebrities such as Cole Palmer.
Best for – this style is a great option for those with oval, round and heart shaped faces as they can benefit from its balanced contouring.
Styling tip – use your hands and the product to style the longer fringe on top.
9. Drop Fade with Afro
The drop fade with afro incorporates shorter sides and back, faded from a longer length on top down to the skin and dropping down behind the ear and neck. The top is left long and full, maintaining the natural volume and texture of the afro. The drop creates a smooth transition from the longer curls on top. Seen on celebrities such as Damson Idris.
Best for – this style is great for those with naturally textured and afro hair.
Styling tip – request a rounded shape on top to compliment the drop fade.
10. Drop Fade with Hard Part
A drop fade with hard part combines a fade that curves downwards behind the ears with a hard part, a precise razor-cut line defining a distinct section of hair. This results in a structured, geometric hairstyle with a sharp contrast between the faded sides and the distinct parting. Seen on celebrities such as Cristiano Ronaldo.
Best for – this style is a great choice for those with curly or coily hair as the fade adds contrast between the longer hair on top.
Styling tip – apply a small amount of gel to the hair on top, directing it away from the hard part with a comb to achieve a slick look.
11. Drop Fade with Dreads/ Twists
A drop fade is a versatile haircut for both dreadlocks and twists. It creates a clean and sculpted look by dropping the line lower in the back. Paired with dreadlocks on the top, the drop fade enhances the shape of the head and blends seamlessly into the longer dreads and twists on top. Seen on celebrities such as Jaden Smith.
Best for – this style is best for those with high volume hair on top as it provides structure and depth to the style.
Styling tip – ensure your dreads and twists are well-moisturised and protected. Consider using a satin pillowcase to prevent unravelling.
Tips for Maintaining a Drop Fade
Book Regular Touch-Ups
Booking in every 2-3 weeks will keep your fade looking sharp.
Use the Right Styling Products
Using the right styling products is key when it comes to drop fades. Matte pomades are great for those with pompadours or quiffs as they will help hold the hair in place. For those with textured hair, use a curl cream to help enhance the curls natural movement.
Keep Hairlines Sharp
Lining up the edges will result in a fresh, defined look.
Book Your Drop Fade Haircut at Rush
If you are looking to change up your style or need your drop fade sharpened, book into your closest Rush salon.
FAQ's
What is a drop fade haircut?
A drop fade haircut features hair on the sides and back that is gradually shortened and curves down behind the ear.
What’s the difference between a drop fade and a taper fade?
The difference between a drop fade and a taper fade is that a drop fade involves the hair length progressively getting shorter around the ear which creates an arched line that drops lower at the back of the head. Whereas a taper fade gradually decreases in hair length, blending into the skin.
Does a drop fade suit curly hair?
Yes, a drop fade suits curly hair. The style’s natural downward curve can enhance the volume and texture of wavy or curly hair.
How often should I get a drop fade touched up?
You should aim to get your drop fade touched up every 2-3 weeks to keep it sharp.
Can I combine a drop fade with a beard?
Yes, a drop fade works extremely well with a beard, the combination creates a balanced and stylish look.
Which face shapes suit a drop fade best?
A drop fade suits a variety of face shapes, but it particularly enhances round, oval and square faces.
