A drop fade haircut is a play on the classic fade similar to a skin fade that drops behind the ear creating an arc shape while creating a unique section. It starts from the temples and drops as it ends behind the ears down to the nape and is usually done with clippers. This type of fade gives a fresh character to a guy’s haircut compared to a classic fade.
This trending fade specifically flatters men with round and square faces with the neat and even curve it creates, leaving you with a dapper finish!
Styling Drop Fade Haircuts
Style your hair however you want – brush it back for a sleek look, mess it up for great texture, or pair it with an undercut! This cut can be combined with fohawks, pompadours, disconnection, undercuts, and other styles too. It never fails to look sharp because of the natural dimension it adds to any type of haircut.
Before your next trip to the barbershop, check out these dope photos of drop fade cuts:
#1: High Drop Fade
The high drop fade is a variation on the classic high fade that will spice up any haircut and truly take it to the next level. The kind of skin fade is so named because the fade drops down through the hairline to create a nice strong outline on the hairline makes it look really sharp. This is because the fade adds a layer of definition to any haircut that makes it instantly stand out and gain another dimension.
The coolest thing about this high skin fade is that there is so much you can do with the style, such as there is more than meets the eye. Also, the blend always meets the fade amazingly. Considering your look, lifestyle, etc., this style can be given to most men as it’s easy-maintenance with minimal product. I finish this haircut with some styling powder to create lift and texture, then just a small amount of hairspray to hold in place and tweak a few bits. If anyone is considering this look I always advise them to go for it, purely for its simplicity.
#2: Drop Faded for Thick Hair
If you have short and thick hair, a drop fade is ideal for you. This style reduces the bulk on the sides and leverages your natural texture to your advantage. A cut refers to a faded cut tapered at the neckline. It leaves extra length around the crown for additional variety. Pair this style with a top length that fits you. To reduce frizz and add shine, apply air-dry cream from roots to ends.
#3: Messy French Crop with Mid Fade
Looking for a hair update? The messy French crop with a mid-fade is a great option. It’s a trendy, easy-care haircut. This hairstyle features a bald fade that blends into a mid-length textured top. Your barber will use clippers for the sides and transition to a point-cutting technique or a razor cut on top. For daily styling, use matte clay. Apply it from root to end and style as desired.
#4: Drop Faded with a Bald Fade
If you want to change your hairstyle, think about getting a bald drop fade. This hairstyle is adaptable and can be tailored to fit your preferences and personal style. You can style a bald drop fade with a side part or a blended look or even have it as a buzz cut. The choices are many, and they require lower upkeep than most hairstyles.
#5: Drop Fade with Textured Bangs
The drop fade with textured bangs is a trendy and versatile hairstyle for men. This haircut features textured bangs to add dimension with a razor or texture shears. The drop fade starts high on the temples and curves down towards the back of the head. It blends the hair seamlessly and helps to tame cowlicks easily. This hairstyle works well for men and boys with different hair types and textures. It can be customized to suit individual preferences per recommendation by your stylist.
#6: Simple Drop Fade Cut
A simple drop fade cut can be a great option for men with thick hair and a beard. The drop fade creates a clean and sharp look. It gradually transitions from the longer hair on top down to the shorter cut on the sides and back. This style is particularly helpful for thicker hair. It helps to draw attention away from the bulk of the hair and adds weight to any cowlicks you may have. To complement the beard, have your stylist add a beard fade. It blends the beard hair seamlessly into the hair on your head.
#7: Handsome Drop Fade Cut with Designs and Textured Bangs
The drop fade cut with designs and textured bangs is a bold and eye-catching hairstyle. It combines various elements for a unique look. The drop fade adds a sleek touch, while the intricate designs etched into the fade add creative flair. The textured fringe for men adds volume and dimension. It creates a stylish contrast against the sleek sides. Together, these elements create a handsome and attention-grabbing haircut.
