Afro-textured hair is naturally flexible and telling, making it the perfect cloth for fade haircuts. Fades blend short sides with longer hair on top, offering a clean, stylish contrast that suits both casual and professional environments. Whether you want something sharp and edgy or smooth and low-maintenance, there’s a fade style out there for you. Here are 12 top afro fade styles for men, each explained in detail to help you find your next signature look.
1. High Top Fade
The high top fade is a bold, iconic look that originated in the late ’80s and remains popular today. It features very short sides with a tall, squared-off top that showcases the natural height and texture of Afro hair. The difference between the hard fade and the raised top creates a visible outline. This style works best on dense, coiled hair and suits guys who love to make a statement. It requires some maintenance to keep the top shaped and the fade clean, but the result is undeniably stylish.
2. Low Fade with Curls
For a softer, more blended look, the low fade with curls is ideal. The fade starts just above the ears and gently tapers down the sides and back, while the top remains full of defined, natural curls. This cut is great for showing off your natural texture without too much volume. It’s also low-key enough for the office but stylish enough for social settings. Use curl-enhancing cream or leave-in conditioner to keep the top hydrated and defined.
3. Temple Fade (Brooklyn Fade)
The temple fade, also known as the region fade or blowout fade, focuses the taper around the temples and stubble, leaving the back and top full. It’s a clean, subtle fade that adds structure to the face without removing too much hair. Popular in urban street styles, this fade works well with afros, twists, or short curls. It’s a versatile choice that suits nearly all face shapes and requires minimal upkeep compared to full fades.
4. Burst Fade Mohawk
The burst fade mohawk is a modern,tense style that keeps the hair longer along a central strip from the front to the back while the sides are dim in a semicircular pattern around the ears. This style gives the impression of a “burst” of hair radiating from the ears and is perfect for guys who want a standout look. It works especially well with coiled or curly textures and adds a bold, creative vibe to your appearance.
5. Drop Fade with Twist Sponge Top
A drop fade curves behind the ears and dips lower toward the back of the head, creating a more dramatic and contoured fade effect. When paired with a twist sponge top—small, defined coils created using a twist sponge—this style offers texture, shape, and movement. It’s a great way to highlight your hair’s natural curl pattern while keeping the sides clean and stylish. The twist sponge top requires regular sponging and moisturizing to maintain definition.
6. Frohawk FadeThe mohawk
fade is a of the mohawk that uses your natural afro texture as the centerpiece. It features faded or shaved sides with a strip of longer hair through the middle, shaped like a mohawk. The frohawk is a bold style choice that’s perfect for showcasing personal flair and natural volume. It pairs well with line-ups and can be combined with designs for added flair. Regular trims are vital to keep the fade sharp and the shape define.
7. Skin Fade with Waves
The skin fade with waves is a fresh, lie low cut that merge a clean fade over to the derma with 360 sign on top. This look is smooth, polished, and ideal for men who want a classic yet modern style. Achieving the perfect waves requires commitment—regular brushing with a wave brush, use of pomade or wave cream, and wearing a durag overnight. The skin fade elevates the wave pattern by adding crisp contrast.
8. Taper Fade with Mini Afro
A taper fade gradually reduces the length of hair around the neckline and ears while maintaining a neat mini afro on top. It’s one of the most versatile and professional fade styles, perfect for guys who want a clean look that still shows off their hair’s texture. This style is easy to maintain, requiring only light shaping of the afro and regular edge-ups to keep the fade fresh. It’s subtle but stylish—great for everyday wear.
9. High Fade with Twists
This fade begins high up on the sides and back, present a stark contrast between the shaved areas and the longer corrupt hair on top. The high fade with twists is bold and modern, ideal for men who want to highlight texture and definition. The top can feature two-strand twists, finger coils, or sponge twists, depending on preference. Twists need regular moisturizing and retwisting every few weeks, but the result is well worth the effort.
10. Bald Fade with Line-Up
The bald fade with line-up is a sharp, ultra-clean style where the hair tapers completely down to the skin. The key feature is the crisp line-up at the forehead and temples, giving the haircut a geometric, precise finish. This style suits guys who like a very neat appearance and works well with short afro tops, waves, or even cropped curls. Because it fades down to the scalp, it requires frequent touch-ups to maintain the clean gradient.
