Skin fade guide: low, mid and high
Low, mid and high describe where a skin fade begins. Knowing the difference makes it far easier to ask for the finish you actually want.
What a skin fade is
A skin fade blends the hair on the sides and back down to bare skin, so there is no hard line where the hair stops. The length climbs smoothly from skin at the bottom to whatever you keep on top. The word low, mid or high tells the barber how high up the head that blend should start.
Low fade
A low fade starts just above the ear and around the hairline. It keeps most of your length and only takes the very bottom down to skin. It is the subtlest of the three, easy to wear anywhere, and a good first choice if you have not had a skin fade before.
Mid fade
A mid fade begins around the temple, roughly halfway up the side of the head. It shows more contrast than a low fade while still leaving plenty of hair through the sides. For a lot of people it is the balanced option.
High fade
A high fade starts higher up, so more of the side and back is taken short and the contrast with the top is strongest. It is the boldest look of the three and the sharpest, though it also grows out the fastest because there is more skin on show.
How to choose your height
Think about how much contrast you want and how much upkeep you are happy with. Bolder fades sit higher and need more frequent trims to stay crisp. Your hair type and the shape of your head matter too, so tell your barber how you like to wear it and let them steer you to a height that suits. If you are still unsure how to phrase it, our guide on how to explain your haircut to a barber helps.
Keeping it sharp
A skin fade looks its best in the first couple of weeks, then the skin part starts to fill in. Booking a trim every two to three weeks keeps the blend clean. If you use product, a light one on top holds the shape without weighing the fade down.
Skin fades at Swarv Studio
Errol Jones has spent more than thirty years fading Afro, Asian and European hair from a one-chair, appointment-only studio in Sheffield near Bramall Lane. Because it is one barber and one chair, your fade is cut the same careful way every time. From the phone to the barber chair, no queues, no fuss. See the services and prices, and if a mate likes your fade, our referral rewards thank you both when they book.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a low, mid and high skin fade?
The difference is where the fade to skin begins. A low fade starts just above the ear and hairline. A mid fade starts around the temple. A high fade starts higher up the side of the head, so more of the side is taken short. Higher fades look bolder and show more contrast.
How often should I get a skin fade?
Most people keep a skin fade looking its sharpest with a trim every two to three weeks. The skin part grows out fastest, so the tighter the fade, the sooner it softens.
Which fade height suits me?
A low fade is a safe, tidy choice that works almost anywhere. A mid fade gives more contrast while staying versatile. A high fade is the boldest and shows the most skin. Face shape, hair type and how striking you want the finish all play a part, so it is worth asking your barber what they would recommend.
Can you do a skin fade on Afro hair?
Yes. Skin fades work on Afro, Asian and European hair. On tighter textures a skilled barber blends the fade cleanly into the curl pattern. Swarv Studio cuts all three hair types.
Should I bring a photo of the fade I want?
Yes. Fade height is easy to show and easy to misjudge in words, so a photo from the side is the clearest way to point to where you want the skin to start.