#8: Disconnected with a Drop Fade
Ever considered a disconnected cut with a drop fade? If not, this is your sign. With the sides buzzed down low, this haircut is easy to style with matte clay or fiber pomade. The pomade is more of a satin finish but not too shiny. This is a great way to keep your hair under control at work or out for the weekend!
#9: Sharp Drop Fade with Fringe
If you’re ready, invest in a high-quality barber for your regular cuts. You will not be disappointed by this sharp drop fade with a fringe. Your new barber will be able to execute this style in a way that’s best tailored to you. They will also be able to recommend you any product that helps keep your new cut under control.
#10: Heavily Textured Top with a Drop Fade
A heavily textured top with a drop fade might be the best option for a man that is looking for a trendy hairstyle. This haircut is modern and shies away from many of the slick backs and side parted cuts we’ve seen lately. It’s, instead, more naturally pushed forward and textured for a more relaxed feel. I recommend asking your barber for a zero fade with at least 2-3 inches left on top for styling.
#11: Drop Fade for Short Hair
Tame your hair even much better with highly drop faded sides down behind the ears. This contemporary look is guaranteed to transform you into a superb hunk.
#12: Pompadour Drop Fade with Beard
This is a gentleman drop fade hair down to the skin with a hard part and a beard clean-up. This pompadour is ideal if you wanna appear sharp and hipster. Comb it forward or have it slicked back.
Popplewell explains, “This pompadour drop fade haircut can be pulled off by most guys with a full head of hair, but I would never recommend a hard part to dudes with thin or balding hair. I always take a minute to show the guy the best way to comb their hair. Believe it or not, a lot of guys are really bad at combing their own hair. So sometimes a little guidance goes a long way.”
#13: Low Drop Fade
Let the texture do the talking! This men’s haircut is a low drop fade style that perfectly brings out the ruggedness in your hair with the contrast it provides.
#14: Bald Drop Skin Fade with Side Part
Boost your cool guy style and ditch the side burns with this clean and polished disconnected drop fade style with a side part. Brush the hair upwards and hold with your favorite product, and you’re good to go with this dope drop fade hairstyle for guys!
#15: Mens Drop Fade with a Beard Fade
Combining a drop fade with a beard fade favors dudes that like to keep some hair but want it as tight as possible around the ears. This technique is also good for guys that want to cover any scars on the back of the head. I use this burst fade technique quite a lot because it creates the illusion of a full head of hair. The fade has been dropped into the beard leaving a small amount to line the beard at the front, creating a nice clean style to maintain.
#16: Dapper Caesar Cut with a Drop Fade
If you want to try a new style that doesn’t need much effort in styling, ask your barber for a cropped cut. A drop fade has a focal point right above the ear. It creates the perfect look for any head shape. A cropped cut allows your hair to still have enough length on top to style, but with minimal effort. Ask your barber for products to finish this look.
#17: Drop Fade for Thick Hair
The drop fade works well with thick hair as the shape can be created quite easily. This is a great style for men that don’t want a too short or drastic cut. This style has been tapered to the skin at the base of the neck and on the sides and the top has been textured to help with styling. One of the most easiest ways to style is using a sea salt spray and you can finish it off with a styling powder to create the matte textured look.
#18: Platinum Blonde Top with a Drop Fade Cut
More and more men are opting for color now, this platinum blonde top with drop fade cut is a good example. When you get root growth from a color it leaves a transition from dark to light. So, extra care needs to be taken with the blend. To achieve this, your barber will have to do a very uniform blend. You can see this one follows the line of the fringe and drops at the crown. Any advice I would give would be the same as this barber has achieved for a fresh finish.
#19: Drop Fade for Wavy Thick Hair
Men are taking more and more celebrity and sportsperson influence in their styles. This drop fade for thick wavy hair is a good example. Thick hair is a dream to fade for most barbers so most styles can be achieved. A drop fade is the way to go so you can keep a bit of length in the back.
