This style combines the sharpness of a low fade with the volume of a high top, creating a bold and striking look. It’s a timeless choice, offering a sleek and clean appearance or a more bold statement. Perfect for those who want to stand out, it blends both confidence and personality.
What Is a Low High Top Fade?
The haircut blends a voluminous top with tapered sides, combining two distinct styles for a bold yet refined look. The high top keeps structure at the crown, while the fade gradually tapers the hair on the sides and back, creating a striking contrast.
It’s a versatile style, offering both boldness and sophistication.
Breaking Down the Components
- High Top: Hair on top is left longer for added volume and height at crown. It can be combed, curled, or styled to stand upright, giving a well-defined and structured appearance.
- Low Fade: It starts just above the ears and tapers down to the skin, creating a clean transition. It offers a smooth flow from the top to the sides, with a sharp contrast that keeps the look neat yet bold.
How It Differs from Other Fades
This style is different from others like the high fade, which starts higher for a sharper contrast. Unlike the mid fade that offers a smooth transition, this one stands out with volume at the top, blending boldness with subtlety. It maintains fullness on top while offering a dramatic contrast between the sides and the crown.
The History and Cultural Impact of the High Top Fade
Popular in the 1980s, it became a powerful symbol of rebellion and youth culture, blending hip-hop and basketball influences. It wasn’t just a hairstyle, but a statement of individuality and style, rooted in urban culture. Iconic look expressed freedom and creativity, reflecting the spirit of the time.
1980s Origins in Hip-Hop and Basketball
In the 1980s, the high top fade became a cultural icon, popularized by hip-hop artists and basketball players like Will Smith and Michael Jordan. The style represented energy, creativity, and self-expression, becoming a must-have for those wanting to stay ahead of the curve in mainstream culture.
Modern Revival in Pop Culture
Has made a strong comeback, largely thanks to celebrities like ASAP Rocky and Michael B. Jordan. Their influence in music and film has turned this bold and youthful hairstyle into a contemporary and fresh style. The style is now not just a throwback, but a statement that reflects individuality.
Who Can Pull Off a Low High Top Fade?
It works for various people, complementing different face and hair types. It’s adaptable, offering a look that suits any lifestyle. The cut is tailored to fit both high and low fades, providing versatility and professionalism.
Ideal Face Shapes
- Oval Faces: Style works well, improving symmetry and balancing proportions. It accentuates the features with a balanced cut.
- Square Faces: Helps soften sharp features, and adding volume to the top creates balance, making the face appear more proportionate.
- Round Faces: For rounder facial features, adding height and structure helps to elongate the face and create the illusion of a more angular look.
- Heart-Shaped Faces: Low balances a wider forehead with a narrower chin, while the top creates a well-proportioned style, highlighting the best features.
Best Hair Types for the Style
This style suits all hair types, creating a defined look with sharp edges for a stylish and neat finish.
- Straight Hair: The style allows for a sleek, polished look with clean, defined fade lines. It’s easy to manage and ideal for those wanting precision and quick styling.
- Wavy Hair: Natural texture increases height, making the style appear fuller and more defined while maintaining a clean and sharp finish.
- Curly and Coily Hair: This cut keeps the look clean underneath while letting curls shine on top. Texturizing cream helps maintain shape and control frizz for a more structured finish.
Lifestyle Compatibility
Keeping this style looking sharp and clean means frequent trips to the barber, usually every 2-3 weeks, so if you prefer a low-effort grooming routine, be ready to commit to regular trims and upkeep despite it being less intricate than other haircuts.
How to Ask Your Barber for a Low High Top Fade
Communicate the fade details, contrast, and top style, and trust your barber for advice based on your face shape and hair type.
Key Terminology to Use
- Low Taper Fade: Blends edges for a neat look that suits any face shape and works for both casual and formal settings.
- Skin Fade: This style shortens hair from top to skin, blending for a smooth, bold finish with a sleek, versatile look.
- Boxy Top: This style creates a defined and structured look on top, blending smoothly into shorter sides.
Visual References to Share
Showing your barber pictures of celebrities like Will Smith, ASAP Rocky, or Michael B. Jordan helps explain the specific look you want, and browsing Pinterest for style images keeps you on the same page.
Customization Options
Adjust the fade to your head shape and style, choosing a sharp contrast or gradual blend for a clean look.
- The top length: Decide on a bold, tall look or a more modestly styled one. The right length balances style and comfort.
- The sharpness of edges: Decide if you want defined or rounded lines. Boxy top gives contrast, while low provides a smoother flow, with the top height shaping the style.
- The fade intensity: A high fade offers a contrast, while a subtle fade provides a smoother transition. It shapes the overall style.
