The Mid Fade Haircut: 40 Stylish, Popular Variations

Sitting right between the low and high fade, mid fade haircut delivers a smooth transition from short sides to a longer top. This uniqueness makes it one of the most versatile and sought after cuts today. Whether paired with curls, waves, pompadours, or edgy designs, the mid fade elevates any look with clean lines and modern edge. Below, we have rounded up 40 of the most popular mid fade variations to inspire your next barbershop visit.

Classic Mid Fade

The classic mid fade is clean, simple, and incredibly versatile. It starts around the midpoint of the head and blends smoothly into the longer hair on top. This timeless look works with most face shapes and hair types, making it a go to for men who want a sharp yet low maintenance haircut.

Mid Taper Fade

The mid taper fade gently narrows down the sides and neckline for a sleek and refined finish. It is a great choice for professionals or anyone seeking a clean appearance without the skin exposure of a full fade. This subtle variation adds structure without looking too dramatic.

Mid Skin Fade

The mid skin fade creates a striking contrast by fading the hair all the way down to the scalp. Starting at the midpoint of the sides, it gradually transitions from skin to longer top hair. This look is ideal for those who prefer crisp, bold hairstyles that turn heads.

Mid Bald Fade

This version of the mid fade takes things further by shaving the sides down completely to a bald finish. The result is a dramatic and edgy style that makes the top stand out even more. It gives a powerful look for men who love sharp lines and definition.

Mid Drop Fade

The mid drop fade curves slightly downward as it moves behind the ears, giving a natural and contoured shape. This cut adds visual depth and works especially well for men who want to highlight their head shape or complement a beard with a smooth, blended look

Burst Mid Fade

The burst mid fade fans out around the ears while keeping the fade tight to the scalp. It’s commonly paired with a mohawk or faux hawk, creating a bold, statement-making profile. This style is youthful and full of attitude, especially on textured or curly hair.

Mid Temp (Temple) Fade

The mid temple fade focuses the fade area around the temples while leaving the rest of the hair longer. It is a precise, clean cut look that adds definition to the face and jawline. Great for guys who want a subtle fade that still looks fresh and intentional.

Mid Burst Skin Fade

This cut combines the burst fade technique with a skin fade foundation, creating a circular shape around the ears that drops down to bare skin. It’s perfect for showcasing natural curls or dramatic tops while keeping the sides sleek and modern.

Mid Low Taper Fade

A blend between a low taper and a mid fade, this variation offers a soft transition that’s neither too high nor too low. This haircut is ideal for conservative settings while still giving a modern edge to any hairstyle. Works well with beards or textured tops.

Mid Fade Pompadour

Pairing a mid fade with a pompadour creates a bold and stylish silhouette. The voluminous front contrasts beautifully with the tight sides, giving a vintage meets-modern look. Best suited for men who love volume, height, and a polished barbershop finish.

Mid Fade Brush Back

The mid fade brush-back features slicked or pushed-back hair on top with neatly faded sides for a suave and clean appearance. It’s great for thick or medium hair types and fits both business and nightlife environments. A light styling cream adds a refined touch.

Mid Fade Comb Over

This style uses a mid fade to frame a neatly combed-over top. Whether you part it with a hard line or keep it natural, the contrast between the faded sides and the structured top makes it a favorite for men who want a professional and stylish cut.

Mid Fade Slick Back

With the hair slicked backward and faded cleanly around the midsection, this cut screams confidence and class. It’s best suited for men with medium to long hair on top and works especially well with beard styles for a full masculine look.

Mid Fade Faux Hawk

The faux hawk mid fade lets you show off your adventurous side without going full mohawk. The top is styled into a central ridge while the fade adds sharp edges on the sides. It’s a fun, rebellious choice for men who want something trendy yet wearable.

Mid Fade Mohawk

The mohawk paired with a mid fade results in a haircut that’s bold, loud, and full of edge. The fade keeps the sides clean while the longer center strip remains high and spiky. This is for those who are not afraid to stand out from the crowd.

Mid Fade Spiky Cut

Add some texture and personality to your look with spiky hair and a mid fade. The sharp sides emphasize the lifted, pointed top for a youthful, high energy feel. A little styling product goes a long way in defining each spike for maximum effect.

Mid Fade Textured Quiff

This variation combines a voluminous quiff with a tapered mid fade. The top has a messy yet controlled look that adds height, while the sides stay neat and clean. It is perfect for men who want a modern, fashion forward haircut that’s easy to maintain.

Mid Fade Textured Crop

A mid fade and textured crop go hand in hand for a modern, low-maintenance look. The crop sits flat with choppy layers while the fade keeps the edges sharp. This style is especially popular among guys with thick or wavy hair who prefer a rugged finish.

Mid Fade Tousled Waves

For those with natural wave or body, the tousled waves on top give a laid-back and stylish vibe. The mid fade prevents the style from looking messy, adding structure and shape to an otherwise casual haircut. Best worn with medium-length hair on top.