#20: Messy Top with a Sharp Fade
Fades can come in different looks such as this messy top with a sharp fade. The technique for this fade is what we call ‘heavy’, meaning it wasn’t been blended as tightly as you can see with the weight lines left at the midpoint. You might consider this style if you are a regular visitor to the barbers as it grows out quickly. I strongly recommend leaving it a maximum of 3 weeks between visits if you want to maintain this style.
#21: Messy Wavy Top with a Shaved Design
There are many looks you can achieve with thick hair like this messy wavy top with a shaved design. The fade has been left quite low allowing enough space to shave a design in at the transition point. And it’s best to do it here as it’s more visible. One of the best ways to make the design last is to razor it out with a blade. If you have curls, it’s best to work with them to create styles like this with decent products.
#22: Natural Texture
The natural texture created in this style has been achieved using various scissor techniques, such as slicing and point cutting. It pairs really nicely with the heavy fade taking the shape round into the fringe. I would recommend a fade every 2-3 weeks to keep it looking fresh. To get the texture on top, dry some sea salt spray into it, and use some styling powder to finish it off.
#23: Side-Swept Hair with Drop Fade
Side-swept hair with drop fade is a formal yet stylish cut all working men should consider. The sides and nape area have a clean-cut outline that blends seamlessly into the medium-length hair. It creates a perfect chance for the top to lay smooth when swept to the side.
#24: Short Flat Top with Drop Faded Cut
Consider a short flat top with drop faded cut for men with afro hair that wants to keep its ample length. The heightened shape works tightly against the skin, fading into more length to add extra lift to the hair. Be aware of how this style requires high maintenance and daily styling. Discuss with your stylist for professional tips to maintain and style the cut well.
#25: The French Crop Drop Fade
The French crop drop fade is a trending European-based hairstyle making its way across the world. Long choppy crop cut hair lays forward while a low drop fade makes everything come together for a head-turning look. Surprisingly, this is a low-maintenance style. The messy top doesn’t take away from the French crop drop fade an impressive option for any young adult.
#26: Drop Fade and Disconnected Undercut
Drop fade and disconnected undercut are two edgy styles in one cut. Drop fade differs from traditional fade. The traditional fade is evenly blended around the sides, while a drop fade starts mid-temple and drops when approaching the O-bone. A disconnected undercut completely separates the sides and top by separating the two lengths at the partial ridge. A style men of any age or lifestyle can rock!
#27: Drop Fade with Fringe
The drop fade with fringe is an alternate twist to the classic fade. The drop fade follows a heart shape on the hairline. It drops low and creates an arc shape over the ear and around the crown, accentuating the natural curves of the head. The drop fade delivers a natural effect. Razored texture on top and a textured flowy fringe pair well with the clean and short sides.
#28: Drop Fade with a Part
Parted drop fade haircuts are a popular choice for modern gentlemen. It gives you a statement of refinement and suave at the same time. The parting of drop fades is very important because it makes a huge difference in the style.
#29: Sharp Drop Fade High Top
High top haircuts with a dropped fade are complemented by neatly shaved sides for a dapper finish. This drop fade with a flat top is an awesome example of how you can flaunt your kinks in a more stylish way.
#30: Drop Fade for Long Hair with Curls
What men and barbers admire about this drop fade style is how it excellently highlights the top of your head especially when you own a lengthy and textured mane.
#31: Mid Drop Cut
Put a twist on a classic drop fade cut for a really clean look! The cut fades evenly from the temples down to the nape and highlights the top hair and beard perfectly. It’s one of the simpler men’s hairstyles you’ll see.
#32: Top Fade with Straight Hair
Disconnect your thick mane from your hipster beard with a sharp drop skin fade like how Barber Leonel did for this quiff drop fade hairstyle. It’s a sweet example of what you’d call a shadow fade.
