Among all the fade haircuts, shadow fade is the most popular one. This is because it has a key feature, which is the dark transition from the top to the sides. And, this transition makes men look stylish and it also suits any face shape. Also, a shadow fade can be combined with multiple other hairstyles, which makes it the most flexible hairdo.
There are two types of shadow fades that are mostly in trend lately; shadow temp fade and shadow fade with waves, all thanks to the international players who brought these into light. However, there are multitude of other shadow fade styles that you can try.
So, in this article, we are going to explain in detail about the shadow fade, how to get it and also the 20 best shadow fade styles you can choose from.
Remember! Shadow fade haircuts are a matter of skill and precision, so we suggest you to not try these at home if you are a beginner. But, you can pick your favoured one from our list and show it to your barber to get the exact look.
What Exactly is a Shadow Fade?
First, let us discuss what a shadow fade is before we jump into the types of shadow fade hairstyles.
It is a direct blending of the hair with the top where the hair gets shorter as it goes down towards the neckline.
Long top and shorter sides are the themes of this hairstyle and the fade can be low, medium or high depending on the style.
This is a subtle and clean haircut providing a professional look, as long as the blending is perfect. The best part is that you can get the shadow fade with a variety of hairstyles.
How Do You Do a Shadow Fade?
Here, we will discuss the entire process of getting a shadow fade and the tools required for it. This is a step by step process that only needs to be tried if you already have the knack of giving yourself a haircut.
Step 1
Firstly, determine the position of the fade lines. This lets you know where exactly the fade should start.
Step 2
Use a sharp scissors to trim the longer hair on the top. Hair is better the closer to the head it is cut.
Step 3
Use the hair clippers to cut the hair shorter from the bottom. Bring the clippers closer to you as you cut the hair at an angle as soon as you reach the first fade line. Cut the hair gradually and not too much.
Step 4
Continue cutting the hair at an angle as you go upwards, reaching the fade lines one after the other. Begin by cutting the hair along the width of the head.
Step 5
Switch over to the shorter gauges of the clippers as you fade into the next layer of the hair downwards. This will help you to cut the hair closer to the scalp.
Step 6
Get rid of the excess hair by combing through, and use the trimmer to trim the hair at the back and around the ears.
Step 7
Continue cutting the hair shorter by using the shorter gauge of the comb so that the fade is achieved, which is lighter and shorter.
Step 8
Trim the hairline in a straight line using clippers without any gauge or a straight razor.
Step 9
Spray a product based on alcohol all over the head to prevent skin irritation or bumps.
20 Best Shadow Fade Haircut for Men
Now that you know the basic way of getting a shadow fade, here are some of the other variations of this hairstyle you can try. Take a look!
1. Curls with Burst Shadow Fade
If you want to tame your frizzy curly hair in a better fashion, this hairstyle will be a better choice. We say it because your curls will be cut short on the top to make them stay intact. Meanwhile, you can see layers of the hair to the sides that are faded to give a shadow effect. This shadow fade also highlights your curls on the top.
2. Low Shadow Fade Short Haircut
With the descending layers of the hair and the vivid side partition, this haircut is one of the eminent shadow cuts we have seen. It suits round faces and also the younger lot. The side combed hair is neatly settled using a gel or pomade for a tidy look.
3. The Player Shadow Fade
This shadow fade is flaunted by many players, especially those in the NBA. The curls on the top are shorter and matched with the shadow fade with the hair from the bottom. Also, the top and the bottom are blended for a natural look.
4. Step Cut Shadow Fade
The hair is step cut and the shadow fade is prominent on the sides. The fade is a low one and the hair on the top is spiked to get a special effect. The part is created using a sharp razor.
5. Shadow Fade Wavy Haircut
Here, the hair on the top is cropped very short and styled in waves as the sides are next to bald. Moreover, the fade lines are hardly seen, so the top blends well with the sides and back. This haircut will need the skills of a barber. Do not try it yourself at home!
6. The Patchy and Low Shadow Fade Cut
If you want to know someone who was very fond of this hairstyle, he is Usher. Here, the hair is cut very short on the top and the sides are given a burst fade. This fade looks a bit patchy and natural too.
7. Nappy Shadow Fade Haircut
Look at the sides blending with the hair on the top, which is cut to medium length. The sides have a high fade and a straight edge up compliments the hair style very well.
8. High Shadow Fade with Beard
Here, the curly hair on the top is cut shorter and the sides and the back clipped to various lengths. The thick and bushy beard matches perfectly with this high shadow fade.
9. Back Shadow Fade Hairstyle
The back has a medium fade that goes right to the nape of the neck. The hair on the top is combed towards the front. This haircut is time consuming and will need a skilled barber.
10. The curly Buzz with Shadow Fade Haircut
With the shadow faded sides and a buzz cut to the top, this curly haircut looks fashionable and is pretty easy to maintain. You can also see a neat edge to the forehead, which makes this hairstyle different from the rest.
11. The Cortex Shadow Fade Haircut
The shadow fade is medium to the sides and also at the cortex of the head. The hair on the top is kept long and brushed back to make your hair look flawless. A thin beard compliments the hair style.
12. Shadow Fade Pompadour
So, a pompadour can also be styled with a shadow fade, such is the versatility of a shadow fade cut. An extra length of hair is left at the top and the hairs that stick up are combed flat.
13. Shadow Temp Fade Afro Style
In this hairdo, the fade is at the temples coming down gradually to meet the sideburns. The curly hair on the top is kept to medium length and a thick beard matches this hair style.
14. Shadow Fade with Side Part
This side part hairstyle is already a popular one and when paired with a low shadow fade, it looks more unique and graceful. Here, the region around the ears is tapered, unlike the low or mid fade.
15. The Shape Up Shadow Bald Fade
The bald shadow fade is high on the sides and a shape up line makes this haircut look clean and tidy. The use of the clippers with different gauges is noticeable.
16. The Classic Shadow Fade Haircut
As the name suggests, this hairdo is one of the oldest yet is stylish. Here, a semi pomp is seen on the top, while the sides and the back are faded to give a shadow cut. This hairdo perfectly suits both straight, wavy and curly hair.
17. Skin Fade Low Shadow with Curls
In this hairstyle, the sides can be seen with a skin fade while the top is curly and cut short. Also, this hairdo has an edge to the forehead, making you look different. If you have extreme curly hair, this hairstyle is worth trying.
18. Low Shadow Fade at the Back
The back is styled with a low shadow fade, where the fade lines are distinct and the hair is cut in various lengths that are not too short. The hair on the top is of medium length and brushed back neatly.
19. Wavy Hair Combover Shadow Fade
This is a versatile hairstyle where your wavy hair is kept to medium length on the top and the sides have a shadow fade. Giving a perfect contrast, the top looks voluminous and gives your face a defined look.
20. The Fab Pomp Shadow Fade Haircut
Here, you can see that the pomp is styled to look contemporary while the sides have a low shadow fade. This hairstyle mostly suits long faces with an oval shape.
Conclusion
Shadow fades are popular and also look stylish. As you can see above, this fade can be combined with different hairstyles for a unique look. We think curly and wavy hair goes best with a shadow fade. What do you think? Comment below and let us know the best haircut from our list that would instantly try.