Mid Fade Curly Top

Let your curls shine by pairing them with a mid fade. The sides stay tight while the top retains full texture and volume, creating a fresh contrast. This style keeps curly hair manageable without sacrificing its natural shape and bounce.

Mid Fade Wavy Top

This cut highlights the natural movement of wavy hair while maintaining a neat and modern profile. The mid fade frames the head and reduces bulk, giving the waves more definition and emphasis. Works great with a light styling cream or sea salt spray.

Mid Fade with Curls & Volume

Designed for maximum impact, this haircut lets thick curls bloom on top while the sides stay clean and shaped. A great option for guys who embrace texture and want a well balanced cut that stays stylish and easy to wear.

Mid Fade with Natural Waves

Keep your waves loose and natural on top while controlling the sides with a clean mid fade. This style is ideal for medium-length hair that naturally curls or waves, offering an effortless yet intentional look suitable for everyday wear.

Mid Fade with Textured Fringe

Adding a textured fringe to a mid fade creates a youthful and trend savvy cut. The fringe falls slightly forward while the fade keeps the look neat. Great for highlighting facial features and adding personality to short or medium haircuts.

Mid Fade Fluffy Top

The fluffy top adds volume and softness, while the mid fade brings balance and definition. This style is great for thick-haired men who want something bold yet wearable. Use a light pomade to shape the volume without stiffening the natural texture.

Mid Fade + Beard (Tapered Blend)

This pairing blends seamlessly from your fade into your beard, creating a cohesive and clean-lined appearance. It’s ideal for men who want facial hair to complement their haircut and adds symmetry and flow across the jawline and temple area.

Mid Fade + Goatee

A goatee combined with a mid fade offers a bold and structured look that puts focus on the center of the face. The fade enhances the sharpness of the goatee, giving a well groomed and masculine finish that works well for men with angular features.

Mid Fade + Full Beard Line Up

For men with thick beards, a mid fade helps blend the hair seamlessly into the beard line. Add a razor-sharp line-up to create clean angles and give the overall style a polished, precise look. This combo radiates strength and control.

Mid Fade with Hard Part

Adding a hard part line to your mid fade gives the haircut a sharp, defined direction. It instantly elevates the look by adding contrast and making styling easier. This works especially well with comb-overs, slick backs, or side swept styles.

Mid Fade with Eyebrow Slit

The eyebrow slit adds an edgy and rebellious flair to your mid fade. Often matched with line designs or a hard part, it creates a cohesive look that is full of personality. Ideal for trendsetters or men who love details that stand out.

Mid Fade with Design Etchings

Etching a design into your fade turns a simple haircut into a piece of personal art. Whether it’s lines, waves, or geometric shapes, the design draws attention and adds creativity to your look. Perfect for statement-makers and younger crowds.

Mid Fade with Razor Edge up

This look pairs a mid fade with a super-sharp razor edge-up around the hairline. The result is a sculpted, clean haircut that looks especially crisp on short and textured styles. Great for showcasing barber precision and attention to detail.

Mid Fade with Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs frame the face and add softness to a mid fade cut. The top is parted in the middle or slightly off-center, while the faded sides keep things clean. This style blends vintage flair with modern precision for a truly unique appearance.

Mid Fade Mullet

The mid fade mullet brings together the throwback fun of a longer back with the neatness of faded sides. It’s surprisingly versatile, offering a business-in-the-front, party in the back vibe with today’s polished twist. Best for confident, fashion forward men.

Mid Fade Edgar Cut

A bold and boxy haircut, the Edgar with a mid fade combines sharp lines with straight forward styling. The front fringe sits blunt across the forehead, while the fade cleans up the sides. It’s a favorite among younger guys who want a confident, street style look.

Mid Fade Samurai Bun

Long hair pulled into a high bun pairs unexpectedly well with a mid fade. This hairstyle mixes traditional with trendy, giving a strong, minimalist vibe. It suits men who want to maintain longer hair without losing edge and structure.

Mid Fade High Top Dreads (Mid Fade Locs)

Dreadlocks styled into a high-top are framed beautifully by a mid fade. The fade reduces weight on the sides and gives the locs a sharp base to stand out. This cut is full of personality and works best when regularly maintained.

Mid Fade with Drawn Line

This haircut features a single shaved line above the fade, adding subtle detail and definition. Whether placed above the temple or curving behind the ear, the line gives the fade a custom, artistic twist without being too loud.

Mid Fade Curtain Haircut

Curtain styles have made a comeback, and the mid fade adds a modern edge to the look. With a soft part in the middle and volume on both sides, this style suits medium hair lengths and offers a relaxed yet clean appearance.

Mid Fade Long on Top

Keeping the top long while fading the sides around the midpoint creates strong contrast and visual interest. This style allows for multiple styling options like slick-backs, braids, or waves. It’s perfect for men who want versatility without compromising structure.