Chic and Bold Short Hairstyles With Fade

Buzz Cut Fade

I’ve always had a soft spot for a good buzz cut fade. Honestly, every time I do this style on my models, I’m reminded of how clean and confident it looks without trying too hard. There’s something about the sharp fade that frames the face so well, especially when the lighting hits just right during shoots. To be fair, it’s also one of those cuts where I catch myself smiling because it transforms someone in the simplest way. And trust me, I’ve seen even the shyest models suddenly straighten their posture after I finish the fade.
What I love most is how easy it is to style—although “style” might be too big a word when the hair is this short. I’ve found that a tiny bit of matte product can make the fade look sharper on camera, but most of the time, the cut itself does all the talking. In my opinion, this one is perfect for people who want a bold yet low-maintenance vibe.

Crew Cut Fade

The crew cut fade is one of those haircuts I didn’t expect to love as much as I do, but here we are. Every time I give a model this look, there’s this moment—right when the fade blends into the top—where everything suddenly clicks. Honestly, that blend is the satisfying part for me. It’s clean, sharp, and somehow still soft. I know, weird combination, but that’s exactly why I enjoy doing it.
What’s funny is that many of my models think it’ll make them look too “strict,” but once they see the mirror, the attitude changes immediately. I’ve found that leaving a tiny bit of length on top makes the style super versatile for shoots. In my opinion, this cut works best for anyone who wants structure without committing to something too dramatic.

Textured Crop Fade

Textured crop fades are where I get to have a little fun. I love playing with those messy, choppy layers on top—they always photograph beautifully. Honestly, I think this cut brings out a person’s personality without them having to say a word. When I do this on my models, I usually add a little texture powder, and there’s this instant “oh wow” moment when the hair lifts just right.
To be fair, this is one of the few cuts where imperfection actually works in its favor. I’ve found that even on days when my hands feel a bit tired, the crop fade still turns out effortlessly cool. In my opinion, it’s perfect for people who like a slightly rebellious, street-style vibe without going over the top.

Pixie Fade

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BarberiasDelMundo (@barberiasdelmundo)

Doing a pixie fade always makes me feel a bit nostalgic, because I remember the first time a model trusted me with chopping everything off. Honestly, I was more nervous than she was. But when I finished that fade around the sides and watched her face light up, it became one of my favorite transformations ever. There’s something powerful about a short pixie paired with a clean fade—it’s edgy but still feminine in its own way.
I’ve found that a soft taper or skin fade can completely change the mood of this look. In my opinion, this haircut gives so much confidence to anyone who tries it. And the best part? It grows out beautifully, which is great for clients who don’t want to come in every other week but still want something bold.

Undercut Fade

The undercut fade is one style that always gets reactions—sometimes shocked, sometimes excited, but never bored. Whenever I do this on my models, there’s this dramatic reveal when the top lifts and the fade underneath shows. Honestly, that moment alone makes the cut worth doing. It’s such a cool mix of sleek and edgy, and I love how it photographs from every angle.
I’ve found that people with straight or slightly wavy hair pull this off effortlessly, but even curls look amazing with the right fade. In my opinion, this style is perfect for anyone who wants something bold but still wearable. It’s the kind of haircut that says, “I’m not afraid to try something different,” without screaming for attention.

Curly Top Fade

Curly top fades are pure magic. Anytime I work with curls, I feel like I’m sculpting instead of cutting. Honestly, curls and fades together create this soft-meets-sharp contrast that I can’t get enough of. And every time I finish shaping the curls, the entire look suddenly comes alive—it’s like the model’s hair finally decides to cooperate.
To be fair, curls can have a mind of their own, but I’ve found that fading the sides helps them look more intentional. In my opinion, this style works for people who want to celebrate their curls without feeling overwhelmed by them. It looks great in photos and even better in real life when the curls bounce with movement.

High Skin Fade

A high skin fade is one of those styles that demands attention, whether you want it or not. Every time I do one, I’m reminded of how dramatic a clean shave up the sides can look. Honestly, it gives such a bold, powerful shape to the head that even a simple top suddenly looks styled.
I’ve found that models with strong jawlines absolutely rock this cut, but really, anyone confident enough can pull it off. In my opinion, the high skin fade is the haircut for people who aren’t afraid of sharp contrasts. It’s clean, modern, and catches the light beautifully in photos.

Low Taper Fade

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by alvinn (@lee.monn07_)

The low taper fade is like the “nice guy” of fades—subtle, smooth, and quietly impressive. Anytime I do this cut, I get reminded of how small details can make such a big difference. Honestly, the fade sits so low and blends so softly that it almost disappears, but that’s what makes it so good.
I’ve found that my models who prefer low-maintenance styles love this cut because it grows out gracefully. In my opinion, this is the fade for people who want refinement without shouting about it. It’s polished without being too sharp, and it works for pretty much any look you pair it with.

Mohawk Fade

The mohawk fade always brings out the adventurous side of my clients. Every time I do one, there’s this electrifying moment when the sides come off and the strip down the center starts taking shape. Honestly, it’s such a fun style to do because it carries so much attitude.
I’ve found that keeping the top a bit longer adds movement and drama, especially in photoshoots where wind machines get involved. In my opinion, this is the perfect cut for someone who wants something unapologetically bold. It’s a statement—no explanation needed.

Comb Over Fade

The comb over fade is one of my secret favorites. Seriously, people underestimate how stylish this cut can be. Every time I give a model this look, the transformation feels so polished and grown-up—but in a cool way, not an old way. Honestly, I love that crisp parting line and the smooth fade that follows it.
I’ve found that using a light pomade helps keep everything in place without making it look stiff. In my opinion, this style is perfect for anyone who wants something classy but still modern. It works on almost everyone, and it photographs beautifully from every angle.