Mid Fade

TL;DR

• Best for: Most face shapes, anyone wanting visible but not extreme contrast
• Avoid if: You want maximum subtlety (go low) or maximum drama (go high/skin)
• Ask your barber: "Mid fade starting at temple level, #1 to #3 blend"
• Maintenance: Trim every 2–3 weeks

Who Does It Suit?

The mid fade is the most requested fade for a reason — it delivers noticeable contrast without going overboard.

Ideal for:

• Men who want a visible fade without the boldness of a skin or high fade
• Round faces that benefit from the slimming effect of exposed sides
• Anyone pairing a fade with a textured crop, quiff, or pompadour
• Professionals in business-casual environments
• First upgrade from a low fade when you want more contrast

Hair types:

• Straight: Shows a clean, precise gradient
• Wavy: Natural texture creates a softer, blended transition
• Curly: Great contrast between curly top and faded sides
• Thick: Effective at removing bulk from the sides

Avoid If...

• You want a barely-there fade → low fade is more subtle
• You want maximum impact → skin fade or high fade delivers more
• Very conservative workplace → some offices prefer the subtlety of a low fade
• Oblong face → mid fade removes side width, making a long face look longer

What is a Mid Fade?

A fade that starts at approximately temple level — halfway between the ear and the top of the head. The hair transitions from short (#1 or #1.5) at the fade line to longer hair above. It's the middle ground between a low fade's subtlety and a high fade's boldness.

The mid fade is the default choice at most modern barbershops. When someone says "give me a fade" without specifying, they usually get a mid fade. For a complete breakdown of all fade and taper types, see our hub guide.

Mid Fade vs Low Fade vs High Fade

Bottom line: Mid fade = the versatile default. Low fade = conservative. High fade = statement.

Measurements

• Fade start: #1–#1.5 at temple level
• Blend zone: Gradual transition over 1.5–2 inches
• Top: Varies (works with any length)
• Trim: Every 2–3 weeks

Face Shape Tweaks

• Oval: Standard mid fade — the balanced face handles any variation
• Round: Mid fade is excellent — removes side bulk, slims the face
• Square: Works well — the fade line complements angular features
• Heart: Good choice — fade balances wider forehead with narrower chin
• Diamond: Keep the fade line slightly lower to avoid emphasizing wide cheekbones
• Oblong: Consider a low fade instead — mid fade can elongate further

Hair Type Tweaks

• Straight: Ask for precise blending; straight hair reveals any inconsistency
• Wavy: Natural waves create a forgiving, organic transition
• Curly: Keep 1.5+ inches above the fade line so curls can form properly
• Thick: The mid fade is your best friend — removes bulk where you need it most
• Fine: Works well, but avoid going too short at the fade line to prevent a sparse look

Pairing the Mid Fade with Top Styles

The mid fade is the most versatile base. Here's how it pairs:

• Textured crop + mid fade: The most popular modern combination. Choppy top, clean sides.
• Quiff + mid fade: Volume on top with balanced contrast. Professional but stylish.
• Pompadour + mid fade: Dramatic top with moderate sides. Less extreme than a skin fade pairing.
• Side part + mid fade: Classic gentleman look with a modern edge.
• Curly top + mid fade: Let curls do the talking while the fade keeps things clean.

What to Tell Your Barber

"Mid fade — start at temple level with a #1, blend up to a #3. Keep the top at [your preferred length]. I want noticeable contrast but not extreme."

How to Style

The mid fade is a sides treatment — your top dictates the styling:

Short top (1–2 inches):

1. Towel dry
2. Light product if desired
3. Done — the fade does the work

Medium top (3–4 inches):

1. Towel dry
2. Apply clay or cream
3. Style forward, back, or to the side

Long top (5+ inches):

1. Blow dry for direction
2. Apply pomade or clay
3. Shape with comb or fingers

Maintenance Timeline

• Week 1: Peak sharpness. Fade line is crisp, contrast is clear.
• Week 1–2: Still looks fresh. Slight growth but the gradient holds.
• Week 2–3: Time to book. The fade is blurring, contrast diminishing.
• Week 3+: Fade is gone. The mid placement means grow-out is more visible than a low fade.

Pro tip: The mid fade sits in a visible zone, so grow-out is more noticeable than a low fade. Stay on top of your appointments.

Common Mistakes

• Confusing mid fade with mid skin fade Fix: Mid fade = placement. Skin fade = starting length. You can have a mid skin fade (both), but they're different concepts.

• Fade line too high or too low Fix: Temple level is the landmark. Show your barber exactly where you want it.

• Not blending enough Fix: A harsh line at the fade point looks like a mistake. Insist on smooth blending.

• Ignoring the back Fix: The fade should wrap around consistently — front, sides, and back should match.

• Waiting too long between trims Fix: The mid fade's visible placement means 3+ weeks and it's noticeably grown out