10 Stylish Mid Fade Haircuts

The mid fade is a balanced haircut that sits between the low fade and high fade. The fade begins midway up the head, striking the perfect balance between subtle and bold. This style is extremely versatile and can work in casual and professional settings. The mid fade suits all hair types including straight, wavy and curly and can be paired with a wide range of styles including buzz cuts and pompadours. In this article, we’ll break down the best mid fade variations, from classic to modern, and show you how to style them to match your personality and lifestyle. We’ll cover options for different hair lengths, face shapes, and textures, plus give you styling tips and inspiration photos so you can walk into the barber’s chair with confidence.

What is a Mid Fade?

A mid fade’s taper starts halfway up the head, blending the sides into the longer hair on top creating more of a contrast than a low fade. The mid fade is a lot more subtle than a high fade and is popular for being universally flattering and customisable.

Mid Fade vs. Low Fade vs. High Fade

The low fade starts just above the ears for a subtle, understated look whereas the high fade starts near the temples, creating a sharper, bolder style. The mid fade is the perfect middle ground, offering both structure and versatility. 

Key Considerations for Mid Fade Haircuts

Hair Type

When it comes to hair types, straight hair showcases the sharp fade line clearly. Curly and wavy textures add a natural contrast and volume on the top. Mid fades are also great for those with thick hair as they reduce bulk on top while keeping shape.

Face Shape

Mid fades are a great choice for those with round and oval faces as they help add definition. Combining the mid fade with a beard for those with square or diamond face shapes to help balance proportions.

Maintenance Level

The mid fade is a clean and precise style, which means regular upkeep is key to keeping it looking sharp. Since the fade grows out quickly, most people will need to visit the barber every 2–3 weeks to maintain that crisp blend.

Top 10 Mid Fade Haircuts

1. Mid Fade with Buzz Cut

A mid fade with buzz cut features a uniform, short length on the top and a gradual blend of decreasing hair length on the sides, starting from the middle of the head down to the skin or lowest setting. This modern style is manageable and combines the simplicity of a buzz cut with the sharp, clean transition of a mid fade. Seen on celebrities such as Zayn Malik. 

Best for: This is a great choice for those with round, heart or diamond face shapes who want a bold, low maintenance look. 

Styling tip: Keep your look sharp by scheduling trims every 2-3 weeks. 

2. Mid Fade with Textured Crop

This style incorporates short, layered hair on top with a choppy texture and sides and a back that are gradually tapered from the skin to a slightly longer length around the temple and ears. This cut is known for being low maintenance with minimal daily styling required. Seen on celebrities such as Cole Palmer. 

Best for: This is a great option for those with medium to thick hair as it creates more volume on the top. 

Styling tip: Use a sea salt spray to enhance volume and movement.

3. Mid Fade with Pompadour

A mid fade with pompadour features hair swept up and back from the forehead, forming volume at the top while the sides and back are faded in a gradual, mid-height transition which typically starts around the temples, creating a balanced contrast between the short sides and longer top. Seen on celebrities such as David Beckham.

Best for: This style is best for those with square and round face shapes as the added height can help balance facial features.

Styling tip: Blowdry the hair upward with a round brush to build volume and height in the front. 

4. Mid Fade with Quiff

This style features short, tapered sides that blend gradually upwards, with a significantly longer, voluminous top that is styled into a lifted, textured quiff at the front. The fade starts at the temples and creates a balanced transition into the longer top. Seen on celebrities such as Andrew Garfield. 

Best for: This is a great style for those with short to medium length hair as the length provides enough hair to create the volume and texture needed for a quiff.

Styling tip: Ask your stylist for at least 3-5 inches of length on top to provide enough volume for a strong quiff.

5. Mid Fade with Caesar Cut

The mid fade with caesar cut features a classic caesar top with a short, textured fringe and a mid-length fade on the sides, where the hair gradually shortens from the temples to the nape of the neck. This combination offers a balanced and stylish look. Seen on celebrities such as Justin Bieber. 

