High Drop Fade
The high drop fade is a modern and versatile hairstyle characterized by a high taper that drops behind the ears, seamlessly blending into the natural hairline. It provides a unique silhouette by retaining more length on top for personal styling while offering clean, sharp sides to emphasize contrast. Ideal for those who appreciate a bold look without excessive daily maintenance, this cut suits men with oval or heart-shaped faces. It works well on most hair types, from straight to wavy textures, offering flexibility for creative top styles like pompadours or quiffs. Differing from a standard fade, the drop version rounds off and hugs the natural contours, making it contemporary and edgy.
What to Tell Your Barber
Request a high fade with a clear drop that curves behind the ears, keeping enough length on top to style creatively.
How to Maintain It
Trim every 2-3 weeks to maintain the fade’s precision. Use a comb and styling product daily to manage the top section.
Best For
Complements oval, heart, and triangular face shapes. Works best with medium to thick hair for volume and styling flexibility.
Textured Crop with High Drop Fade
This hairstyle merges the high drop fade with a textured crop top, drawing focus to creative texture and sharp contrast. The longer top invites experimentation—ideal for matte clays or texturizing sprays—keeping styles effortlessly chic. A rounded drop frames the head, creating both warmth and definition, particularly effective for square or rounded faces. The textured crop adds an element of playfulness and complements youthful energy, making this style suitable for energetic, trend-conscious individuals or urban professionals wanting to make a statement without frequent touch-ups.
Products That Work Well
Opt for matte clay to give definition to the top crop while maintaining a natural finish without shine.
Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid over-texturizing; keep proportions balanced so the top doesn’t overshadow the fade. It should highlight—not hide—the structure.
Best For
Perfect for those with thick, wavy hair. Best enhances square and round face shapes by softening edges and adding interest.
Pompadour with High Drop Fade
The pompadour with a high drop fade combines vintage elegance and modern flair, featuring pronounced volume at the front with a sleek drop fade. Offering a polished, sophisticated look, it’s excellent for formal settings while remaining versatile for casual affairs. The voluminous top contrasts with tight fades, a splendid choice for men with thick, straight hair seeking a refined but expressive style. The pompadour’s height can be adjusted based on personal preference, offering customization to suit any face shape or occasion.
Products That Work Well
Use a strong-hold gel or pomade to sculpt the pompadour, ensuring it retains its shape throughout the day.
How to Make It Your Own
Experiment with differing pomp heights; a higher pomp suits evening events, while a lower one provides everyday flair.
Best For
A stellar choice for oval and oblong face shapes. Best suits medium to thick hair types for optimal volume and hold.
Side Part with High Drop Fade
The side part with a high drop fade offers a dapper juxtaposition of classic and contemporary elements, allowing a distinct side part to flow into a clean drop fade. This style underscores professionalism and fashion-forward thinking, ideal for workplace wear while adaptable for leisurely settings. It thrives on the interplay of precision and relaxed styling, enhancing the face’s natural symmetry. Perfect for straight or loosely wavy hair, it’s a versatile pick for the sophisticated man eyeing a timeless yet adaptable aesthetic.
Ask Your Stylist
Request a razor-sharp side part for an iconic finish that effortlessly guides the eye across the head in clean lines.
How to Maintain It
Maintain the part’s crispness by combing into place daily and regular trims to uphold the fade.
Best For
A smart choice for individuals with rectangular or oval faces. Best complements straight hair textures for sleek finish.
Quiff with High Drop Fade
The quiff with a high drop fade brings together vintage charisma with modern cutting-edge style. This cut features a voluminous top brushed upward and backward, paired with a carefully tapered drop fade, merging drama and sophistication. The quiff’s dramatic height makes it suitable for those seeking a bolder, fashion-forward statement, highlighting personality and flair. Clear structure contrasts perfectly with the fade, providing a canvas for styling products, ideally suiting thick to medium hair types looking to amplify volume.
Styling Time & Difficulty
Styling the quiff daily takes 10-15 minutes, best accomplished with a blow-dryer for added volume and texture.
Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid flattening the quiff by under-drying; style while hair is still slightly damp to retain lift.
