If you’re a man seeking a new hairstyle or a way to liven up your current look, you’re missing out if you haven’t tried the undercut fade. The great thing about fade haircuts is that they work with pretty much any style of hair out there.
Perhaps the classiest, an undercut fade, combines the best parts of a fade haircut and an undercut to create one cohesive and handsome feature becoming on all men. But don’t just take our word for it! See for yourself below what a fade undercut is and why it should be part of your new look.
What Is An Undercut Fade?
@ahmetaslanhairsalon
An undercut fade works by shaving or trimming the sides of your head to a very minimal or bare look from ears to temples. The result is a long top and short sides, great low maintenance, and a flattering look for all men no matter their hair texture or length. While undercut fades work best on men with longer hair, if you have shorter hair the feature will still work.
The benefits of choosing a men’s undercut fade are that you don’t need to change your current look to rock it completely. Add the feature to your long hairstyle to edge up a man bun or ponytail, transition a crew cut to an undercut fade, or switch up an afro by adding a fade undercut. All of these looks will narrow your face and flatter the best parts of your facial features.
Undercut vs Fade: Difference
Source: @r.braid/@heobarberpr via Instagram
The undercut vs. fade difference is simple: a fade refers to the sides while the undercut is the back and right above the neck. The length continues all the way around the head, forming what is called an undercut. Thus, the contrast between them is striking. A fade also takes the hair off the sides and back. Yet, the length decreases gradually and blends into the skin around the hairline. The transition between the top and sides is smooth and seamless.
Side Part
@phoneypony_barber
An undercut haircut on men with a gradual fade draws attention to every part of this detailed do, from the smooth neck and lineup to the thick textured top and low fade.
Tousled Quiff
@ayozecastellano
Quiff hair is a bit like a pompadour, in that it’s swept up and back, but it’s not as top-heavy and is fuller on the sides. It can also be styled differently whether you wish to get slick or tousled hair. With a quiff hairstyle and some styling product and/or teasing, you can add volume and texture, like this model did.
Undercut Fade Long Hair
@alan_beak
If you want to upgrade your long hairstyle, then an undercut fade men haircut is your way to go. It creates a clean and neat silhouette, so your hair look is going to suit almost any ambiance. Skilled barber Alan Beak bleached top for more contrast.
Tapered Undercut Fade
@mikes_custom_kuts
A taper haircut and undercut fade it’s a mix of styles: the tapered back of your head merges with undercuted sides. Consequently, on the side you have a clear cutting edge, which comes down from the bottom with a soft fade.
Undercut Curly Hair Fade
@spukthebarber
Give your curls more definition with an undercut fade. As it removes pretty much hair from the sides and back, the focus shifts to the top. So, if you have curly hair, this is your perfect opportunity to show it off.
Styling Tip: Use curling cream to make your curls more structure. This will help get rid of frizz.
Undercut Low Fade Haircut Long Bang
@spukthebarber
One of the best things about a faded undercut is its versatility. You can adjust the look to suit your preferences. Need something more reserved and formal? Go for an undercut low fade. It works perfectly with any haircut on top, be it a long bang or a short quiff.
Undercut Man Bun Fade
@ahmetaslanhairsalon
In case you got tired of your long hair undercut fade is your surefire way out. It makes your locks much easier to maintain and creates a generally neater look. The top can be styled in a plethora of different ways with a man bun being one of the most popular.
Pomp-Inspired Undercut Slick Back Fade
@spukthebarber
Give a classic pompadour haircut a modern feel with the help of a mid fade undercut. Because the short sides provide you with the needed contrast, the top should not be particularly long.
Pro Tip: Just make sure you can slick it back and secure it in place and you are good to go.
Swept Back Disconnected Undercut
@z_ramsey
What else is good about an disconnected undercut is that it allows you to go as long with your hair on top as you like. If you want to make a real fashion statement with your hairstyle, like NY barber Zach Ramzey, grow out the hair on top so that it reaches your nose and get it disconnected from the sides with an undercut fade.
