Everything You Need to Know About a Low Drop Fade

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Plus tips to choose between a drop, fade, or taper cut

Co-authored by Michael Van den Abbeel and Marcus Pruitt, BS

Last Updated: December 19, 2024 Fact Checked

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What does a low drop fade look like?

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Asking for a Low Drop Fade

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Maintenance

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Different Hair Types & Styles

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Similar Fade Styles

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Video

A low drop fade is a clean, sharp fade that starts low on the head. It drops behind the ears, which is why it is called a drop fade. It’s easy to ask for and even easier to take care of, so if you’re looking for a style that screams clean and simple, look no further. In this article, we teach you everything you need to know about a low drop fade, including how to ask for one, what it is, and how to maintain it.

What is a low drop fade?

A low drop fade is a type of fade that starts below the hairline and sits low on the sides of the head. It gradually drops behind the ears as it moves towards the back of the head, creating a drop effect that exposes the skin near the neck.

Section 1 of 5:

What does a low drop fade look like?

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A low drop fade is a sharp fade that drops behind the ears. The fade starts below the hairline and sharply transitions from long hair to short as it approaches the neck. The curved fade creates more texture and fluff towards the top of the head, making this a great haircut if you want a little bit of extra volume.^{[1]
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- If you want a taper fade with more contrast, a low drop fade is a great way to go.

Section 2 of 5:

How to Ask For a Low Drop Fade

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Ask your barber for a low fade that drops behind the ears. Ask your barber to make sure the fade follows your hair and curves as it drops. Make sure to also let your barber know how long you want the top of your cut to be. Bring reference photos to make the process easier and leave with exactly what you want, including any customization you’d like.^{[2]
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- If you want a sharp fade with a lot of contrast, for example, ask for a low skin fade that drops behind the ears.

Section 3 of 5:

How to Maintain a Low Drop Fade

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Visit the barber every 2-4 weeks and brush your fade upward between cuts. The hair on a fade grows out pretty fast, so visit your barber every 2-4 weeks for a touch-up. If you want to make it last longer, brush your fade towards the top of your head. Brushing it upward will emphasize the look of the fade even if your hair has grown out slightly.^{[3]
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- To keep your hair healthy, use good quality shampoo and conditioner to wash your hair when it starts to get oily.

Section 4 of 5:

Low Drop Fade with Different Hair Types & Styles

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If you want to draw attention to your long hair and still have a contrasting fade, a low drop fade with bulk is a great choice. The low drop fade accentuates the bulk and makes your hair texture stand out without being overwhelming. For a smooth look with lots of texture, go with a low drop fade with bulk.
A low drop fade helps your curls pop. The short length of the smooth fade works with curls to create a structured look that draws eyes with its contrast.^{[4]
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Research source} Hair stylist Michael Van den Abbeel recommends to not over-shampoo when caring for curly hair, as it can exacerbate frizz.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Michael Van den Abbeel
Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Interview}
A low drop fade can draw attention to the texture on top of your head. Unlike a low drop fade with curly hair, this look is well-balanced and doesn’t take too much attention away from the fade. It’s a fresh look that makes your hair look clean, especially if the fade is sharp and low.

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Similar Fade Styles

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The taper is a similar cut that hangs low near the hairline, but instead of dropping down behind the ears it gradually fades around the neck. Instead of having a fade that goes all around, the taper is only near the hairline and the base of the neck.
A mid drop fade has the same sleek drop as the low fade, but it’s higher on the head. So instead of dropping down the ears, it starts just above the taper below the hairline and drops as it curves around the head. This leaves a sharp fade that transitions into longer hair just above the ear.
A high drop fade takes things a step further and raises the fade even more. It starts at the hairline and drops down as it approaches the back of the head, making for a strong fade that contrasts with the hair on top.
Instead of dropping down, a burst fade bursts outward before dropping behind the ear. The key difference between a burst fade and a drop fade is that with a burst fade, the hair on the back of the head remains. A drop fade, on the other hand, has a clean fade all around.^{[6]
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