Extremely short hair on the sides and back of the head is transitioned into longer hair on top in the fashionable modern bald fade haircut.
The extremely short sides contrast dramatically with the longer hair on top, creating a high-contrast style. The characteristics of the bald fade haircut are described in greater depth below.
What is Faded?
The term “fade” is used to describe how the length of the hair on the top of the head gradually becomes longer as it moves down the back and sides.
Rather than having a distinct transition from short to long hair, it “fades” from skin on the lower sides to longer hair near the parietal ridge. This results in a more subtle, blended appearance as opposed to a sharp undercut one.
Levels of Fades:
There are different levels of fades in bald fade cuts:
- A high bald fade will start fading from skin about halfway up the sides of the head.
- A mid bald fade starts closer to the ear.
- A low fade starts fading right above the neckline.
There will be less of a distinction between the extremely short sides and the longer top the lower the bald fade begins. The most striking haircut is a high bald fade.
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Skin Fade vs Bald Fade
Both a skin fade and a bald fade have very short hair around the nape of the neck and on the back and sides.
The difference between a skin fade and a bald fade is the quantity of stubble that is left behind. Instead of being absolutely smooth, this leaves a slight bumpiness to the skin.
Hair Length on Top
The top layer of hair in a bald fade haircut can be clipped to practically any length. The lengthier hair on top of a bald fade cut, often between 2 and 5 inches long, provides a striking contrast to the short, faded sides. For a more understated style, the top might be cut shorter.
Styling a Bald Fade
The bald fade can be styled in a variety of ways. A bald fade is popular among men with curly hair because it allows the curls to take center stage. The frontal hair can be worn down over the forehead or swept up into a stylish bun.
Straight hair can be parted in several directions, brushed upwards or backwards, or textured with cosmetics. Style is highlighted on top while the sides are faded.
Face Shapes and Bald Fades
A bald fade haircut’s dramatic contrast flatters nearly every face type. It has the ability to make round faces look leaner and more defined. It’s also an effective method for rounder faces.
The only possible drawback is that it could make an oval face shape even longer. To avoid this, wear your hair longer on top instead of shaving it excessively short.
Maintenance
As hair grows out quickly in the back and sides, regular touch-ups are required to maintain the bald fade’s crisp, defined appearance. The bald fade is a popular style for males to maintain between complete haircuts.
Every four to eight weeks, just give the top a trim. The sides can be trimmed using clippers at home in between professional cleanings.
History and Popularity
The bald fade haircut first appeared in black hair salons in the ’80s and ’90s. It soon became identified with rap and city life.
However, since the year 2000, it has become one of the most demanded modern men’s hairstyles among men of all ages and ethnicities. Many people enjoy the stark contrast and modern feel of the design.