Pro Tip: As a final touch, dye the top section of your hair in an ombre technique, which is all the rage now.
Comb Over Fade
@andyfadepro
A mens comb over blends the timeless with the contemporary. The end result proves that opposites attract. This model’s comb over fade looks exciting and contemporary. Notice the line in the undercut. It nicely accentuates the skin fade comb over.
Hard Part Haircut
@alan_beak
The hard part haircut automatically incorporates the etched line. Here, the model combined it with the undercut and a hard part fade. This kind of undercut fade allows you to make the hair up top the focal point of the whole look thanks to the outline the hard part creates. It’s cool. It evokes some rebellious icon who will eternally define cool. Hence, you are welcome to style the top section of your hair whatever you like. And the simple advice from Alan Beak that help you to choose right cut:
There are so many ways to fade hair. the best way to get the right one for you is to experiment!
Undercut Mohawk
@frankdabarber
Combing back all the hair gives the illusion and fun of a Mohawk, without the commitment. This model’s Mohawk fade, along with the color and the etched line, is both awesome and distinct. Where else will you find a cut like it?
Pompadour Hairstyle With Undercut
@mattyconrad
The Pompadour got its name from Madame de Pompadour, King Louis XV’s mistress. Elvis Presley, another icon of cool, turned it into a mens pompadour and young men at the time went nuts for the macho rock and roll hairstyle. Today, it’s the pompadour fade, and it’s just as macho and just as cool. Hopefully, today’s young men will get to know “the king.”
Undercut Mullet
@londonschoolofbarbering
Pair a men’s undercut bald fade with smooth skin on sides for professional vibes you can rock at work and at home. The top hair is spiked up and all one length for easy styling. Teachers from the London School of Barbering knows:
Mullets are making a serious comeback, and we’re living for it!
Bald Fade Slick Back
The bald fade haircut abruptly goes from long to short hair and then fades to the skin. Yes, the bald fade is intense, and it looks really sharp, especially when slicked back.
Wavy High Fade Undercut
@xbigwesx
An undercut fade for men with a high fade features shaved or trimmed hair from ears to the temple line, leaving a rounded shape to top the head.
Short Undercut Fade
@a.nizhnick
Make your current hairstyle more noticeable with a pop of electric pink or blue over a dark base, then add a fade undercut. Combined with a trimmed beard, it’s the perfect mix of neat and rugged.
Side Swept Slicked Back Undercut Fade
@dima_naiden
Slick back hair looks great as it is or with the product. Combine it with a slick back undercut or slick back fade, like this model’s, and you’ve got a “wow.”
Messy Texture On Top + Undercut Fade
@z_ramsey
Messy hair looks really neat atop an undercut fade. For those who consider themselves messy hair men, this hairstyle is for you. Model looks amazing and, dare we say, sexy.
Middle Part Undercut
@_edwardsandco
The middle part is the modern trend among men. You can perfectly combine it with an undercut fade.
Styling Tip: Use a round brush to curl the ends of your hair. Apply a little styling product to the top of your head and then curl your hair using a hairdryer. You may need to practice a little, but we believe you will succeed.
Flow Top
@salsalhair
With an undercut fade, a flowy gains a modern and stylish touch. In such a way, it looks much edgier and contrasty, keeping the focus on the hair atop. Thus, it allows you to play around with the hair texture, going for a feathery, spiky or curly top for added boldness.
Undercut Faux Hawk
@ahmetaslanhairsalon
Although a faux hawk implies having some hair on the sides, it doesn’t mean that there’s supposed to be plenty of it. In addition, when you have an undercut fade on the sides, it allows the crest to stand out even more.
Ivy League +Fade
@frankdabarber
A classic and elegant Ivy League haircut may look too smart and preppy on some occasions. That’s why it’s highly beneficial to pair it with an undercut fade, which will make your hairstyle a bit more casual yet trendy.
