High Drop Fade: Popular Styles, How to Achieve the Look & More

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Plus, the differences between the high drop fade and other fades!

Co-authored by Mark LoBiondo and Bailey Cho

Last Updated: November 10, 2024 Fact Checked

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What is a high drop fade?

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Asking for a High Drop Fade

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Styling & Maintenance

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Popular Styles

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High Drop Fade vs Other Fade Types

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Video

The high drop fade is a clean and crisp fade that starts higher on the head. It’s super easy to maintain and suits a variety of face shapes, so if you’ve been wanting to switch up your style, look no further! In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the high drop fade, including how to style, maintain, and ask your barber for the look.

An Overview of the High Drop Fade

A high drop fade starts around the temples or slightly above, and involves gradually fading the hair from the top of the head to the nape of the neck. This creates a curved “drop” or arc line. To get the look, ask your barber for a “high drop fade” and get specific about the length and intensity of the fade.

Section 1 of 6:

What is a high drop fade?

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A high drop fade is a type of fade that starts near the temples or above. It involves a gradual fading of the hair from the top of the head down to the nape of the neck. The fade usually starts around the temples or slightly above, and then “drops” lower as it moves toward the back of the head. This creates an arc-shape that’s bold, clean, and complements any hairstyle you want to wear on top (we’ll go over lots of plenty of style options later on). Key characteristics of a high drop fade include:^{[1]
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- A high starting point for the fade
- A curved “drop” or arc line, instead of a straight fade
- Gradual tapering from the top to the bottom of the head
- Sharp contrast between the hair on top and the sides and back
- A sharp, defined hairline or lineup to enhance the boldness of the cut

Section 2 of 6:

How to Ask for a High Drop Fade

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Request a “high drop fade,” and specify the fade’s length and intensity. Tell your barber where you want your fade to start and end, and clarify how much you want trimmed on top. It always helps to communicate how you usually wear your hair so they can leave enough length for styling. You can also ask them to clean up the hairline with a lineup, or specify what type of clipper guard they use at the end of the fade, such as a #1 or a #2.^{[2]
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- For a less intense fade, ask your barber to keep the fade a little longer at the bottom.
- For a crisp and intense fade, ask them to taper the sides down to the skin for a skin fade.
- Show your barber reference photos of high drop fades that have the graduation, length, and styling you like. The key to a flattering haircut is to be clear about what you want!

Section 3 of 6:

Styling & Maintaining a High Drop Fade

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This is usually when new growth shows up, but you may have to go in weekly if your hair grows quickly or you want to maintain a sharp lineup.^{[3]
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Apply wax, clay, pomade, or another product to style your hair. Warm a pea-sized amount of styling product between your fingertips, then work it into the top of your hair. Brush your hair back for a clean, neat look, or run your fingers through your hair for a textured, messy look.^{[4]
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Use shampoo and conditioner that matches your hair type. To keep your hair healthy, invest in shampoo and conditioner that’s specially formulated for your hair type. Professional hair stylist Jenny Tran recommends “rinsing [your hair] with warm water to open up the hair cuticle…then rinsing with cool water to seal in hydration.”^{[5]
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Jenny Tran
Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Interview} Your hair will be more manageable in the long run, which can improve the look of your haircut!
- For straight hair, use a smoothing shampoo and conditioner to minimize frizz and add extra shine.
- For wavy, curly, or textured hair, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to hydrate your strands and minimize heat damage.
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Blow-dry your hair in the direction of the fade. Apply a heat protectant spray, then hold your hair dryer 6 to 8 inches away from your head and point the nozzle downward to minimize frizz. Blow-drying your hair adds volume and texture to your hair, giving your fade a more polished appearance.^{[6]
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- Blast a shot of cool air at the end to seal the hair cuticle and reduce frizz.
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Use a silk or satin pillowcase to prevent hair breakage. Sleeping on a silky surface reduces friction that leads to frizzy hair, breakage, and tangles.^{[7]
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Go to source} This helps maintain your fade and prevents unnecessary wear and tear.
- Alternatively, wear a satin scarf or bonnet to protect your hair.