#33: Faux Hawk Drop Fade
Take this stylish fohawk drop fade to a much higher level with a sharp line-up! The contrast works classy from the short sides, front and back of the head. It really helps make the men’s drop fade haircut more desirable.
#34: Textured Top and Drop Fade with Disconnection and Design
For edgier men’s drop fade haircuts, you can opt for a cool shaved pattern hair design to go with your clean sides. It goes impressive especially with textured hair.
Styling a drop fade with textured top like this would require a salon-grade gel or cream.
#35: Drop Fade Afro
Take some unnecessary weight off of your voluminous hair by getting your sides drop faded. This slightly high-maintenance hairstyle easily complements those who have long textured hair on top.
#36: Drop Fade Undercut
Be amazed by this epic spiky hair made cooler by those low skin drop shaved sides. Pair with a beard to complete that bad boy look!
#37: Wavy Drop Fade Look
Here’s a drop fade cut, which is also a great way to grow out a buzz cut. Patterned drop fade haircuts for men look best when accentuated with clean sides and back. This one’s a low-maintenance choice.
#38: Comb Over Hairstyle with Drop Fade
If you have thick hair and you wanna look groomed and stylish at the same time, this neat drop fade comb over is the best way to go! This side parting is one of the many variations you can create when you have long hair on top.
Not interested in the drop fade? Check out these photos of low fade comb over haircut ideas.
#39: Drop Fade and Dreads
Drop faded sides are the best way to blend dreadlocks for black men! Choose this style if you don’t prefer too much skin to be exposed.
#40: Braided Drop Fade Haircut
It’s a unique, trendy, versatile haircut with a low fade by barber Manny Reyes of Florida.
“You could dress it down or dress it up. I could see someone wearing a trendy suit and go to a wedding, as well as just looking clean going to a grocery store. What I like the most is the clean and simple part down the side. It makes the look overall look fresh,” Reyes points out.
Anyone considering this look should get their braids and haircut redone at least every 2 weeks. They could also undo the braids and just put them into a man bun or comb to the side with some pomade.
Reyes adds, “This low drop fade cut would look good in almost any face shape. This is an artsy, urban look, and I don’t think it will match in a corporate or professional setting. Although it’s just hair – it will grow and people shouldn’t limit themselves to what other people think.”
#41: Afro Blowout with Drop Fade
The drop fade hairstyle offers a more clean and classy look than the traditional spiky mohawk or traditional Afro. This particular look is made by a professional barber from Texas, Terry Jackson.
“The style was made popular by singer, Usher Raymond, and later the pro-athlete Odell Beckham Jr. For those who are not familiar with the term versus fade, it refers to a natural top and faded sites. The drop refers to a phase that is circular and arching to or behind the ear,” Jackson states.
Although the style may be warm by anyone, it’s better suited for an extroverted personality type. This haircut also gives an athlete or any active individual more flexibility in-between haircuts, lasting 2 to 4 more weeks before the retouch.
Jackson assures that this drop fade style may be worn by several face shapes and types. One can accompany this style with a tool called a curl sponge or a twist sponge which makes the hair twist into a curl pattern which is twisted at the ends.
“Some products that may be used are natural products such as I am Curl cream, Cantu curl cream, and other natural products that nurture their hair and give control. It may also be worn dry, however, there must be shampoo and conditioner to maintain a healthy pH balance,” Jackson suggests when asked about the hair products to use.
#42: The Best Drop Fade for Afro Twists
This drop fade with afro is a stylish medium haircut for teenage kids. It’s designed by Florida-based barber Mark Rodriguez.
“Fade haircuts have been gaining popularity. You’re keeping the length that all kids want to see and still pleasing the parent with a short clean cut on the sides. That would also have to be my favorite thing about this style for a young man – both sides are pleased, the parent and kid. At times it becomes an issue, the parent just wants a short low-maintenance haircut but the kids want the latest trends to fit in,” Rodriguez emphasizes.
