Fade haircuts are more popular than ever and with variations including the high fade, medium fade, low fade and skin fade to name a few, there’s a style to suit everyone – no matter your face shape, hair type or texture. Below, I share five of the top trending fade haircuts this year and my tips for styling them.
A taper fade features hair that’s longer on the top of the head and tapered down the sides and neck. The style does not shave down to the skin like a skin fade, and instead, maintains some length around the sides and neck for a softer, more natural looking transition.
This is a great choice for those who like a clean look and are a fan of the fade but would like a less harsh alternative. This haircut looks great when styled sleek for a more sophisticated finish. I like to slick the hair back with a comb alongside using a pomade or gel for hold and a high shine finish.
A high fade is a sharp contrast look which combines short, faded sides and longer length hair on top. The high fade usually starts at or above the temples and requires regular maintenance to keep the sides short for that contrasting look.
With the longer length on top, this style looks great when paired with volume, and I like to blow-dry directing the hair upwards with a brush for added volume. I then like to apply a paste through the hair for more volume and definition.
The hard part fade combines a shaved line (hard part) created using clippers or a razor to separate the hair to the side of the head with a fade including longer hair on top that gradually shortens to the sides and back of the head.
To define the part, smooth, sleek styling is a good choice using a pomade or gel with a comb to create a polished finish.
The high and tight fade takes inspiration from the military cut and features super short sides and back that are shaved very high close to the head before gradually blending into the longer length on top.
This is a short hairstyle which makes it easy to maintain and requires little to no styling. However, being shorter in length, this cut will require more regular visits to the salon/barbershop to ensure it always looks its best and that there is a strong contrast between the short sides and back and the longer length on top. A pomade or wax are great products to distribute with your fingers through the top of your hair to give it added texture.
For those who would like to include a fringe in their fade hairstyle, the French crop fade haircut is the perfect choice. This features a straight fringe across the forehead, paired with clean, seamless fade at the sides and back. It’s a sharp, contrasting look that looks incredibly stylish and contemporary and is particularly good for those who have strong facial features that they want to draw attention to.
To give the fringe added texture, I like to leave it to air dry, mist in some texturising spray and use my fingers to help air dry the hair whilst giving it added texture and body. Matte clays and pastes are also great products to use on dry hair for this look to give it an effortless finish.
More Info
Online: www.jimshawstyle.co.uk
Instagram: @jimshawhair
A one-day-only “Suite Swap” that brought New York style to the heart of Manchester’s grooming scene.
Published:The creative exchange saw the iconic Bronx team, Studio Chec temporarily take over a suite inside Phenix Salon Suites on Deansgate, giving local clients a rare opportunity to experience their New York flair. From razor-sharp fades to bold streetwear energy, the event wasn’t just about technique. It was about cultural exchange, community, and connection.
“This is exactly what Phenix is about – giving professionals the freedom to collaborate, connect, and create on their own terms. Seeing Studio Chec and J&D Barber Studio come together to celebrate their craft, their culture and their cities was incredibly powerful. It speaks to the heart of what our spaces are designed to support,”
– John Gillespie, UK Managing Director of Phenix Salon Suites.
After the swap, they saw the best of Mancunian creativity. From music and fashion to local barbershops and hidden gems, the tour reflected the unique identity of a city known worldwide for its individuality and innovation.
“I was super grateful for the opportunity not only to meet likeminded people in my industry, but also to showcase my talent in a place I’ve only seen on television growing up! This has only been possible thanks to my loyal clientele and to those who have seen my vision since day one thanks to Phenix Salon Suites both in the US and the UK,”
– Chec from Studio Chec in The Bronx.
The Suite Swap is part of a wider mission by Phenix Salon Suites to foster innovation and global creative partnerships, transforming its spaces into platforms for growth, expression and collaboration locally and internationally.
“A massive thanks to Phenix Salon Suites for giving us the opportunity to swap suites with another talented barber from NYC. We stepped out of our comfort zone, connected with new clients and levelled up! We were so hyped to represent the UK and show what we do best!”
– Jose and Drey from J&D Barbers Studio in Phenix Salon Suites Manchester.
More Info
Online: www.phenixsalonsuitesuk.com
Instagram: @phenixsalonsuitesuk