Pro Tip: On top of that, when your sides are cut that short, styling your hair doesn’t require much time and effort.
Spiked Top
@z_ramsey
As we said, an undercut fade is a perfect solution if you want to make your hair on top a focal point of the whole look. It brings all the attention to the texture of your top, so be sure not to limit your imagination. A spiked-up top will create an unusual and eye-catching appearance of the top. Besides, it’s quite low maintenance. We don’t see any reason not to opt for it.
Undercut Fade With Beard
@cheobarberpr
A men’s undercut fade pairs nicely with a bushy facial hairstyle. So, feel free to grow a full thick beard if you have your hair undercut, and do not worry that you are going to look unkempt.
Swept Back
You may be surprised but an undercut fade can be teamed with such relatively short haircuts for men as a swept back. Just leave a bit more hair at the front section of the head than you normally would and go for a bald fade on the sides, and you’ll gain a high-contrast look.
Ponytail Top
@cheobarberpr
If you have thick and voluminous hair, then you’re bound to try on a ponytail with an undercut fade on the sides and back. It creates a lot of contrast, especially if you opt for a skin fade.
Pro Tip: Such a hairstyle makes you visually taller and your face shape longer, which is quite beneficial, don’t you think?
Cropped Cut
@cheobarberpr
Cropped top haircuts are on a roll these days. However, to make them look more stylish and bold, you may add a skin undercut fade to the sides. As you take away hair from the head, you’re welcome to add it to your face.
Textured Flow Back
@r.braid
A high bald undercut fade refuses to let you look away from the hair on top. Hence, do your best to work out a really stylish and elaborate hairstyle. A brushed-up textured top is a sure way to go.
Pro Tip: However, you can make your ‘do much edgier by bleaching the ends of your locks, which creates a great contrast if you have naturally dark hair.
Side Part And Hard Part
@cheobarberpr
Want to achieve a really distinct and bold look? Add more lines to it. A side-swept undercut with a line up around the forehead, temples, and cheekbones comes out defined and edgy. In case you find it too sharp, it’s always possible to balance it out with a blurry undercut.
How You Can Wear This Cut?
If your hair is thin in texture, a fade undercut will provide a handsome contrast. Its shaving or fading of hair will accentuate the rest of your hair, making it appear thicker. For men with thick hair, a men’s undercut takes the bulk out and makes your look easier to style.
Used to wearing all your hair spiked up? You can still get the texture you love, but a fade undercut will draw extra attention to the top. Like the look of hard parts? You can combine it with a fade undercut for fresh detail. Tame everything from dreadlocks and afro hair to shaggy or surfer haircuts with an undercut fade!
FAQs
What is an undercut fade?
An undercut fade is a mix of two popular men’s haircuts – an undercut and a fade. On the sides, it incorporates short hair faded high and blurry. The top is usually left long or mid length.
What is the difference between fade and undercut?
When you are talking about a fade, you usually refer to the hair on the sides, whereas by the fade, you should understand the hair on the back and near the area of your neck.
What do I tell my barber for an undercut?
To get a perfect undercut fade, you need to ask your barber to start from your hair on the sides using zero attachment and fade it toward the top all around the head with the help of the #1, #2 or even #3 attachment. As for the top, leave the hair around 3.5.–5 inches long, depending on the length of the hair on the sides. And do not forget to tell them to blend your top into the hair on the back using #1 or #2 attachment.
Is the undercut still in style 2025?
Arguably, an undercut is one of those timeless haircuts that never go out of style. So, yes. It is still on trend.
How long does it take for an undercut to grow out?
It depends on how long you want your hair to be. It may take you from several months to a couple of years to grow your hair back after getting an undercut.
REFERENCES:
- The undercut is a hairstyle that was fashionable from the 1910s to the 1940s, predominantly among men. Source
- A regular haircut is a men’s and boys’ hairstyle that has hair long enough to comb on top, a defined or deconstructed side part, and a short, semi-short, medium, long, or extra long back and sides. Source
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