If your lifestyle is more on the get-up-and-go basis and doesn’t have or want to make time to sit in front of a mirror every morning to style, this would be the ideal style for you. According to Rodriguez, it’s very low-maintenance while giving you a clean look. Anyone with hair from wavy to extremely curly can achieve this style.
When styling, use shampoo and conditioner plus a light application of oil sheen to moisturize the hair and scalp. Rodriguez adds, “To complete this look, use any type or style of curl or twist sponge to execute the curly top look. The more you sponge the tighter the curl.”
#43: Fresh Drop Fade for Curly Hair
This drop fade with curls makes a unique curly messy style that gives volume in the hair with the fade that offers a clean look. The best part about this is its low maintenance, according to the barber from Indiana, Victor Maldonado.
“I recommend this haircut to men with naturally curly hair that is suitable for all ages. These curls will suit most face types and shapes. The product I use is Elegance Triple Action Gel,” Maldonado states.
#44: Drop Taper Fade
This is one of the more subtle drop fade hairstyles for men. It’s great for guys who don’t want a skin fade. I gave the haircut an urban look by tapering the neckline and texturizing and styling the top. The best thing about this haircut is that it’s simple, low-maintenance, and it’s fit for every season. If you’re looking to have a good night out or even looking to have a clean simple cut to go to work with, I suggest this, as it would definitely spark up a good vibe.
#45: Medium Drop Fade
This look is a low to mid drop fade while keeping weight on the sides to allow for styling. The coolest part about this cut is the clean fade with the messy top style.
When considering this cut, barber Ollie Iglesias of Oregon explains that it’s all about styling if you’re willing to put time into your morning routine.
“This type of cut doesn’t look good when it’s not styled. I recommend any matte clay or pomade. I use Tomb 45 matte clay. This cut works best with straight to wavy hair texture. Perfect with dudes who like to keep in style,” Iglesias emphasizes.
#46: Drop Fade Mohawk
What’s great about this haircut with a drop fade is it stands out to people. It also shows that you’re not afraid to get something other than a traditional haircut. What I love about this cut is it can show a person’s character. They could either go for the messy look, or mohawks can even be somewhat professional-looking nowadays. There are no boundaries with this cut. Whether you’re an athlete or play in a rock band, this haircut suits different personalities.
For men trying to achieve this look, there are many things to consider, head shape, thickness, and type of product. I would recommend a product with a strong hold, depending on the thickness. But anyone can rock a mohawk fade with an open mind and creativity.
Commonly Asked Questions:
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There is only one type of drop fade, but each fade can be tailored to the customer's or barbers’ requirements and advice. Essentially a drop fade is done in one particular way but many varieties exist, such as how much it drops and how heavy you want the blend.
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Usually, when a barber does a fade they follow the temple line and dip slightly around the back of the head. A drop fade is a technique used where the fade dips down as it passes behind the ear and is kept low to the neckline. This is well suited to shorter styles and faux hawks.
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A drop mid fade is a variation of the drop fade. Where a drop fade stays low to the neckline or even just around the ears, a drop mid fade sits slightly higher between the neckline and the occipital bone. This would suit a more oval head shape as the transition will be a lot cleaner, and a more pronounced occipital bone will create shadows.
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No, a drop fade is not a taper, these are two totally different styles. A taper is only done at the base of the neck and sometimes around the ears. A drop fade is taken higher on the head. Each style complements different hair types and head shapes, make sure to research before committing.
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A drop fade will last longer than a taper as the edges are tighter and will grow out better. The average rate of growth is half an inch (1.25cm) for most, so after 2-3 weeks it will need to be done again to keep the style nice and fresh.
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The difference between a low fade and a drop fade is where the fade starts and blends into the scissor work. A drop fade stays low around the ears and sometimes the neckline (depending on the style required). A low fade starts higher; generally, it’s halfway between the neckline and the occipital bone.
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