Section 4 of 6:

Variations of the High Drop Fade

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This clean and crisp fade starts at the top of the forehead and reveals a lot of skin, almost reaching the crown of the head. The sides and back are completely shaved, creating a dramatic contrast between the sides and longer hair on top. It looks great when paired with textured or slicked-back styles.^{[8]
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A high drop fade is already sharp and defined, but adding a hard part makes an extra bold statement. The part creates a clear separation between the top and faded sides, and it’s perfect for both straight and textured hair.^{[9]
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If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, this high drop fade is for you! The fade highlights your waves on top, while keeping your sides and back clean. Just rub mousse in between your hands and run them forward, along the top of your fade, to maintain the perfect wave pattern.^{[10]
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This fade helps shape and define your afro, while keeping the sides and back super clean. The afro is kept voluminous on top, and the sides are blended flawlessly. It’s the perfect choice for those with natural curls or kinky hair.^{[11]
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If you have dreads, a high drop fade can clean up the sides and back, drawing extra attention to the hair on top. This creates a sharp contrast, while still maintaining the volume and style of your dreads. It’s bold, sharp, and stylish!^{[12]
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This striking hairstyle combines a high fade, drop fade, and mohawk. The sides and back are shaved closely to the skin, while the top is left long for an edgy look. Just spike the top hair upwards with some strong-hold gel to keep your style in place.^{[13]
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This is the perfect fade for guys who want a classic yet edgy hairstyle. The sides are closely faded, while the top is left long and styled into a voluminous pompadour. To style it, comb the top hair from front-to-back and finish with a spritz of hairspray.^{[14]
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This combines a classic crop with a high fade, where the fade is so high that it almost looks like a top fade. The hair on top is cut short and styled with pomade (or another texturizing product) for a rough and effortlessly cool look.^{[15]
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Section 5 of 6:

High Drop Fade vs Other Fade Types

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There are many different styles of fades to choose from. When it comes to choosing a fade, it really depends on the texture and hair length on top of your head. Talking to your barber is one of the best ways to figure out what looks best on you, but here’s a general breakdown of all the different types of fades to choose from:^{[16]
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- Low fade: This fade starts near the bottom of the head and fades up towards the crown. It’s suitable for professional settings.
- High fade: This fade starts high up on the head, usually around the temples and ears. It’s a bold style for those who like to stand out.
- Mid fade: This fade starts in the middle of the head and fades down towards the neck. It’s the perfect balance between the low and high fade.
- Skin fade: Also known as the bald fade, the hair is faded down to the skin for a sharp, edgy look. You can decide where the hair gradually shortens to the skin.
- Box fade: This fade is where the hair is faded evenly all around the head, creating a “box” shape. The sides and back are almost shaved to zero.^{[17]
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- Drop fade: This fade drops gradually tapers the hair from longer on top to shorter on the sides and back. Both low skin and mid skin fades are drop fades.
- Taper fade: This fade starts low on the neck and gradually elongates into the top for a more natural look. The amount of skin varies from low, medium, to high.
- Burst fade: This fade is cut in a semicircle shape around the ear and does not continue along the nape of the neck like a low skin or mid skin fade. It’s considered a cross between a taper and a full fade.

Section 6 of 6:

High Drop Fade Frequently Asked Questions

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No, a mid fade is not the same because it starts in the middle point on the back and sides, creating a more balanced transition with no pronounced curve. A drop fade is centered and swoops lower in the back, giving a more bold and dynamic look. The drop fade can be added to mid fades, however.^{[18]
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Yes, you can change a drop fade into a low taper by modifying the length and shape of the haircut. Just ask your barber to adjust the fadeline to a higher point on the sides and back of the head, focusing on blending the hair gradually from shorter to longer. Then, have them slightly square off or round the neckline.^{[19]
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What face shapes look best with a high drop fade? The high drop fade is especially flattering for those with oval, square, or diamond-shaped faces. It’s usually not recommended for long or heart-shaped faces because it can elongate the face even more. With that being said, you can always style the longer hair on top in a way that complements your face shape, or customize the texture to accommodate your natural hair.^{[20]
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- After you determine your face shape, talk to your barber to see what style suits you. They can offer advice on what works well with your hair texture and length, plus recommend a fade that complements you.
Celebs like Brad Pitt, Justin Timberlake, Michael B. Jordan, Zayn Malik, Ryan Reynolds, Nick Young, and Sergio Ramos have rocked the high drop fade.