Low Fade vs Mid Fade vs High Fade: What’s the Difference?

You know exactly what you want. A clean and blurry fade transition that marks a high-quality haircut. But when you sit in the chair, you're stuck with a follow-up question: low, mid, or high? That’s where the confusion starts.

Even though the difference between a low fade and a high fade is only about two inches of scalp, those two inches completely change the architecture of your face. If not chosen correctly, you will end up messing up the sharpness of your haircut and even the overall face appearance.

In this blog, we will break down the difference clearly so that you can choose the best fades Vancouver has ever seen.

Low Fade

This is the most conservative and professional version of the fade. The transition from short to long begins very low on the head, usually just an inch above the ear, and wraps around the nape of the neck. It is perfect for men who want a clean-cut

Main Features

• Fade starts low, close to the ear

• A smooth and natural transition

• Lasts longer than higher fades

• Simple to maintain

Mid Fade

The mid-fade is the most common haircut in any barbershop in Vancouver. The transition line goes right through the temple (the corner of your eye) or the parietal ridge. It has the best of both worlds: the high-contrast cleanliness of a fade, but with enough weight on the upper sides to blend in with the top. It looks good on almost every face shape, making it the safest bet.

Main Features

• Fade starts in the middle of the head's side

• A good mix of subtle and sharp

• Goes well with tops that have texture, crops, and side parts.

• Moderate level of maintenance needed

High Fade

This is a bold and aggressive style where the shortest length (often skin) is taken all the way up to the temple peak or recession line. It creates the most contrast and doesn't leave much hair on the sides. When working with round or square faces, the best fades Vancouver experts always use this method.

Main Features

• Fade starts high above the temple

• A lot of contrast in the picture

• Makes the top look more interesting

• Needs to be touched up often

Low vs Mid vs High Fade: What Are The Best Fades Vancouver Ever Had?

Here’s a quick comparison of all three types of fades:

Which is The Best Fade For You?

Well, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. At The Forge Barbers Vancouver, our hair stylists suggests the type of fade based on your facial structure:

• If you have a round face, you want a high fade. You make your face look thinner by getting rid of the hair on the sides.

• In case your fade is long (oblong), you need to keep some width and balance your proportions. So, stick to a low or mid fade.

• Also, think about your scalp. A high fade will show off any lumps, bumps, or scars on the top of your head. A good barber in Vancouver will often suggest a mid- or low-drop fade (where the fade dips down at the back) to cover the occipital bone (the bump at the back of the skull) while keeping the sides tight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it possible to have a fade and a beard at the same time?

Yes, of course. The barber will taper the sideburns so that there is a clear line between the haircut and the beard. This makes the beard look sharper.

2. What fade lasts the longest?

The Low Fade. The hair has more room to grow out before it looks messy because the transition is lower.

3. What if I don't know the technical words?

Take a picture. A photo is the universal language at any men's barbershop Vancouver.

Conclusion

Low fade, mid fade, or high fade: none of them is the best. The best fades Vancouver are the ones that fit your face shape, hair type, and maintenance preference.

That’s why we at The Forge Barbers focus on consultation and customization. Let us give you the fade that actually suits you.