When it comes to haircuts, face shape plays a crucial role in how the style will look. This is especially true for fades, which can dramatically alter your appearance based on the shape of your face. Some might argue that a fade works with any face shape, and while there’s some truth to that, it mostly applies to a standard fade with a buzz cut. As you delve into the many variations of fades, you'll see that certain styles complement specific face shapes better than others.
Understanding which fade works best for you starts with knowing your face shape. However, identifying it isn’t always easy. For example, oval and diamond face shapes are frequently mistaken for one another, while square and round face shapes are usually easier to distinguish.
Guide to Choosing the Perfect Fade for Your Face Shape
Oval Face
Oval faces are well-balanced, with a forehead slightly wider than the chin and softly rounded edges. This versatile shape suits nearly any fade style, including high, mid, or low fades. The key is maintaining balance, allowing you to experiment with different proportions without disrupting your natural symmetry.
Round Face
A round face, with fuller cheeks and equal width and length, benefits from fades that add structure and elongate the face. Low and mid fades work best, as they add height on top, subtly shaping the face and reducing its roundness by creating a more defined look.
Square Face
Square faces have strong, angular features with a jawline and forehead of similar width. High fades are ideal, as they enhance sharp angles and emphasize the jawline. The bold contrast between the long top and shaved sides accentuates the structured geometry of this face shape.
Heart-Shaped Face
Heart-shaped faces are widest at the forehead and taper to a pointed chin. A bald fade is a great choice, shifting focus from the forehead to the hair on top. The clean-shaven sides create a modern look, balancing out the proportions and drawing attention upward for a more harmonious appearance.
Diamond Face
Diamond-shaped faces have wide cheekbones with narrower foreheads and jawlines. A mid fade is the best option, blending the top and sides to balance the angular features without overwhelming them. High fades can also work but should be approached carefully to avoid overpowering the cheekbones.
Personalizing Fades for Your Face Shape
While certain fades work better for specific face shapes, it’s also possible to tailor a fade to suit your unique features. You can easily make any fade work by adjusting the height, blending, or adding length on top to balance out a shorter face. For instance, if you have a round face but prefer the look of a high fade, you can ask your barber to leave more length on top, which will elongate your face and add structure.
Experimenting with different fade styles can be fun, but if you want to avoid a lengthy trial-and-error phase, it's a good idea to consult with an expert barber who can analyze your face shape and recommend the best options. Doing so will save you from potentially awkward haircuts that don’t suit your features.
The Best Fade for Each Face Shape
Low Fade for Round Faces:
A low fade is ideal for round faces. Starting lower on the head, this fade keeps more hair on top, adding height and elongating the face. The extra length on top helps balance the roundness and gives the face more structure. This fade also provides a subtle, seamless transition from the sides to the top, which avoids emphasizing the width of the face.
High Fade for Square Faces:
High fades are perfect for square faces. This fade starts higher up on the head, creating a sharp contrast between the longer hair on top and the closely cropped sides. The dramatic difference highlights the angular features of square faces, giving the overall look a bold, defined edge.
Mid Fade for Oval Faces:
A mid fade is an excellent choice for oval faces. This fade starts midway down the head, providing a balanced look that complements the even proportions of an oval face. The mid fade creates a smooth, gradual blend between the top and sides, making it a versatile choice for various hairstyles.
Bald Fade for Heart-Shaped Faces:
A bald fade works well for heart-shaped faces because it helps balance the wider forehead with the narrower chin. By completely shaving the sides down to the skin, this fade draws attention to the length of the hair on top, which helps create a more balanced look.
Choose A Haircut Based on Lifestyle
When choosing a fade, it’s important to think beyond face shape and consider the science behind your hair type as well as your lifestyle. High fades tend to require more maintenance because of the sharp contrast between the top and sides, meaning you’ll need frequent touch-ups to keep the cut looking fresh. Low fades, on the other hand, grow out more subtly and don’t require as many trips to the barber. If you prefer a lower-maintenance style, a low or mid fade might be the better option.
Test Fades Before Committing
To get a better idea of what fade will look best on you, try browsing photos of athletes and celebrities with a similar face shape. This can help you visualize how a certain fade might look on you before committing to the cut. Bringing a picture of a style you like to your barber will also give them a better understanding of what you’re aiming for, ensuring you get the result you want without any surprises.