Best for: This is a great option for those with thinning or receding hairlines as the textured fringe creates a fuller appearance. 

Styling tip: Apply a textured clay or paste to the hair and use your fingers to style the fringe.

6. Mid Fade with Curly Top

This style features voluminous curls on the top that gradually shorten and blend with the skin midway down the sides and back of the head. This style balances structured, clean edges with the natural movement and volume of curly hair. Seen on celebrities such as Michael B Jordan.

Best for: This is a great choice for those with naturally curly hair as it allows for maximum movement and personality. 

Styling tip: Use a curl cream to help define curls and add bounce.

7. Mid Fade with Afro

The mid fade with afro combines voluminous, naturally curly or coily hair on top that fades gradually on the sides and back, starting at the mid-point of the head and getting progressively shorter towards the neck. This creates a sharp look by offering a smooth transition from the dense afro to a closely cropped outline. Seen on celebrities such as Donald Glover.

Best for: This is a great option for those with naturally curly hair looking for a low maintenance style that still offers structure and height.

Styling tip: Hydrate the curls with a leave-in conditioner and use your hands to scrunch and define the curls. 

8. Mid Fade with Hard Part

A mid fade with a hard part features hair that gradually shortens on the sides to the middle of the head, creating a clean blend, combined with a shaved line that defines the hairs parting on the top. This style provides a sharp and structured look with the hair being separated into two distinct sections. Seen on celebrities such as Justin Timberlake. 

Best for: This is a great choice for anyone looking for a sharp and modern hair cut that still maintains a level of neatness and sophistication.

Styling tip: Use your fingers to comb and shape the hair, finish with hairspray to hold in place. 

9. Mid Fade with Spiky Hair

This style features short, neatly faded sides and a back that gradually increase in length and transitions into a longer, texturised top that is styled upwards into sharp, edgy spikes. The mid placement of the fade starts around the temples, blending smoothly into the longer hair at the top. Seen on celebrities such as Chris Hemsworth. 

Best for: This is a great choice for those with medium to thick, straight hair but can be adapted for those with curly hair by using specific styling techniques and products.

Styling tip: Use your fingers to twist and pull sections of hair upwards and away from the scalp to create defining spikes.

10. Mid Fade with Slick Back

A mid fade with slick back features the classic shorter, faded sides that transition into a longer top. This style features longer hair on top that is blow-dried backwards and slicked down with a pomade or clay to create a classic, smooth and voluminous look with a modern twist. Seen on celebrities such as Charlie Hunnam.

Best for: This is a great option for those with oval, square or heart shaped faces as these shapes can benefit from the defined structure and balanced proportions the mid fade with slick back can make.

Styling tip: Blowdry the hair backwards to build volume and use a comb to guide into the desired shape.

Tips for Maintaining a Mid Fade Haircut

Regular Trims

One of the key factors in keeping a mid fade looking sharp is consistency. Unlike longer hairstyles that can be left to grow out for months, the mid fade relies on precise blending, which starts to lose its definition as soon as the hair begins to grow back. Most barbers recommend booking a trim every 2–3 weeks to preserve that seamless gradient from the fade into the longer top.

Use Styling Products that Match the Look

Matte clays and waxes are a great choice for those looking for a textured finish, pomades add a sleekness to the hair, and curl creams work best for those with wavy or curly tops.

Keep Edges Sharp

One of the easiest ways to elevate a mid fade is by paying close attention to the edges. Clean line-ups around the temples, hairline, neckline, and even the beard can completely transform the look of your haircut, giving it a sharper, more defined finish. 

Book Your Mid Fade Appointment at Rush

Looking to book in for your next mid fade haircut? Rush stylists can help tailor the look to suit face shapes and lifestyle. Our expert barbers can adapt the height and style for a personalised finish.