Step-by-Step Guide to Styling a Low High Top Fade
To maintain the style, clean the sides with a razor and add volume to the top, ensuring the top stays longer than the sides.
Essential Products for the Look
- Matte Pomade: Provides texture without shine, keeping your hair in place for a structured finish.
- Blow Dryer: Is crucial for creating the perfect look, providing the right lift and ensuring a smooth, clean finish for both styles.
- Fine-Tooth Comb: Is crucial for creating a clean and defined, ensuring smooth blending, especially at the top, for a sharp and even look.
Daily Styling Routine
To maintain a clean, sharp fade, blow-dry the top for volume and use a fine-tooth comb to define the style. Apply a small amount of matte pomade evenly to keep it in place, ensuring the fade stays sharp on the sides.
Tips for Curly or Textured Hair
To style hair, use curl cream for definition while avoiding heavy gels that make hair stiff. A light cream helps keep curls bouncy and well-defined. Regular trimming ensures your look stays crisp and styled.
Maintaining Your Low High Top Fade
Grooming and touch-ups keep your fade fresh, while maintaining a smooth blend preserves a sleek look.
Barber Visit Schedule
Visiting every 2-3 weeks for touch-ups helps maintain the contrast between the top and clean sides. Regular trims keep your look fresh and well-groomed.
At-Home Care Routine
To maintain healthy hair, use sulfate-free shampoos to keep natural oils intact. Follow up with scalp oils to promote a healthy scalp and encourage hair growth. These simple steps help keep your hair nourished and vibrant.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Avoid over washing to prevent stripping your hair of natural oils. Also, be careful with heavy styling products, as they can weigh down the top, reducing volume and structure. Use lighter products to keep your fade looking fresh and maintain texture.
Celebrities Rocking the Low High Top Fade
Famous figures have embraced this style, adding their own flair. The combination creates a look that complements various face shapes, showcasing confidence and individuality.
Red Carpet Ready (Michael B. Jordan)
He nails the clean, refined look perfect for events. His sharp appearance is ideal for creating a confident look that stands out in any classy setting.
Streetwear-Inspired Looks (ASAP Rocky)
The take on the style is a version that fits perfectly with modern trends. It blends stylish elements, showing how it can embody an urban vibe. It feels youthful and refined, adding a personal touch.
Athletic and Clean Styles (LeBron James)
The no-nonsense style reflects a sleek, disciplined approach to life and sport, emphasizing both style and performance.
Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid with This Haircut
To keep your style fresh, avoid common errors like skipping regular grooming, using the wrong products, neglecting the balance, and not maintaining neatness. Regular upkeep is key to keeping it fresh.
DIY Fading Disasters
Cutting your own hair at home can result in uneven, messy outcomes. Without proper skills or tools, it’s best to rely on a skilled barber to avoid mistakes.
Ignoring Hair Health
Neglecting hair and scalp health can shorten the life of your fade. Moisture and nourishment keep it sharp and prevent damage.
Choosing the Wrong Products
Using heavy or greasy products can weigh down your hair, preventing it from having the desired volume. Stick to light, matte options to enhance the sharpness.
People also ask:
What is a high fade and low fade?
The high-contrast style requires keeping the sides cut short, while the gradual blend provides a more relaxed feel. One is more dramatic, while the other offers a softer, easier-to-maintain feel.
What are the 7 basic haircuts?
There are various haircuts that fit different styles, from the sleek Oval and uniform One Length to the structured A-Line and Inverted Bob. The timeless Bob, bold Pixie, and textured Bi-Level offer versatility, catering to both classic and daring preferences. These styles help express individuality while keeping up with beauty trends.
Is low or mid fade better?
When deciding between these styles, it depends on your look and head form. The clean cut is great for growing out your hair, while the more versatile option flatters different head forms, especially with a mid-drop for a more balanced finish.
Is low fade attractive?
The style offers a timeless and universally appealing look that works well for straight or slightly wavy hair, especially with normal to slightly oily hair types. It’s polished, making it a great choice for anyone wanting a practical, stylish cut. From my experience, it adds a unique touch while remaining easy to maintain.
Conclusion
The low high top fade is not just a hairstyle—it’s a bold statement. This look blends the clean lines of a fade with the elevated bold height of a high top, creating a unique and timeless style. Rooted in hip-hop culture, it has made its way into mainstream fashion.
Whether you appreciate its cultural significance or simply love its fresh look, this cut is a versatile choice that works with various hair types and face shapes. To get the most out of your sharp, stylish appearance, understanding the components of the fade is key.
Communicating your vision to your barber and sticking to regular maintenance will ensure your look stays fresh and bold. Whether you opt for a subtle low fade or go all out with a bold high top, this haircut is bound to make you stand out with confidence at any occasion.