Best For
Fits round and oval faces beautifully by adding contrast. Best for medium to thick, slightly wavy hair.
Slick Back with High Drop Fade
The slick back with a high drop fade offers an authoritative, sleek appearance, where hair is combed back from the forehead, blending seamlessly with a modern drop fade. This style is classic yet adapts to contemporary settings, giving a subtle nod to the vintage while ensuring daily manageability. Ideal for straight hair, it provides a polished finish for professionals desiring sophistication with minimal effort. The seamless contrast between the slick back and the fade provides a dynamic variance in a standard look.
How to Make It Your Own
Experiment with either hard or soft lines in the fade for a more subtle or pronounced impact.
Products That Work Well
Opt for a strong-hold pomade to maintain sheen and direction in the slick back, ensuring longevity.
Best For
Designed for those with oval and rectangular faces. Best serves medium-thick hair for ease in slicking back.
Buzz Cut with High Drop Fade
The buzz cut with a high drop fade redefines minimalist styling, combining the ultra-short buzz with a neat fade. It radiates a rugged charm matched with sharp lines that cater to a hands-free lifestyle. This look appeals to those requiring an efficient, low-maintenance cut without sacrificing style. The high drop fade sharpens the standard buzz, adding depth and dimension. This powerful hybrid works for active individuals or minimalist aesthetes, allowing quick transitions between gym, office, and weekend.
What to Tell Your Barber
Ask for a buzz cut using a #2 guard on top, and blend sharply into a high drop fade for impact.
Mistakes to Avoid
Ensure the fade’s arc matches the natural curve of your head to prevent unevenness or disruption in silhouette.
Best For
Best suited for oval or square face shapes, optimal for thick to coarser hair types requiring structured simplicity.
Short Afro with High Drop Fade
This hairstyle offers a stylized approach for natural hair, meshing a tight, defined afro with a modern drop fade. Tailored for men with curly to coily textures, the high drop fade keeps the look fresh and controlled while allowing personal style to shine. Ideal for those who cherish heritage with a contemporary twist, this fusion celebrates texture with minimal upkeep. It’s an expressive look for anyone aiming for natural volume yet appreciates the trendsetting vibrancy that the fade introduces.
Products That Work Well
Nourishing hair butters help maintain moisture and definition, keeping curls lively without frizz interference.
How to Maintain It
Routine moisturizing and trimming every 4-6 weeks keep edges sharp and the hair healthy.
Best For
Suited for afro-textured hair, enhancing round and heart-shaped faces with natural lift and symmetry.
Spiky Top with High Drop Fade
The spiky top combined with a high drop fade offers a youthful, energetic style brimming with volume and attitude. Spikes on the crown provide edginess while the drop fade introduces a curvature. This look is engineered for those wanting dynamic visuals, effortlessly moving between casual and semi-formal settings. Various spike heights can be achieved with gels or waxes, providing ample customization and fun. Designed for men looking to inject personality into everyday appearances, it holds attention with ease and excitement.
What to Tell Your Barber
Request a high drop fade complemented by a slightly longer top for spiking versatility and edge.
Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t overuse styling products; keep spikes firm yet still allowing some movement for a natural effect.
Best For
A fitting choice for oval and triangular face shapes, best enhances medium to thick, straight hair.
Messy Fringe with High Drop Fade
The messy fringe with a high drop fade combines deliberate disarray with sharp fading, a trendy juxtaposition perfect for casual streetwear enthusiasts. The tousled fringe exudes effortlessness, while the neat drop fade adds refinement. With a laid-back edge, it’s a perfect match for those who prefer a stylish yet comfortable look, capitalizing on their hair’s natural flow. This style suits the creative man who treasures individuality over conformity, successfully merging comfort with distinct style.
How to Make It Your Own
Vary fringe length for a highly personalized outcome that enhances natural facial symmetry and unique characteristics.
Ask Your Stylist
Opt for texturized layers within the fringe to encourage movement and ease styling.
Best For
Complements oval and heart face shapes by adding texture; ideal for wavy or slightly curly hair types.