The 7 Most Popular Types of Mid Fades – The Complete Guide
by Kadir Duran ︱ ︱ Reading time: 14 minutes
by Kadir Duran ︱ ︱ Reading time: 14 minutes
The mid fade is the hairstyle that strikes the golden balance between low fade and high fade . It typically starts around the temples and moves smoothly down towards the nape of the neck – neither too dramatic nor too subtle. That’s why the mid fade haircut has become one of the most sought-after choices among men who want a modern and versatile style.
A mid fade works for almost all hair types and lengths, and it can be styled in many ways — from classic and clean to raw and textured. At GORCOS, we see it as the perfect match between structure, shape and freedom.
If you have natural curls, mid fade curly hair is a strong choice. The combination of defined sides and voluminous top creates contrast and highlights the natural movement of the curls.
It works especially well if you use a curl cream (like our GORCOS Curl Cream) to define and moisturize the curls, so that the transition from fade to top is smooth and harmonious.
A mid-skin fade goes all the way down to the skin at the sides, creating a sharp, clean look. It's ideal if you want a more polished look with a sharp edge — perfect for both short and medium-length hair.
It requires precision from the hairdresser and maintenance every 2-3 weeks to maintain the fresh fade.
If you've already read our article on the Taper Fade , you know that the taper version is more subtle.
Mid taper fades blend the classic fade with a more gradual flow where the hair doesn't go all the way down to the skin. It provides a softer transition and is well suited for those who want a natural, professional look – for example for the office or studio.
For men with straight hair , mid fade straight hair is one of the best ways to create dimension. It adds depth to the sides, making the hair on top appear fuller and more defined.
For example, use Matte Paste or Sea Salt Spray to create texture and a matte, relaxed finish – exactly as we described in our article about Salt Water Spray .
The mid drop fade follows the natural shape of the head and “falls” slightly behind the ear, giving a dynamic and more rounded profile.
This style works especially well if you want to combine fades with longer hair on top – such as a quiff, pompadour or slick back. It’s the type of hairstyle that balances between classic and modern without being too extreme.
If you're looking for minimal maintenance but still want a clean and modern edge, the buzz cut mid fade is the way to go. The combination of the short, uniform hair and a precise fade creates a masculine and streamlined look.
This hairstyle requires almost no styling products – just a fresh fade and maybe a few drops of Matte Pomade for a dry, controlled finish.
The mid fade fringe is one of the most popular variations right now – especially among younger men who want a modern, yet still relaxed look.
The hairstyle combines the classic fade on the sides with a textured fringe in the front, which provides a raw but controlled contrast.
Where a slick back or pompadour opens up the face, the fringe look lets the hair fall naturally forward and creates a more urban vibe.
This makes it perfect for those who want to stand out without looking too “polished” – a little street, but still stylish.
It works best on thicker or slightly wavy hair , where the texture can be shaped with a lightweight product like Sea Salt Spray or Matte Paste .
If you want more definition, you can use Hair Powder at the roots for extra lift and separation.
The hairstyle requires minimal maintenance – just a quick trim of the sides every three weeks and styling that takes under two minutes.
It perfectly balances raw energy and modern elegance – and is the reason why the mid fade fringe has become a favorite among both hairdressers and influencers in 2025.
The special thing about the mid fade is its versatility. It can be toned up or down depending on your style and personality – from sharp and controlled to soft and natural.
Whether you prefer taper fade , low fade or high fade , mid fade is often the perfect compromise.
It gives a masculine, yet well-groomed look, and is suitable for both everyday life and parties – which is exactly what GORCOS stands for: modern grooming with quality and character.